| Reviewed on 2004-10-04 |
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| An intriguing story about the fireman heroes we have know to love and respect hits the big screen with power. The film poses the question "What does it take for a man to run into a burning building when everybody else is running the other way? "Ladder 49" is an exciting, powerful film that takes a look at the ordinary men who face danger daily. It centers on Baltimore firefighter Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) as it retraces his life over several years as he lays wounded awaiting rescue in a fire. John Travolta plays his chief and friend in his second family at the firehouse. Other stars include Morris Chestnut, Robert Patrick, Balthazer Getty, Jay Hernandez, Jacinda Barrett, and Billy Burke. Jay Russell directs this film that balances plenty of fire fighting action with character studies that let you know more about these brave men.
Joaqun Phoenix handles his lead role with believability and some fine acting. Travolta works well as the fire chief who befriends Joaqun . You will see some outstanding fire fighting sequences along with a glimpse at the lives of firemen in the building as well as family life at home.
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