Title: Ladder 49
Rating: PG-13
Rating Content: Language, Intense scenes
Bill's Popcorn Rating: ****/5
Studio: Touchstone
Director: Jay Russell
Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta, Morris Chestnut, Robert Patrick, Balthazar Getty, Jay Hernandez, Jacinda, Barrett
Running Time: 115m
Release Date:  October 1, 2004
Plot: Ladder 49 tracks the life of a young firefighter in Bostons busiest firestation, on ladder truck 49. From his first fire to his last and every major event in his life between, from his marriage and kids to the loss of friends and family. A tale of courage and heroism and brotherhood not to be missed.

Bill's Review: WOW, a powerful film about the everyday heros among us and the trials and tribulations of their lives. I think this is a great movie for all and well worth buying. The story is told in flashback, so it jumps around some, but is pretty easy to follow in my humble opinion. I read some reviews when it came out that this flashback style of storytelling confused the reviewer, but i'm a bonehead and managed to follow it just fine. Powerful imagery, scarry fires, and some language makes this a candidate for parents to think on, but judge your kids' ability to handle it. It's inspiring and sad, uplifting and crushing all in the space of a couple hours, so be forewarned about the emotional rollercoaster in this little disk.