Ladder 49 (2004)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Director:

Jay Russell

Writer (WGA):

Lewis Colick (written by)

Release Date:

1 October 2004 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

A bond forged by fire is never broken.

Plot:

Under the watchful eye of his mentor Captain Mike Kennedy, probationary firefighter Jack Morrison matures...

Plot Keywords:

Firefighter | Fire | Irish Catholic | Catholic Church | Warrior

Awards:

1 win & 6 nominations

Cast

Joaquin Phoenix	...	Jack Morrison
John Travolta	...	Captain Mike Kennedy
Jacinda Barrett	...	Linda Morrison
Robert Patrick	...	Lenny Richter
Morris Chestnut	...	Tommy Drake
Billy Burke	...	Dennis Gauquin
Balthazar Getty	...	Ray Gauquin
Tim Guinee	...	Tony Corrigan
Kevin Chapman	...	Frank Mckinny
Jay Hernandez	...	Keith Perez
Kevin Daniels	...	Don Miller
Steve Maye	...	Pete Lamb
Robert Lewis	...	Ed Reilly (as Robert Logan Lewis)
Brooke Hamlin	...	Katie Morrison
Spencer Berglund	...	Nicky Morrison

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for intense fire and rescue situations, and for language.

Runtime:

115 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

India:UA | Iceland:10 | Iceland:12 (video rating) | Malaysia:U | USA:PG-13 (certificate #40479) | South Korea:12 | Sweden:7 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Brazil:12 | Canada:PG | Chile:14 | Finland:K-11 | Germany:12 | Hong Kong:IIA | Ireland:12 | Netherlands:12 | Norway:11 | Peru:14 | Philippines:PG-13 | Singapore:PG | Switzerland:12 (canton of Zurich) | UK:12A

Filming Locations:

Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Company:

Touchstone Pictures

Trivia:

Looney's Pub is an actual Baltimore watering hole, located in the Canton neighborhood. It has become a favorite of local film crews since the film was made.

Goofs:

Continuity: When the engine and ladder truck leave the firehouse on Jack's first working fire, Tommy Drake is driving the ladder truck. However, upon arrival on the scene of the fire, Ray Gauquin is driving the ladder truck.

Quotes:

Jack Morrison: There's something I wanted to talk to you about, Cap. I was thinking of transferring to the truck.
Chief Kennedy: Oh, geez. What the hell do you want to do that for? You're an engine man. Truck's a whole different thing. No water between you and the fire, no hose to lead you out if you get lost in the smoke. Not a good idea.
Jack Morrison: I know that, Cap. And I love being on the pipe, but... I want this, Mike.
Chief Kennedy: Ok. We'll give it a try. But you gotta tell me something. If this isn't for you, you tell me right away. Promise?
Jack Morrison: Yes, sir.

Movie Connections:

Edited into Underdog (2007)

Soundtrack:

Fire

Climbing, Climbing, Climbing........

A terrible blaze traps a firefighter (Joaquin Phoenix) in a Baltimore building. As his co-workers (led by chief John Travolta) try to figure out a way to help him escape, Phoenix thinks about the last 10 years of his life. Through those years of fighting fires he experienced triumph (meeting and marrying the love of his life, Jacinda Barrett) and also living through several tragedies (deaths and injuries to fellow firemen). "Ladder 49" is comparable to a legendary athlete, it is not always great but it is great when it has to be. The movie has many shortcomings. There are dead spots galore and watching firefighters getting drunk in wild bars and playing silly pranks on one another do not always put them in a favorable light. However, the film's final act is excellent as we learn what Phoenix's fate is. In many ways an homage to those brave individuals in New York who sacrificed all during the terrorist attacks of 9-11 and also a deceptively smart character study. Travolta is excellent and Phoenix is nearly as good. Members of the supporting cast all have their moments and by the end "Ladder 49" climbed high enough for me. 4 stars out of 5.