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Ladder 49
Rating: PG-13 for intense fire and rescue situations, and for language
Summary: Baltimore firefighter Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix)is trapped alone inside a burning building. As his comrades search for him, his mentor, Capt. Mike Kennedy (John Travolta), commands the operation and calms Morrison's nerves by radio. Morrison uses the time to reflect on his life and career: the trials of his upbringing in the firehouse, the camaraderie of the men with whom he lived and worked, and the personal lives of these everyday heroes. All the while, it is only a matter of time before the building collapses.
My view: Sept. 11, 2001, wasn't that long ago, so the heroics of the nation's firefighters are still fresh in our minds. By releasing a movie such as this, the filmmakers are, in a sense, paying tribute to those the men and women who protect and serve our country. It has been 13 years since the last firefighter movie (Backdraft, 1991), yet we have all read, watched and heard the true stories of these brave men and women during the past three years. So this effort, though noble, is untimely and a bit lackluster. Now, this isn't a bad movie. The action scenes are vivid and well-executed; it is obvious the time was taken to do it right. The cinematography is especially impressive. The cast is well-rounded and did a good job portraying the relationships between firefighters. Phoenix is definitely a standout as the seemingly doomed Morrison. On the other hand, the plot lacks depth and is fairly bland. Overall, despite the enticing action sequences, this film didn't have the "wow" factor that it well may have had before 9/11.
Recommendations: Take it or leave it.
Grade: C
Billy Norris, 16, is in 11th grade at Seminole High, and is a former member of the X-Team.