Review of World Trade Center (2006) by Allen G — 09 Apr 2013

Stone really shows his talent here- from every perspective. This is an exceptionally well-crafted film, that while heavy-handed in it's ideas at times, is still an authentic and genuinely touching film. It may have the Hollywood block-buster approach but it attempts to capture the best sides of that and reminds us that care and passion are what make movies like this successful in the end- and this is a success indeed.

Stone understands Cage and helps bring out a great performance from him- the performances are great all-round here and are the key to this film's power. The cinematography comes next with great attention to detail and atmosphere and all of this helps to keep this close to the bone- it never feels manipulative and superficial- it tries some interesting ideas, some which do not appeal to me, but these ideas are clearly included to try and enhance the film's depiction of John and Will's experiences, not to try and control the viewers dishonestly.

Most importantly- this isn't a sad story. We all know the reality and the horrors of it but this film is not a distasteful replay of that, instead it's emphasis on the triumph- the script revolves around two survivors and their experiences not around the disaster itself. It's still grim viewing but not in a punishing way.

It suffers from overplaying it's hand at times due to it's unnecessary experimentation in certain areas but it doesn't suffer from anything else- as a movie on a fictional event or a real one as if the case here- this film is a success- a prime example of hard work paying off.