LADDER 49 — ** 1/2 — Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta, Jacinda Barrett; rated PG-13 (profanity, violence, vulgarity).
"Ladder 49" is an unabashed valentine to firefighters. It's obvious that the film was inspired by those heroic crews who perished during rescue efforts at the World Trade Center during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
So it's hard to come down too hard on this well-intentioned drama, as cornball and manipulative as it is at times. And it does have some effective moments . . . when it's not trying to beat you over the head or yank at your heartstrings.
This is also one of the loudest films in recent memory. With such vivid sonic experiences as the sounds of crackling flames, splintering timbers and fire-caused explosions, the film may give more than a few audiences a headache. Consider yourself warned.
The film's title refers to some members of the crew at a rather busy Baltimore firehouse, where rookie firefighter Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) finds himself. After receiving some hazing from his fellow firemen, including station chief Mike Kennedy (John Travolta), Jack quickly proves to be a valuable asset. And he eventually becomes the best at search-and-rescue efforts.
At the same time, he has to maintain a balance in his personal life, especially when wife Linda (Jacinda Barrett) expresses concern for his safety — which isn't too surprising, considering the station's tragic history. Though that is a fairly linear recap, the story is actually told through a series of flashbacks, experienced by the injured Jack as he awaits rescue from his fellow firefighters.
This material seems like an unlikely choice for director Jay Russell and screenwriter Lewis Colick, both of whom are known more for family-oriented dramas (including, respectively, "My Dog Skip" and "October Sky"). But that probably helps some of the more effective dramatic scenes, and they made the right choice in casting Phoenix as their leading man; he's growing more confident in his performances, and he's becoming more personable.
His love interest in the film, Barrett, is bland but adequate, even if her character never seems to age or show the signs of motherhood. And even Travolta, who's had the propensity for overacting and outright hamminess in some recent films, manages to tone it down for the most part. And Robert Patrick shines here, stealing scenes as one of the station's veterans.
"Ladder 49" is rated PG-13 for occasional use of strong profanity, firefighting violence (scenes of peril, as well as some explosive mayhem) and some crude references (including some innuendo). Running time: 115 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com