| Ladder 49 | | Cast : | Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta, Jacinda Barrett | | Director : | Jay Russell | | Studio : | Buena Vista Home Vid | | Format : | Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen, Dolby | | Released Date : | October 01, 2004 | | DVD Released Date : | March 08, 2005 | | Language : | English (Dubbed), French (Dubbed), Spanish (Subtitled), French (Subtitled) | | Audience Rating : | PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | August 08, 2005 | | Summary | Why do they go into a burning building? | Content
 | Most of this movie takes place in the past as a series of flashbacks through the life of Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix). He is trapped in a burning building and intersperced amongst his attempts to get clear we glimpse parts of his life starting from the first day he shows up at Engine 33's firehouse.
It is sad that it took something as drastic as 9/11 to make most of us appreciate the hard work that firefighters put in each and every day (there is a deleted scene about 9/11 that alludes to this). However, with that in mind this is an excellent tribute to firefighters. By no means is this an action movie that you watch just for the "riveting plot." It is a character study with many emotional moments--both tearful and joyful.
The content shouldn't really be objectionable as the worst consists of some mild foul language and some fire-fighting scenes that might be intense to younger viewers.
There are five deleted scenes (including the 9/11 one mentioned above) but several are a bit rough. Other special features include a good music video that splices together scenes from the movie, Robbie Robertson singing, and Linda Morrison (Jacinda Barrett) in new scenes past the end of the movie. Also featured are an audio commentary and two featurettes.
Don't expect an action movie or a mystery--but definately check this out for a really good drama. You'll see both the woes and the joys of firefighting. Do yourself a favour and check this movie out. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 24, 2005 | | Summary | Smoke, but not much fire | Content
| Firefighter Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) lies injured in a burning factory after rescuing an injured man. While his friends and co-workers battle to save his life, we are treated to flashbacks detailing his career, courtship and marriage. The structure is cliché and, unfortunately, the content doesn't do enough to redeem it. Lots of fine actors do good work, but they just don't have much to work with. This film is clearly intended as a tribute to firemen, which is a laudable goal, but I didn't feel that it added anything to my understanding of their lives and work. A pleasant entertainment if you're not too demanding. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 18, 2005 | | Summary | Majestic film | Content
| This is one of those unexpected gems. In all its simplicity, the movie will make you follow it and never let i go, sheering for the characters all the way. It's a huge advertise (I use "advertise" in a positive way) for firefighters in general, and Phoenix and Travolta gives stellar perfomances. Travolta, in particular, surprised me a lot, taking in account the recent endless sequence of clichec characters he has been playing. It's a great film, that you make you drop some tears. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 05, 2005 | | Summary | A Great Movie! | Content
| Ladder 49 is a great movie. It gives firemen the recognition they deserve. It's about a fireman named Jack Morrison (Joaquin Pheonix) and his life as a fireman. Why do some people rush into buildings, when everyone else is rushing out? |
| Rating | | | Date | July 04, 2005 | | Summary | Better than expected. | Content
| I really enjoyed this movie and I am amazed that it recieved such bad reviews from the critics. This movie does exactly what its supposed to do, tell a compelling story of bravery and service to the public while presenting it in a way that illicits an emotional response. The acting by Travolta in this movie is very good genuinely believable. Joaquin Phoenix gives stale performance as a rookie fire fighter but the story is compelling enough for the viewer to overlook his vapid performance. The director guides the audience through the trials and tribulations of fire fighters quite effectively using the now familiar flashback story telling method. It works well in this film as we see the relationship between Phoenix and Travolta grow into a strong friendship. The movie performs well visually and without any annoying camera angles which I thought this film might include. Overall I was very pleased with the presentation of this movie. The actors were able to effectively form a bond with the audience so that all the emotions seem more real and appear to hit closer to home. |
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