9/11 (2017) Film Review

Released: 2017

Director: Martin Guigui

Producers: Dahlia Wangort, Warren Ostergard, Martin Sprock, Rodric David

Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Genre: Drama, Action

Distributed by: Atlas Distribution Company

9/11 is loosely based on the play by Patrick James Carson called Elevator. The film revolves around 5 people that are trapped in an elevator on the day that the plane struck the North Tower on this fateful day. The terror attacks on the twin towers undoubtedly changed history and left a big hole in many peoples lives. Charlie Sheen plays Jeffrey Cage, one of the people trapped in the lift. The film is how these 5 people try to escape from the lift and the eventual collapse of the tower. Though the film has nothing to do with those responsible for the attack, it will most definitely bring back a lot of memories for the people who were affected. Whoopi Goldberg plays Metzi, the elevator dispatcher, and we see how she tries to help with getting the lift moving. Jeffrey Cage is stuck in the lift with his wife, Eve. This is a little ironic in the fact that he had gone to the World Trade Centre to get her to sign divorce papers. So during their time stuck in the lift, we see how the two are forced to talk and iron things out.

Clearly we all know the outcome, but what we see is how these people that are trapped in the lift try in desperation to get out and get help. Although Metzi tries her best to get them out - and she does help on getting the elevator moving to a degree - there is only so much she can do. And when communication is lost between them, she has no choice but to flee. Whether all 5 of those trapped get out, you will have to see. On saying that, the film will clearly be a vivid reminder of that awful day.

On reading news and review blogs on this film, I see it's had pretty much negative reviews and ratings. To be honest, I can see where they're coming from. I know it's been 16 years, but I still think a film about the twin tower attacks is still fresh in peoples minds. I love Whoopi Goldberg and have always admired her as an actress. She's been in so many good films, but quite frankly, I'm not sure she made the right decision with this one. However, her acting was good, I can't fault that. The film does pay tribute to those affected by the 9/11 attacks, I'll give them credit for that. Charlie Sheen did play a good part in the film, but I think the whole film in general really shouldn't of been made. I just think it's one of those things that people don't need to be reminded about.

Although saying that, there are some good parts in the film. There are dramatic scenes with the elevator scenes and when the firemen finally get there to help them. I did watch it to the end, and we see what becomes of the 5 people that were trapped. You don't know exactly what will happen with these people until the very end, so it did leave me wanting to know what happened. But I think with a topic such as things, I think it's just better to let some things lie. But, people may think differently to me.