America, will you see it?

In the wake of yesterday's reiteration of global terrorism, Paramount Pictures considered scaling back promotion for the new Oliver Stone movie, World Trade Center. They have decided to proceed as planned, with the film opening this weekend. After the depressing reviews of United 93, many are skeptical. With the 5-year anniversary of 9/11 right around the corner, as heart-wrenching as the memories are, the last thing we want is to be brought down any more than necessary over the tragedy of that day. I know I still cry over it. But all reviews and trailers for WTC tell us a different story. This is supposed to be an uplifting tale of the last 2 survivors pulled from the rubble after the collapse of the towers. Oliver Stone has left out everything that happened after that fateful day and just tells the story of these 2 men. The film is being described as "a story of hope, survival and selflessness," and about "heroism and the best in all of us."

So, as with all other films that come out, do we listen to the critics? Do we see it in spite of them? Or because of them? Do we take the chance? This is not like other films, however. It is a special circumstance. It reopens a wound that, hopefully, to some degree, is not fully healed. Reminds us of a painful reality. Maybe you lost someone that day. Maybe you merely sat glued to your television that day. Undoubtedly, you remember, if you only pause and take the time. That is what I challenge you to do. Pause, and take the time to remember.

My opinion? This is film is important. Anything that reminds us of the dangers that haunted us and still plague us is important. We are niave if we thing this fight is over. As yesterday proves, we cannot afford to forget. Americans have a habit of forgiving and forgetting. Maybe that's not always a bad thing. But in cases such as these, our memories are the most important thing we have. It is important for us to be reminded of how we all felt that day. So, whether you like Oliver Stone, or hate Nicholas Cage, see the movie. Talk about the movie. And, most importantly, remember that Day.