This tragedy was very well made and important. However, I just didn't connect with it.

"Ladder 49" follows the career of Baltimore firefighter Jack Morrison, played by Joaquin Phoenix, after he saves a man's life, but afterwards falls several stories and is trapped behind debris of a buring building. While his fellow fighters are trying to rescue him, he starts flashing back to his years in the service.

The picture focuses on Jack's relationship to others in his firefighting unit, the pressure his career puts on his wife and children, and how firefighters can be shaken up when faced with mortality on the job.

The picture does not carry a riveting firefighting storyline, like "Backdraft," but rather serves as almost a docu-drama, showing how these urban stationed fighters must combat their own fear and their families'; fight to be heroes both on the job and at home. In this aspect, the film is very strong.

However, without a story to compel me in this one, I felt somewhat disconnected. "Ladder 49" is probably the most real depiction of firefighters to come along to cinemas, including its ending. For that, I have the utmost respect for it and will probably end up owning it, but I simply can't get into the story. At no time did the film suck me in. I always felt like a conscienious objector.

Phoenix (The Village) does fine as Morrison. However, I think I've seen him be more impressive in more complex roles. I DO feel he is coming along better as an actor and not a star, as this picture supports evidence to.

John Travolta (Get Shorty) plays Capt. Mike Kennedy, giving his standard performance, which is very strong, but not memorable for me. The supporting cast of firefighters in Morrison's unit includes solid portrayals in Robert Patrick (Terminator 2) and Morris Chestnut (Boyz in the Hood), while the cake of the cast was well frosted with Australian actress Jacinda Barrett (The Human Stain) as Morrison's wife.

Overall, I hope many people see this picture. It will remind you heroes are made and live in our time every day in such fire and police houses across the U.S. Is it a compelling story? No. Is the film worth renting? Yes.

Benn - Where's the Humanity?