LADDER 49 feels very much like the successor to BACKDRAFT, although it's not quite as good as that earlier movie. This one is another eulogy to the bravery and sacrifice of America's firefighters, who we witness tackling a variety of blazes that often result in death or serious injury for those who step up. The format of the film, which is told in flashback from the point of view of a trapped firefighter, isn't quite perfect, but there's another ensemble cast giving it a go and the fiery set-pieces are suitably well-staged with just the right amount of pyrotechnic effects.

I watched the German dubbed version, but I don't think it would make a big difference, watching this in it's original version! The best thing here are the sound effects. And the beginning of the movie is good too, no doubt about that.

But then it falls off/short. It get's in all the clichés it can get it's claws into and just puts the firemen on another level. Making them Heroes and idolizes them like they're the greatest. Now while I admire firemen per se and I think they do good work, I don't want to see a firemen advertise in a cinema/theatre. It should be a movie and so it should also be neutral. This piece is for recruitment purposes only ... A shame then!

Joaquin Phoenix gives a moving performance in "Ladder 49," playing a Baltimore firefighter who goes from rookie to 10-year veteran in the course of the story.

Although its chief selling point is its spectacular - but never hyperbolic - fire sequences, "Ladder 49" is actually at its most compelling when it focuses on the struggle firemen go through trying to balance their high risk occupation with their role as husband and father.

In addition to Phoenix, who brings a self-effacing strength and heroism to his character, there are fine performances by John Travolta as the captain of the station, and Jacinda Barrett as Phoenix's understanding but understandably concerned wife.

In the first half of the film, the screenplay threatens to erupt into a raging inferno of stereotypes and clichés, as the characters take an occasional time out from firefighting for puppy love romance at the supermarket, frat boy antics at the fire station and domestic squabbles involving neglected wives and children at the old homestead. But about halfway through the film, the deeper themes rise to the surface and "Ladder 49" begins to explore complex issues in a mature way. The quiet scenes between Phoenix and Travolta, and Phoenix and Barrett are surprisingly subtle, thoughtful and intelligently written.

It takes a while to get there, but "Ladder 49" turns out to be a tribute worthy of its subject.