2008 Woodie Awards
Ladder 49 Sizzles
Kara Agosto
Issue date: 10/13/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Although its greatness may not be apparent in commercials, Ladder 49 is the kind of film that puts our faith back in movies. It is a film that touches our hearts; one in which we grow to be emotionally attached. The characters become more than just an image on a screen. We feel their happiness and even more, their pain.
Ladder 49 is the story of a Baltimore firehouse. The main character, Jack Morrison, as played by Joaquin Phoneix, is a rookie firefighter-eager and inexperienced. Captain Mike Kennedy (John Travolta) takes Jack under his wing and teaches him what it truly means to be a firefighter. We see bonds formed between Jack and the rest of the men in the firehouse. They are not only a courageous and strong group of men, but also indeed a group that likes to have fun and play practical jokes on one another, providing comic relief during much of the movie.
There is also a romance within Ladder 49. Jack Morrison's love interest Linda (Jacinda Barrett) is a unique woman. She is the woman meant to be with Jack and we see their relationship blossom throughout the film. Linda understands Jack's love of his job and supports his decisions, no matter how much she fears for his health. She struggles to be supportive and proud despite the pain she feels.
Joaquin Phoneix's performance was sensational, and he had the charm to win over the audience. His character was a fun-loving, down to earth, and hard-working dedicated man-just the right ingredients to make you feel attached by the end of the film. We see his character in every light possible, the ups and downs, the highs and lows. Jack is the character that everyone was rooting for, hoping that he would be triumphant.
John Travolta was a surprisingly good fit for his part as captain. He was quirky yet respectable. He had a look of experience, and the personality of the older and wiser leader. His emotional reactions in the movie were so believable. His touching scenes left the theatre with not a dry eye in the house. To see a source of strength breakdown was all it took for others to follow.
Ladder 49 is the story of a Baltimore firehouse. The main character, Jack Morrison, as played by Joaquin Phoneix, is a rookie firefighter-eager and inexperienced. Captain Mike Kennedy (John Travolta) takes Jack under his wing and teaches him what it truly means to be a firefighter. We see bonds formed between Jack and the rest of the men in the firehouse. They are not only a courageous and strong group of men, but also indeed a group that likes to have fun and play practical jokes on one another, providing comic relief during much of the movie.
There is also a romance within Ladder 49. Jack Morrison's love interest Linda (Jacinda Barrett) is a unique woman. She is the woman meant to be with Jack and we see their relationship blossom throughout the film. Linda understands Jack's love of his job and supports his decisions, no matter how much she fears for his health. She struggles to be supportive and proud despite the pain she feels.
Joaquin Phoneix's performance was sensational, and he had the charm to win over the audience. His character was a fun-loving, down to earth, and hard-working dedicated man-just the right ingredients to make you feel attached by the end of the film. We see his character in every light possible, the ups and downs, the highs and lows. Jack is the character that everyone was rooting for, hoping that he would be triumphant.
John Travolta was a surprisingly good fit for his part as captain. He was quirky yet respectable. He had a look of experience, and the personality of the older and wiser leader. His emotional reactions in the movie were so believable. His touching scenes left the theatre with not a dry eye in the house. To see a source of strength breakdown was all it took for others to follow.