REEL CRITICS:Stone makes conventional disaster movie

Any viewer would expect Director Oliver Stone to bring a cutting-edge perspective to the events of 9/11. But “World Trade Center” is a very conventional, even oldfashioned Hollywood movie of disaster and survival. Stone offers no political statements, no rants about the government, just a poignant tale of love and loss in the shadow of America’s harrowing catastrophe.

The first 30 minutes cover the shocking events that led to the fall of the twin towers in Manhattan five years ago. Great special effects highlight the terrifying reality that rained death and destruction on New York that day. But once the towers fall, two Port Authority cops played by Nicolas Cage and Michael Pena are buried up to their necks in tons of rubble. At that point, the film stops dead in its tracks and takes a very predictable turn.

The remaining 90 minutes cover the painfully slow deterioration of these survivors in their claustrophobic prison of twisted metal and concrete. As the men suffer the horrors of their crushing injuries, they reminisce about their families and dashed hopes for the future. The screenplay cuts to scenes of the distraught family members praying for their survival and the firefighters trying to save them.

The whole enterprise reminds us of news accounts of coal miners trapped in a cave-in awaiting rescue. It’s well done and you’ll cry on cue. But in the end it’s a formula tear-jerker that says absolutely nothing about the causes or real impact of this most important event of the 21st Century.

This British import doesn’t have big stars but does have great visual style. It doesn’t waste a lot of time with dialogue but plunges straight away into the action and suspense. And, yes, it does have a lot of blood, but thanks to the cover of darkness and skillful, rapid-fire editing you only see little bits and pieces of the bits and pieces.

One year after a tragedy, six friends get together for a cave-diving adventure. These are strong, experienced women who have seemingly prepared for all contingencies. But personalities and egos get in the way, and when faced with the nightmare that is to come, their true characters are revealed.

The girls get lost two miles below ground, and their physical strength is strained to the limit as they search for a way out. The only lighting in the film is from the equipment the girls have on them and the atmosphere is so oppressive you almost find it hard to breathe.

“The Descent” is perfect for those who like to get their cardio workout from a good thrill ride. When it’s over, you might still be shaking with fear and delight.

Scary import is a thrilling workout“The Descent” is a genuinely scary thriller, a real nail-biter that plays on our fears of the dark. It’s hard to recall a film that has had such a visceral impact on the moviegoer since “Alien.”