Powerful... Very well done!

Rating: 8/10 (16 August 2006)

You know what I haven't got from most films these past couple of years that I 'did' get from this one? Real emotional involvement. Brought 'into' the story more than from just an observers perspective.
That sense of real danger, anticipation, pain, urgency. The feeling of Closter phobia when in a tight space. I 'felt' the soot and gravel in my mouth. Oliver Stone did just that throughout this film and no, not due the subject matter.
First off, Oliver and writer Andrea Berloff made an interesting, entertaining and well paced film that was also heartfelt. And adding, some things we just take for granted like... being moved.
For instance, the sound was incorporated 'so well' in the film. Not giving away, when the team is in the trade center before it comes down, the sound effects 'really' brought you in to where they were. When the second tower was hit and you hear the boom from the inside... you 'feel' it in your chest 'and' senses. When trapped under rubble after the first tower falls, the second one comes down. You FEEL like your right there.
I was impressed also by 'most' of the actors. Not a big Nick Cage fan however once again, he portrayed the character very well. Well enough for me to forget he was Nick.
Michael Pena (of 'Crash' fame) did a wonderful job portraying officer Will Jimeno. He'll see his actor stock increase by measure for sure. And his job while trapped, not over done, not contrived, very believable and solid.
Maria Bello again solidifies her spot as one 'go to' actor when you need a good performance even from a mild character. She really brought something to this role that helped bring strength yet emotion.
However, Maggie Gyllenhaal's performance for reasons stuck out negatively for me. I've enjoyed past performances from her however this one seemed more contrived and overplayed from my perspective. The performance seemed to take away from the film far more than it contributed.
Overall, with all the hype of it being a film about 9-11, Oliver Stone as director and all else thats been said and mentioned about this film, I'm 'very' glad I went to experience it.
They were not gratuitous by trying to play solely on your emotions about 9-11. No, it's about the true story and events surrounding mostly, two men of courage and they're experience on that horrific day, sprinkled just enough with the event that did take place.
This film ran us through the emotional coaster on most every facet while entertaining us, educating us and letting us share in other peoples experience while reminding us again of our own.
Oliver Stone... no matter what anyone says, you did a justice to this story and very well told in my opinion. Very good job.
GO SEE THIS FILM. You'll be moved, entertained and affected for sure.