Review of World Trade Center (2006) by Matthew F. J — 29 Dec 2013

I skipped this Oliver Stone movie when it came out 7 years ago because I usually don't care for Nicholas Cage movies and was worried he would ruin this sensitive story with his Hollywood hubris. But Stone got Cage to dial back his typical charismatic Cage-y acting style and let the real life character he was playing shine through.

Michael Pena was also a surprise with his fine performance. I expected Stone to force this film to be more dramatic than it naturally was, but instead he just focused on the characters and I think that really paid off.

World Trade Center is a poignant and visceral telling of a piece of this tragic story we all know too well. I do wish it went a little more into the detailed minutiae of the events it covers like Paul Greengrass did in United 93, which I consider to be the best 9-11 film.

But WTC is still extremely successful in bringing some catharsis to this insane event that will forever haunt Americans. Stellar cinematography and production design. Strong casting throughout. Fine music and editing.

And just really solid writing. A film worth watching and re-watching.