Ladder 49

Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic. "You will follow his character on a journey. You experience his first thrills on the job: the conquest of danger, the adrenaline rush of heroism, and the satisfaction of knowing you're helping people and saving lives. You meet his friends, watch him fall in love, and become a father. In horror you watch as these same friends and comrades die or become severely maimed. Like the main character, you too now feel the burdon, the wrestling with hard choices, and the sacrifices that must be made. I was stunned by the non-Hollywood ending. Expect to be hit hard with a somber, emotional punch."(Those words could not describe it any better and are a quote from another reviewer). John Travolta played an extremely good role as the Captain of Engine 33. Jacinda Barrett was marvelous as the love of Joaquin's life as well as his wife. She looked and played the role with her full heart in it. You are definitely not watching "Backdraft". Ladder 49 shows reality at its best and worst. This was a good movie and worth watching so I gave it a 4.0 out of 5.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Butch