Kicks off in spectacular blaze of glory, with a firefighter trapped in a towering inferno.As he awaits rescue he plays back his life and career.
Luckily the script jumps back and forth between syrupy reminiscences and tense, urgent attempts to rescue the trapped hero by his captain, played by John Travolta, who, while always deliciously over the top as a baddie (Face/Off) is understated when on the side of truth, justice and the American way.
Sadly, the hero, who we’re meant to care about, is played by borderline creepy and deeply uncharismatic Joaquin Phoenix.
Of course, Ladder 49 is a heart-on-it’s-sleeve celebration of the heroism of the 9/11 firefighters, so it’s sentimental at times, and sometimes a tad treacly for our palate.
But the action sequences and fire effects are thrilling.The action is well filmed, giving an idea of the intense heat and chaos fire can create.It certainly isn’t a bad movie, but it’s no BackDraft.