Ladder 49

"Ladder 49" is one of the best movies I've seen all year. That's saying something!

Joaquin Phoenix stars as Baltimore firefighter Jack Morrison. In the opening scene, Jack is entering a blazing warehouse in an attempt to rescue stranded workers. The floor collapses around him, trapping an injured Jack who must now rely on his partners to rescue him. Here the story divides in two, with one third focusing on the rescue attempt and the other two thirds spent reflecting on Morrison's life over the past ten years. From his first day at the firehouse and how Captain Mike Kennedy (John Travolta) truly becomes his mentor, to his first encounter with the woman who would become his wife (Jacinda Barrett) and mother to his two children, we come to know Jack and the important people in his life.

The emotional aspects to "Ladder 49" are more powerful than the fiery blasts the firemen faces on a daily basis. I went in expecting another "Backdraft" but came away with much, much more. The story is a tribute to firefighters everywhere, and is a reminder of the sacrifices they make. A shout out to my friend Anthony with the Los Angeles Fire Department!

I haven't had a movie-going experience like this in quite a while, which makes "Ladder 49" one to see. I give it an A.

"Ladder 49" is rated PG-13 with a running time of 1 hour 55 minutes.