Some people will not go see Ladder 49 because they say it is another Backdraft. Well where Backdraft had great special effects and action sequences it lacked a good story. Don’t get me wrong Ladder 49 has special effects and action sequences, but it is never really about this. It dares to ask the question what type of person runs into a building on fire when everyone else is running out. It’s about character and what type of man risks his life for a living. Ladder 49 goes into the job of being a firefighter job and the fellow comradeship with his friends who he goes into battle with on a daily basis. I will not go into much detail about the movie due to the fact that I don’t want to spoil it for you. The movie stars Joaquin Phoenix as Jack Morrison, a fireman assigned to search and rescue. John Travolta plays Kennedy, his chief. The other guys at the firehouse include Tommy (Morris Chestnut), Don (Kevin Daniels), Lenny (Robert Patrick) and Frank (Kevin Chapman). A warehouse is on fire and people are trapped on the 12th floor. After Jack rescues someone he falls through the floor several floors down below. The story then flash backs to his first day on the job and continues through the movie to see Jack’s current situation. His fellow brothers pull silly pranks on him due to him being the rookie. This adds to the humorous sides of Ladder 49 that also has serious moments about life and the stress and dangers of being a firefighter that it has on Jack’ marriage. This movie will make you laugh and it will make you cry. Unlike many movies that come out today I bought into to this movie and found it actually believable and does not follow a formula plot. I first heard about Ladder 49 over a year and a half ago and have been looking forward to it ever since. It is very rare that I look forward to a movie and do not come out disappointed. I have to say Ladder 49 does not disappoint and I feel many people will be profoundly affected by this movie as I was.

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