Did anyone expect anything less than true greatness??

Rating: 10/10 (12 August 2006)

There are two sides to this tale. Either People are gonna hate it...I think those people go to this film expecting to see a sensationalized picture about a tragedy complete with explosions, action, and nail biting scenes but all done with a 300 million dollar budget and Nicholas Cage with guns strapped around him. Of course you're going to be disappointed. And then there is likely the other half of the people who would be scared to say otherwise because it deals with such an intense and open wounded topic of an event that happened only five short years ago and completely changed the world and the United States as we knew it. I can only promise that I am reviewing this film completely unbiased and honest to goodness sincerity for what I thought of this film...and I thought it was the most moving and important film in history...PERIOD!! September 11th, 2001 did change everyone's life because something so incredibly tragic has never happened that close to home for North Americans. It wasn't the most tragic event or horrifying event by any means (although it ranks up there) but for us...things like that don't happen close to home. Sitting there and watching Oliver Stone's absolutely breath taking labor of sincere love for his country was truly what brought tears to my eyes. He didn't for ONE SECOND sensationalize the event. Although some say he tip toed and walked on egg shells to avoid certain content...is that his fault?? Or is it another example of him being patriotic, understanding and sincere. Oliver Stone didn't make 9/11 a taboo subject...society did. Society is the one who nurses the open wound regarding this incident and Oliver Stone makes a beautiful and downright thought provoking and depthy epic about this horrible event.
Nicholas Cage gives hands down the performance of his career as John McLoughlin, the Port Authority Sergeant in charge of other officers going into Tower one of the World Trade Center following the first plane striking. Cage's performance tops out anything I've ever seen performing 95% of this film buried underneath rubble and with facial expressions and tone of voice and he moves you every time he speaks. Oscar!! Michael Pena plays Will Jimeno, soon to be new Father buried beside McLoughlin. Pena is more vocal than Cage and carries the story and really draws you into his character. He is quite simply put BRILLIANT!! Oscar!! Maria Bello, who is a favorite character actress of mine plays strong in spirit wife of McLoughlin Donna. She has all these kids to protect and stay strong for while she desperately realizes she may never see her husband again whom she feels she hasn't loved to her capacity. Controversial Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Pena's pregnant wife Allison Jimeno and does a terrific job. She appears to be less strong than Bello's character but in fact is holding her whole life together with thoughts of her husband. Both couples separated and with husbands buried beneath the rubble are opposite ends of the same story. The presence of Gyllenhaal is testament to Stone's effort to NOT create a political story but one of survival and love because there is no political statement made whatsoever in this story. (Gyllenhaal made comments following 9/11 regarding the U.S. knowing about the attacks beforehand.) On a smaller scale Michael Shannon plays rescuer and former marine Dave Karnes. Although without a doubt a complete hero Karnes comes across as a little creepy and almost like a rebellious vigilante at first which kind of sticks out of place.
I don't mean to leave out or discount anyone other performances in this film because they are all so well done but these are the main characters that hold this film together. Stone's epic feel to the film and the meticulous recreation of New York before and during the World Trade Center attacks is nothing short of brilliant. His establishing shots of these workers going about their average day with no idea what lies ahead. The fact that he never once shows the towers getting hit or actually collapsing at first bothered me. I mean how can you make the definitive World Trade Center film and not show that but this film is truly from the perspective of the rescue workers and it shows what they saw or heard or felt as the towers were hit and that makes it brilliant!! This is hands down the absolute and ultimate tribute to everyone involved in 9/11 and bravo to Stone who is back on top following the non-success of Alexander. This is one film that you will NEVER forget and you CANNOT leave the theater without feeling something completely different for the entire situation. I say again...the most moving film of all time PERIOD!! Everyone MUST see this film. It's not about politics in ANY way, it's not about sensationalized movie making, it is an epic picture, brilliantly shot, entertaining, breath taking, captivating, non stop story that will draw you in and leave you completely broad sided with it's sheer epic quality. Is it entertainment?? Sure I suppose in some way but it wasn't made with that in mind. I truly believe Stone saw the capacity for a story about human nature and spirit and strength and it will make you cry for so many reasons. First of all the horror that was endured is touched upon but then you're fed this story about these men who survive with each other and with the thoughts of their families that keep them alive. It is the most disturbing and yet uplifting film you could possibly see. I don't review this film based on the fact that I believe it should automatically be a ten out of ten but rather how I felt about it afterwords. It is truly the essential tribute. 10/10!! Please see this film!!
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