“Ladder 49"(Touchstone Pictures)
Since the tragic events of 9/11 America has had an all-consuming interest in fireman and their profession. They are now seen as almost mythically heroic people, and this film reinforces that attitude. We see the lives they lead and the dramatic actions they take. The film projects these men as heroes to the fullest, but it never manages to involve the audience in their personal lives.
In “Ladder 49” Travolta plays the fire chief at a fire station in Baltimore, Maryland. Jack (Joaquin Phoenix) is one of his new recruits. Shortly after the film opens Jack is trapped in a burning building and Mike (Travolta) and the entire crew attempt to rescue him. While he waits on help to get to him, the movie flashes back on his life.
We get to see the life a fireman leads from the tedious, non-exciting parts, to the action that ensues when the bell is rung indicating a fire in the city. It is then the audience sees how firemen manage to run into the fiery building when all others are running out.
Phoenix is very good in his role. He manages to bring Jack totally to life. He is the central point of the film and he deserves the attention. As for Travolta, well Travolta is just playing Travolta. I never got a sense of his character other than being somebody who looked like John Travolta. Phoenix on the other hand really gets into the character of Jack and makes him believable.
Jack’s wife is played by Jacinda Barrett. If this young woman looks familiar to you it might be because she was part of the cast of MTV’s “The Real World – London” a few years back. She parlayed that series into a pretty strong acting career. She and Phoenix have a few scenes together but not enough to bring the film to life.
Any movie John Travolta is in, is worth watching just because of his presence. Plus since 9/11 we have all wanted to know more about the men and women who are part of the firefighting teams in our country. This movie does offer some insight into why they do what they do.
The movie is rated PG-13 for violence and profanity.
For the past several years John Travolta has been making good but not great movies. This is another one in that category. Watching the trailer you think this one might break through, but it doesn’t. It is close to being a heartbreaking, emotional tribute to firefighters, but somehow it never reaches that right place to be other than just good.
I scored “Ladder 49” a middle rung 6 out of 10.
