Everybody's a critic - 'Ladder 49'

Three stars (out of four)

At the beginning of "Ladder 49," Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) is a rookie fireman introduced to Capt. Kennedy, (John Travolta) while he is drinking Old Bushmills and wearing boxers with red hearts on them. Morrison meets the other firefighters via a fake confessional with a "chaplain." This sets the tone of camaraderie and friendship with Morrison and his soon-to-be buddies.

This hero movie gives the audience thrills through explosions, fires, the dramas of saving people and the inside view of being a firefighter. The storyline was a pleasant surprise and always kept the firehouse,the fellow firefighters and their families as the center point.

This movie works by giving us a believable story to follow. It makes you appreciate these special men and women of courage.

- Geoff Schaefer

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Two stars (out of four)

A firefighter's life story is told through a series of flashbacks as he is lying trapped in a building in the middle of a raging fire. The director's attempt to portray the everyday life of American firefighters ironically burns to ashes.

The first part of "Ladder 49" reminded me of a reality show. There were pointless, random events while the script offered nothing but cheesy cliches and firefighter humor.

The acting, however, was good and the characters seemed real and likable. In contrast, the second part of the movie was not bad at all. An actual conflict was introduced and the acting quality even improved.

The action escalates and is charged with emotion, sometimes alarmingly close to scornful pity, preparing us for a dramatic finish. Feel free to pass.

- Bojan Radojcic, student

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Three and a half stars (out of four)

"Ladder 49" is based on a true story about a firefighter in Baltimore, Md. I found the movie to be very real and believable in retelling that story.

Not only was it believable, it was also an emotional film with genuine moments of grief and humor. I became so caught up in the movie that I could not look away from the screen.

One of the acting highlights was John Travolta, who plays the fire chief with great pizzazz.

For anyone who is a firefighter, has ever been in a fire or lost a loved one in a fire, this movie will be particularly moving and effective. But I would recommend this movie to anyone -- I want to go see it again myself.

The film shows just how heroic firefighters can really be.

- Tiffany Munroe, homemaker