SPOILER: Although this movie is better than Backdraft..that doesn't really say much. This film is clearly a TV movie. Performances by Phoenix and Travolta were great. I must say...the fact that Travolta got second billing behind Phoenix made me think he wasn't gonna be around long in the movie. My issue with the film wasn't the actors but with the underdeveloped story. I thought it was great that it was one big flashback on the career of a dedicated fireman (Phoenix) but I would have told the story through the point of view of Travolta or even Phoenix's wife. It made it obvious that Phoenix wasn't going to make it alive. Phoenix is practically in every scene so whats the point of having the story told through him also? The ending just got too cheesy with the whole.."tell my wife i love her.." line..Don't get me wrong...its still a watchable movie but i wouldn't say its one of the best pictures of the year...
