I've never been a huge fan of Oliver Stone. I think he's a quality filmmaker, but his revisionist approach to history has always disturbed me. So I wasn’t looking forward to World Trade Center.

I was surprised by the quality of work and storytelling in World Trade Center. The film is void of political commentary; instead, it's the story of how two Port Authority Police officers, Will Jimeno and Sgt. John McLoughlin, were rescued from the rubble. Their story, paired with the struggles of their waiting families, makes for a compelling, thought provoking movie. In part, it's part, it's also the story of Dave Karnes, a Christian ex-Marine who followed the voice of God into the rubble to save the men.

Stone brilliantly directs the struggles of life for Rookie Will Jimeno (Michael Pena) and Sergeant John McLouglin (Nicolas Cage). He uses more of the words and real stories of the people involved in that day than I would have imagined. Not since Blackhawk Down has so much actual words and commentary from real people been used.

One of the primary themes is the importance of faith in each of the characters. I was shocked by the amount of spiritual commentary. From a devout Christian following God’s calling to leave his job to perform rescue efforts, to the prayers of Sgt. John McLouglin, to the visions of Jesus offering a drink of water. Faith played a critical role in each of these lives. In fact, after reading some of the real stories, it seems Stone minimized the faith aspects. It's clear in the movie that the characters are people of faith, but the real stories show a faith even more important to them than the movie indicates.

Stone attributes part of the reason for their rescue to faith, and he provides a glimpse of what it must have been like for the thousands who did not come out alive. Only a small number were rescued. It is miraculous anyone came out alive.

World Trade Center will be a boring movie for some, as half of its running time shows two men trapped under debris. But I found it fascinating; one of the great achievements in this movie is its direction. We get a glimpse of what it must have been like for these two individuals and others. Nicolas Cage or Michael Pena won't get enough credit for their acting. It may be Cage's best job as an actor in film, which is saying a lot for me because I have always admired his abilities.

World Trade Center forces us to evaluate what is important in our lives. Is it faith? Is it family? Is it friends? We never know when our lives will change, or how. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 changed our lives. Some haven’t forgotten how things changed that day, others went on as if nothing had changed. I appreciate reminders, I especially appreciate stories without tons of political commentary. Oliver Stone threw me the biggest curve ball of the year, and I swung away. Thankfully, I appreciate artists who can do that.

See this movie for the faith of three men, and for the love they had for their country and their families. Then put yourself in their shoes. Ask yourself the important questions, and then life to the fullest with the most meaning you can.

On a scale of 1-10, for these two who live and continue to live life to the fullest, I give a strong 8 out of 10.