Paramount Pictures is in the midst of a campaign to win over conservatives and evangelicals to support Oliver Stone's new movie, "World Trade Center." A private screening of the film last night in Washington, D.C., brought out big names on the right, and similar events are planned nationwide before the film opens on August 9.

Stone's movie chronicles the lives of New York Port Authority police officers on 9/11 who responded to Ground Zero to assist in the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. It is based on the true story of John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno.

The conservative and evangelical outreach is being directed by Greg Mueller and his firm, Creative Response Concepts. Last night's screening, which I attended, was filled with well-known conservatives and evangelicals.

Spotted in the crowd were Tony Blankley, Brendan Conway and Blake Dvorak of the Washington Times; Kate O'Beirne and John J. Miller of National Review; Mariam Bell, of the Wilberforce Forum; Charmaine Yoest of the Family Research Council; Cliff May of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies; and Seth Leibsohn, producer for Bill Bennett's radio show.

Last night's screening was just the latest event in a public-relations push by Paramount. The response is already starting to pay off.

Media Research Center President Brent Bozell, who attended an earlier private screening, this week issued a press release praising the film and also sent a message recommending the movie to 400,000 people under the Parents Television Council banner.

In his weekly column, Cal Thomas called Stone's film a "world class movie." He added:

Whatever one thinks of Oliver Stone, the man knows how to make movies. This is one of his best. It deserves an Oscar in so many categories. It also deserves the thanks of a grateful nation. Go and see it beginning Aug. 9 and make him a large profit so he might consider inspiring us again, as his predecessors so often did during Hollywood's Golden Age.

Attendees at last night's screening are giving it rave reviews. Among them was Jack Yoest, who said "Stone may have redeemed himself." On National Review's The Corner, Cliff May wrote, "God Bless Oliver Stone." And John Miller added, "'World Trade Center' deserves a big box office." Meanwhile, my colleague Ivy Sellers has shared her thoughts on the film as well, "'World Trade Center': A Powerful Reminder of What Matters Most."

Up next are more screenings across the country and additional private screenings planned for conservative and evangelical groups. The goal of Paramount's outreach campaign is spreading a positive message about a movie that tells a story not only about the tragic events of 9/11, but also the bond of family, the role of religion and feeling of patriotism.

UPDATE -- 2:05 p.m.: My colleague, Ivy Sellers, who was also at last night's screening, offers her thoughts on the movie.

UPDATE -- 2:12 p.m.: Michelle Malkin has a roundup of conservatives' reaction to the film.