Genres: Drama | History Countries: USA Actors: Nicolas Cage John McLoughlin Maria Bello Donna McLoughlin Connor Paolo Steven McLoughlin Anthony Piccininni JJ McLoughlin Alexa Gerasimovich Erin McLoughlin Morgan Flynn Caitlin McLoughlin Michael Pena Will Jimeno Armando Riesco Antonio Rodrigues Jay Hernandez Dominick Pezzulo Joe Starr Subway Rider Jon Bernthal Christopher Amoroso William Jimeno Port Authority Officer Nick Damici Lieutenant Kassimatis Jude Ciccolella Inspector Fields Martin Pfefferkorn Homeless Addict #1 Directors: Oliver Stone IMDB Rating: 6 out of 10 (22380 votes)

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After the Twin Towers fell on September 11, 2001 only 20 people were pulled from the rubble alive. 20 people. Port Authority Police Sergeant John McLoughlin and Officer Will Jimeno were numbers 18 and 19. World Trade Center is their story, told through the eyes of Jimeno, McLoughlin and their families. There’s no political agenda or finger-pointing. World Trade Center is very simply a tale of hope, courage and survival on one of America’s darkest days.

The film begins with the central characters going through the mundane motions of preparing for work, lining up for duty, and then heading out on patrol. From there the events of 9/11 unfold with the officers racing to the Twin Towers. Focus shifts from outside the Towers to inside, swiftly narrowing the story to spotlight a small group of Port Authority officers led by Sergeant McLoughlin (played by Nicolas Cage).

Of course the officers don’t have a grasp on the full picture and, without knowing just how bad things will ultimately become, set out gathering equipment for a rescue operation that never has time to materialize. They get no further than the concourse level when the Tower falls. McLoughlin and Jimeno (Michael Pena) become pinned 20 feet below the surface under piles of twisted metal and burning rubble. Critically injured, the men spend hours keeping each other awake as their families cling to the hope they’ll somehow make it out alive.

As for the performances in World Trade Center, Stone has to be commended for casting against type and getting the best out of his eclectic group of actors. Cage in particular gives a powerful performance as Sergeant McLoughlin. At least half of Cage’s time onscreen is spent trapped in rubble, leaving only his voice and facial expressions to hold our attention. Cage pulls it off, giving one of the most tightly controlled performances of his career.

While Cage’s performance is all about holding it in, it’s Michael Pena (a standout in Crash) who lets it all out. The heart and soul of the film emotionally, Pena is terrific throughout the piece and carries off moments that, although they may have their basis in truth, appear a little too contrived onscreen.

The main actors spent a great deal of time researching their parts and working closely with their real-life counterparts. Maggie Gyllenhaal seems to have really benefited from her time spent with the real Allison Jimeno as she’s completely convincing as a pregnant wife and mother going crazy with worry over the man she loves. Not quite so convincing is Maria Bello as Donna McLoughlin. Bello’s a fine actress but for some reason there’s no connection with this character.

Shot in New York with the cooperation of the Port Authority Police Department and the brave men and women involved in Jimeno and McLoughlin’s rescue, World Trade Center tries hard to get the story right. The filmmakers should be applauded for doing their research and keeping the politics out of this particular story.

World Trade Center moves a little too slow - the pacing’s not quite right - but otherwise it’s a decent film and one that’s a fitting tribute to the best in people during the worst of times.

Rebecca Murray
Hollywood Movies Guide

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