The supporting cast includes strong performances by Stephen Dorff, Frank Whaley, Jay Hernandez, Viola Davis and William Mapother. But it’s Michael Shannon as ex-Marine Dave Karnes, an accountant who felt God called on him to go to Ground Zero and hunt for survivors, who almost steals the show. Believing God had a special mission for him, the real Karnes made his way through the rubble of the Towers passing through police lines, unauthorized by anyone. Karnes didn’t give up his search until he located Jimeno and McLoughlin. Shannon plays the man on a mission with the right blend of military bravado and religious conviction.
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.
GRADE: B
World Trade Center was directed by Oliver Stone and is rated PG-13 for intense & emotional content, some disturbing images and language.
