Ladder 49 Reviews

Definatley recommended

This one is a definate for all. The world all over needs firefighters so this movie opens your eyes to what the firefighters families go through day to day, not knowing if their loved ones will come home at the end of their shift. Starring John Travolta and Joaquin Pheonix who each play their parts equally brilliant this one is definalty going to be jumping off the shelves once released.

Great effects, good acting and a film which should not be missed. Get your hankies ready!

Joaguin Phoenix portrays fire-fighter Jack Morrison ? this film shows from when he becomes a rookie and follows his life and career.

Travolta is his fire-chief and friend. Both actors give excellent performances.

Stunning film with superb effects, which will have you hanging on the edge of your seat, and have the hankies ready because some parts of the film will bring a tear to your eye, whatever you sex!

Well acted and a film which you must see.

Cracking good film

This is a cracking good film, an emotional rollercoaster and testament to the bravery of firefighters who risk all to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those they go to help. There are moments of humour and pathos all well played and the acting is understated and not over the top. Not since Backdraft has there been such a good movie. MAke sure you have a box of tissues to hand because you'll need them (even if you are a man!)

Tearjerker for Firefighter's wifes

I saw this film on the way home from the States and towards the end I was already in tears. If you are a firefighter's wife, like me, then you will know all the reasons why I cried when you see this film. A love story combined with everyday real life for firefighters across the world.

Whilst not Oscar winning, this film is what I consider to be a must see.

No cliche left unturned!

A good all American buddy movie. Good fun lovin guys doing a brave job while talking about superbowl,drinking Budweiser and dishing out wisecracks. And yes... there is the obligatory Iorish connection as well in the form of a St.Patricks day parade, good catholic families and Danny bloody Boy. Even with the shamful use of cliches I still managed to think this was okay viewing. Not the great post 9/11 movie we were looking for but still okay.

[Highly rated reviewer]

superb...................

this film is superb. We see Joachin Phoenix' character injured and trapped in a large burning building, and as he waits for his rescue, we see his life unfold through flashbacks to key events, starting from when he first walks into the fire station as a probationary fire officer.

Then we see flashbacks of the boy meets girl scenerio, boy then marries girl, boy has first child, boy has second child, boy has bad things happen to colleagues, boy wonders if he is in the right job considering he now has family, boy realizes he loves his job and stays.

At the end of the movie you will have an appreciation for the life of a fireman in a typical blue collar environment.

John Travolta plays the father figure Captain of the station, Joachin Phoenix gets right into the thick of the action, and apparently after training he became an honorary member of the firefighting team he trained with, even getting their tattoo.

In paying simple tribute to firefighters, Ladder 49 gets to the heart of those who risk their lives for a living.

Ladder 49 generates so much goodwill toward its Baltimore firemen that you may find yourself unexpectedly overcome with emotional appreciation for guys like Jack (Joaquin Phoenix), a firefighter whose career, courtship, marriage, and fatherhood are viewed in flashback as he struggles to survive in the present-day framing scenes, cut off from his fellow firemen in the fiery guts of a collapsing 20-floor building. There are no surprises in the familiar scenes of male bonding, dangerous rescues, injury and death, and the supportive concern of Jack's wife (Jacinda Barrett), but by focusing on the simple integrity of Jack's personal and professional commitment, the movie gives Phoenix a showcase for unselfish virtue, while John Travolta provides dignified support as Jack's mentor and devoted firehouse captain. Ladder 49 is routine in most respects, but it's a much-deserved valentine to working-class heroes.

well worth watching.

Worth watching.

I saw this a while ago and thought it was quite good. If you don't have something better to see then this is woth seeing but it's not really anything special. The acting is okay and the plot isn't too bad so it's worth watching, but nothing more in my opinion.

More smoke than fire

This film tries very hard to provide action, drama and romance.

It tries hard to copy the film Backdraft but fails. This fire fighting has all be done before.

I was expecting a great film as Im a huge fan of John Travolta, but his role is only a minor one and his acting is very poor.

If you havent seen Backdraft do your self a favour and rent that, if you really need to see some fire.

Excellent movie

One of the few films that has gripped me from beginning to end. No pointless sex or unnecessary violence. This was a really good film about ordinary people doing their jobs, and how the job of the firefighter while a dangerous occupation illustrates how one's colleagues are among the most faithful of friends. This movie is truly a tribute to the firefighters of the world.

Flaming hot

If you are interested in fire fighting then this is a must see.

The film is a wonderful addition to programmes and films such as 'Rescue Me' and 'Backdraft'.

Joaquin Phoenix and John Travolta play fantastic roles. Although not a fan of Phoenix from his role in 'Gladiator' he certainly adapts well to playing a hard-working and commited husband, father and fire-fighter