World Trade Center (DVD, 2006, Widescreen Version; Sensormatic)

September 11, 2001.

A day of infamy. One of needless pain and suffering.

An act of man that not only changed the lives of millions, but also changed the world through aviation and security, as we know it today.

I’ve always respected the work of the talented Oliver Stone (Wall Street, Born on the Fourth of July, The Doors, JFK, and Scarface (Screenwriter) among others).

But this movie—was one that should have never been made.

Not that it would be impossible to give a factual account of the events surrounding the WTC tragedy (according to Wikipedia.org there were a number of glaring inconsistencies in regards to the race, contributions, roles, and dangers faced by the WTC rescuers) or even truly believing in Stone’s and the film’s producers intentions to simply focus on the “heroism and sadness of the day with little-to-no political themes.”

Sadly, there are always politics involved (despite the donations)—no matter how you look at the situation.

Stone made money. The production company made money. The actors made money.

And what of the 2,749 who lost their lives?

Need I say more.

I have had the opportunity to visit Ground Zero in 2006 and 2008. The WTC occupying about 13 square blocks and the gaping hole wherein it once stood was unreal. It was a sight that no television could ever truly explain and give justice to. Imagine, it takes a good fifteen minutes (or more) to walk from the Temporary WTC PATH Station to Battery Park.

Which is around the corner.

In all honesty, Stone’s film did nothing more that attempt to give an insiders perspective of the damage caused within the concourse between the South Tower and the North Tower as they collapsed in September of 2001.

Lives were lost. Glass from a number of buildings shattering. Billowing smoke and dust. Trees that have stood the test of time—felled by this single act of terror.

Stone will get his three stars rating for the cinematography and acting.

But this is one event that should only be immortalized in memory…and not in any other capacity.