Saturday, October 16, 2004

Movie Review - Ladder 49 ***

Ladder 49 (2004)
Directed by: Jay Russell
Writing credits: Lewis Colick
Genre: Action / Drama / Thriller
Main Cast:
Joaquin Phoenix .... Jack Morrison
John Travolta .... Captain Mike Kennedy
Jacinda Barrett .... Linda Morrison


Ladder 49 will hit home for many Americans. This sad movie whether it intended to or not reminded you of the difficulties that the firemen go through, in particular the tragedy of September 11th. This movie on its own right, without the recollection of the terrorist attack on the empire state building, saddens you. Waiting to see if Joaquin Phoenix’s character is rescued from the burning building, you can help to imagine real firefighters in that same situation. I think we all need this remembrance, we can't forget to honor our brave and heroic civil servants from that day and those who risk their lives everyday. This blockbuster is a tear jerker and worth seeing.

Plot Summary - courtesy of the Internet Movie Database
Under the watchful eye of his mentor Chief Mike Kennedy (Travolta), probationary firefighter Jack Morrison (Phoenix) matures into a seasoned veteran at a Baltimore fire station. Jack has reached a crossroads, however, as the sacrifices he's made have put him in harm's way innumerable times and significantly impacted his relationship with his wife and kids. Responding to the worst blaze in his career, he becomes trapped inside a 20-story building. And as he reflects on his life, Chief Kennedy frantically coordinates the effort to save him.

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