This film kind of took me by quite a surprise, as the previews led me to believe that this was just another Travolta flop tending to the few audiences that haven't seen "Backdraft", but Ladder turned out to be a pleasant look into the daily life of a firefighter.
"Ladder 49" involves Jack Morrison (Phoenix) who is trapped in multi-tiered factory reflecting on life from his first day on the job to this point focusing on his family's ordeals and adjustments on the toll the life of firefighting takes on a family.
The story is somewhat predictable, but will still draw you in as the emotions are in full gear as Morrison is somewhat addicted to the adrenaline of rushing into a burning building putting his life at severe risk and the future of his family in jeopardy to save one life. The acting is also noticeably sound as even Travolta, who still living off his Pulp Fiction miracle, makes a clean act as the fire chief who provides several roles to his fellow fighters to include boss, friend, brother, father and mentor.
As far as realism goes, I bought into it. Then again, I'm not a real firefighter and don't no how much the movie really reflects the morale, camaraderie and the risks these men take. I did question the motives of the main characters as later in the film he transfers to Search and Rescue, were one his friends died and another suffered a career ending injury, with his wife expressing several times how much she hates his profession let alone a transfer to a more dangerous position. But, I guess that's the persona the film wants to portray. This movie has even has satisfying but quite disheartening ending that will even make most men misty-eyed.
This movie had more of purpose that projected which is why I give it high regards. If you're looking for an action flick you might be disappointed as this one might sit better in the "Drama" section. All in all this film is worth a rent and may have you thinking when all is said and done.
"Ladder 49" involves Jack Morrison (Phoenix) who is trapped in multi-tiered factory reflecting on life from his first day on the job to this point focusing on his family's ordeals and adjustments on the toll the life of firefighting takes on a family.
The story is somewhat predictable, but will still draw you in as the emotions are in full gear as Morrison is somewhat addicted to the adrenaline of rushing into a burning building putting his life at severe risk and the future of his family in jeopardy to save one life. The acting is also noticeably sound as even Travolta, who still living off his Pulp Fiction miracle, makes a clean act as the fire chief who provides several roles to his fellow fighters to include boss, friend, brother, father and mentor.
As far as realism goes, I bought into it. Then again, I'm not a real firefighter and don't no how much the movie really reflects the morale, camaraderie and the risks these men take. I did question the motives of the main characters as later in the film he transfers to Search and Rescue, were one his friends died and another suffered a career ending injury, with his wife expressing several times how much she hates his profession let alone a transfer to a more dangerous position. But, I guess that's the persona the film wants to portray. This movie has even has satisfying but quite disheartening ending that will even make most men misty-eyed.
This movie had more of purpose that projected which is why I give it high regards. If you're looking for an action flick you might be disappointed as this one might sit better in the "Drama" section. All in all this film is worth a rent and may have you thinking when all is said and done.