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Ladder 49
Category: On DVD
Posted by Patrick | March 10, 2005 | 01:51 AM
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Grade: B | Genre:
Drama
Summary: "Ladder 49" is a simple story about simple men who display extraordinary skills and courage. It's not a brainteaser, and it doesn't need to be. The film will instantly draw you in and have you emotionally invested until the last frame. |
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 Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta, Jacinda Barrett, Robert Patrick, Morris Chestnut, Billy Burke, Balthazar Getty
Director: Jay Russell
The comparisons to "Backdraft" are inevitable, so let's just get it out our systems and acknowledge that "Ladder 49" is it's own movie and that lumping the two together is unfair and unjustified. The film is a tribute to the firefighters of Baltimore (and beyond) who willingly risk their own lives so that others may see another day. Director Jay Russell thoughtfully portrays the heroics and selflessness of these brave men and "Ladder 49" is their story.
The story begins with Jack Morrison (Phoenix), who along with his crew, charge into a burning building searching for survivors. After a valiant and successful effort to save a smoke victim, the floor underneath collapses and Jack falls 12 stories to his impending doom. He's banged up and is barely able to move. The entire film is focused on his will to survive and his fellow firefighters' determination to get their "brother" back alive.
The action is broken up with flashbacks spanning 10+ years chronicling Jack's rookie year to his marriage and birth of his children to his personal struggles to continue the work he loves at the expense of his family's future and security. We are able to see Jack grow into a seasoned firefighter who doesn't blink at the sight of a towering inferno. His maturity comes full circle when he pranks an incoming rookie the exact same way he was pranked when he first arrived.
Joaquin Phoenix carries the "Ladder" all the way. He drives the movie and ropes us into the film with his sincere and honest portrayal of Jack Morrison, a courageous firefighter and loving husband and father. There is a certain quality about Phoenix that draws our attention to him in every scene in which he appears. He pushes the film forward when it can, at times, stall.
John Travolta is good as Captain Mike Kennedy. Though his role is limited, he is convincing as the leader and father figure to the men of the department.
"Newcomer" Jacinda Barrett (formerly of The Real World - London) is capable and shows glimmers of a bright future ahead.
"Ladder 49" is a simple story about simple men who display extraordinary skills and courage. It's not a brainteaser, and it doesn't need to be. Though the pace is inconsistent at times, the film will instantly draw you in and have you emotionally invested until the last frame. Be sure to have the Kleenex ready.
BUY or RENT IT NOW!
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