Therein lies the problem with this film; it does not deliver the immense emotional response based on the quality of the film, but more so the horrid nature of the events portrayed within it. It feels more like half of a great film than anything else, crawling to a close with a mix of untimely humor and drawn out sentimental moments.
The performances are all solid, especially that of Michael Pena, but I found a hard time connecting with the two men. I felt less like I was watching what really happened and more like I was watching two professional actors half-heartedly reenact what happened. I guess, in short, the second part of the film felt less real, therefore it was less impactful.
But that is not to say that you should not go see this film. I believe that it is a film that needs to be seen by many, if only but to understand the terror that these men experienced. It serves as a reminder of what happened and how that day was created by such evil and ended by bringing out the best of humanity.
Stone’s film is in many ways a testament to the people involved and their triumphs, rather than the political nature of the events, which is something that should be greatly appreciated.
If you see World Trade Center, you can expect it to bring back all of the gruesome reality of 9/11 and it delivers a very heartfelt message in the end, but don’t expect it to change your life. It is a good film, and the emotional effect is driven by the fresh recollection that we all have of that tragic day. I would recommend it, and even though it does not tell it well, its story is still one that needs to be seen.
Release Date: August 9, 2006
Final Grade: 
The first half of the film is a chilling reminder of the most tragic event in American history. The second half of the film just doesn’t pack the same emotional punch. Either way, it is a film that we should all see.
Article comments
1 - Triniman
I thought United 93 was one of, if not the best film of the year, so far. It was also very gut wrenching. I teared up something fierce. I look forward to this film to see how it compares.
2 - El Bicho
What specifically has caused you to change your mind about 9/11 films?
I skipped the rest because I was worried there might be an unintentional spoiler because I know nothing about the film.
Where in Columbus are they showing preview screenings?
3 - Neil Miller
Bicho,
I think it was a lot of it had to do with reviews I read about United 93 and just a change in my own personal mindset about the day. I cannot easily explain it, but for some reason I had less hesitation to see this film than I did the previous one.
There really isn't a spoiler in my review. In fact, this isn't a film that can be spoiled if you watch the news...
As far as the screenings, I attended a press screening at the Lennox. If you would like, just go to my site www.columbusmovieguy.com, click on "Email The Movie Guy" in the far right sidebar and shoot me an email. I can hook you up with some more info...
Cheers,
- Neil
ColumbusMovieGuy.com
4 - Jake S..
I must tastefully disagree with your review. I feel that the film was absolutely brilliant. My opinion is also a 180 degree turn from yours in that I feel the second half was much more powerful than the first. As a father of two and a professional paramedic this film hits home in ways that left me speechless when I left the theater. There were more than a couple of occasion which I found to be emotionally overwhelming.
An honest opinion: the most powerful movie I have seen to date and one that I feel that I can not watch again.
5 - chris
i just saw the movie other day. the seoncd part of them movie actaully pick up for me
6 - Derald
I really enjoyed the movie. The balance of telling the story to adding a bit of humor from time to time made for a wonderful story about just what it took to get through the ordeal from the point of view of those that were trapped in the building collapse.