Ladder 49

10/7/2004

Ladder 49 stars Joaquin Phoenix as Jack Morrison, John Travolta as Captain Mike Kennedy, Jacinda Barrett as Linda Morrison, Robert Patrick as Lenny Richter, Morris Chestnut as Tommy Drake, Billy Burke as Dennis Gauquin, Balthazar Getty as Ray Gauquin, Tim Guinee as Tony Corrigan, Kevin Chapman as Frank Mckinny, Jay Hernandez as Keith Perez, Kevin Daniels as Don Miller, Steve Maye as Pete Lamb, Robert Lewis as Ed Reilly, Brooke Hamlin as Katie Morrison, Spencer Berglund as Nicky Morrison, Karen Vicks as Opal, Desiree Care as Maria, Deidra LaWan Starnes as Marlene Drake, Peggy Cafferty as Julia, Marja Allen as Margarita, Leslie Lyles as Roseleen Morrison, Robert Keiper as Kevin Morrison, Robert McKay as Battalion Chief.

Ladder 49 is a well made film. It tells the story of Jack Morrison from the time he was a rookie, through flashbacks, while he is waiting to be rescued during a fire/building collapse. It is timely as the country is still remembering 9/11 and the heroic efforts of the New York Fire Department. Although Ladder 49 is set in Baltimore, it has an engaging way of describing what it is like for fire fighters. Watching this film was like being on a white-knuckle plane ride. I found myself tensing up at many of the scenes. It is a gripping tale.

While being a very dramatic portrayal of what it means to be a firefighter, Ladder 49 also deals with the human element of home life and its difficulties. This one requires a handkerchief if you are a least bit emotional!

I give it 4 out of 5 Confessionals:

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