Critic Reviews
Ladder 49 (2004) Rank 4 Reviews
Expert Review Summary
based on (263) reviews
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Reviews by Score:
RopeofSilicon (Brad Brevet)
Blunt Review (Emily Blunt)
Ladder 49 is the most moving, emotion stirring, film of the year. Joaquin Phoenix will break your heart as Jack Morrison. ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Blunt Review (Emily Blunt)
Reno Gazette-Journal (Forrest Hartman)
A moving tribute [to firefighters] and an excellent dramatic work. ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Reno Gazette-Journal (Forrest Hartman)
The Cinema Source (Rob Alicea)
How is it that they run into buildings when everyone else is running out? That's a question that only those who do it can answer. The answer is synonymous with their title - They are The Bravest, and let's face it - they've been long overdue for a film ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at The Cinema Source (Rob Alicea)
Worcester Telegram & Gazette (Daniel M. Kimmel)
...a film that will likely stand as the great Hollywood tribute to urban firefighters... ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Worcester Telegram & Gazette (Daniel M. Kimmel)
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Philip Martin)
....the story of a quotidian but nevertheless authentic hero ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Philip Martin)
RopeofSilicon (Brad Brevet)
If you did not like Backdraft, but wanted to, then this is certainly the movie for you. Then again, I don't think there is anyone that could watch Ladder 49 and not become completely enthralled with this film and its ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at RopeofSilicon (Brad Brevet)
Aisle Seat (Mike McGranaghan)
There’s no “high concept” at work here - just a heartfelt, meaningful examination of simple everyday heroism. ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Aisle Seat (Mike McGranaghan)
The Cinema Source (Rob Alicea)
How is it that they run into buildings when everyone else is running out? That's a question that only those who do it can answer. The answer is synonymous with their title - They are The Bravest, and let's face it - they've been long overdue for a film ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at The Cinema Source (Rob Alicea)
Fresno Bee (Donald Munro)
Tender, moving and insightful. ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Fresno Bee (Donald Munro)
The Movie Mom (Nell Minow)
This is one of those "they don't make them like that anymore" movies, an unabashed love letter to firefighters that might as well have been made sixty years ago. ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at The Movie Mom (Nell Minow)
Entertainment Weekly (Lisa Schwarzbaum)
Aside from the awesome flames and pyrotechnic scenes of crisis, danger, and part-of-the-job bravery, the movie is a quiet salute; it does its job. ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Entertainment Weekly (Lisa Schwarzbaum)
Bangor Daily News (Maine) (Christopher Smith)
A reasonably good, if predictable, meat-and-potatoes tearjerker. ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Bangor Daily News (Maine) (Christopher Smith)
Johnny Betts
As far as I'm concerned, the mission was accomplished. Granted, I haven't called anybody to tell them that the actual story is gonna cure cancer, but come on, what do you want from a fireman movie? Most of the story is told in flashbacks as Joaquin ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Johnny Betts
Joe Critic.com (Sam Bear)
Ladder 49 chronicles the career of firefighter Jack Morrison before he becomes trapped in a twenty story building. Through flashbacks, we’re introduced to Morrison from his first day as a firefighter, to his first fire, to his wedding day. The ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Joe Critic.com (Sam Bear)
Cinema em Cena (Pablo Villaça)
PM Media Review (Patrick Vu)
"Ladder 49" is a simple story about simple men who display ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at PM Media Review (Patrick Vu)
Denver Rocky Mountain News (Robert Denerstein)
The Land of Eric (Eric D. Snider)
I think I like where it all winds up. The more I consider it, the more it makes sense, the more it feels like an appropriate resolution for the film. Phoenix's performance is probably the most sympathetic and likable of his career. If the film loses ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at The Land of Eric (Eric D. Snider)
Bucket Reviews (Danny Baldwin)
I've witnessed melodrama seep from the eyes and ears of Hollywood and foam from its mouth, over the last few years. Mastering the art of fake emotion seems to be a forte of mainstream filmmakers, nowadays. One could say that such material fills the cup ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Bucket Reviews (Danny Baldwin)
filmcritic.com (Sean O'Connell)
Firefighter movies resemble westerns in the singular fact that I can see one decent one every five years or so and be completely satisfied. Ladder 49 happens to be an excellent flame jockey adventure, a stirring audience-pleaser that accurately ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at filmcritic.com (Sean O'Connell)
Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
Ladder 49" is to say that it left me feeling thoughtful and sad. I was surprised it had such an effect. I walked in expecting an action picture with heroic firemen charging into burning buildings for last-minute rescues. "Ladder 49" has the heroes ...read the complete Ladder 49 movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
User Reviews
by Gabriel H. Gaston on February 18, 2009
We haven't watched it complete but the image is sharp and it arrived here punctually. ...
by Liza A. Schaafsma on September 07, 2008
As always I was very pleased with my movie purchase. I will continue to order all my movies from amazon. I always receive my movies in a timely manner.
Thank you amazon, liza ...
by Vanessa English "... on December 26, 2007
The DVD arrived within the timeframe I was told it would arrive. As it was a gift, I did not watch it. But Christina was as thrilled as could be at Christmas when she got it. Thank you for making a very sweet girl extremely happy!!Ladder ...
by Diane E. Rehrer "... on November 29, 2007
this movie changed my mind about john travolta and joaquin phoenix. these two were the best ever in this movie and i recommend it to ...
by Robert D. Steele on August 22, 2007
I have taken an interest in firefighers every since they did their all to save the victims of 9-11, only to be betrayed by murderer Rudy Gulliani, with Larry Silverstein, the avaricous Jew, and Dick Cheney, the naked amoral thief, as the other principle ...
by Tiffany M. Donley... on June 28, 2007
LADDER 49 IS A REALISTIC LOOK INTO THE LIVES OF FIIREFIGHTERS. I'M A FIREFIGHTER AND I HAVE TO SAY THIS MOVIE IS NO JOKE. FROM THE MINUTE WE GET IN OUR TRUCK OUR LIVES AND ARE IN DANGER. JUST GET THE MOVIE. ...
by Amy R. Cooley "Lu... on April 01, 2007
Full of drama, Joaquin Phoenix and John Travolta compliment each other's acting talents in this heartwrenching story about guts, glory, teamwork, and love. ...
by Lawyeraau on March 26, 2007
First and foremost, this is a drama, not an action film, about firefighters, with the focus on one firefighter in particular. The film tells the story about the life this one firefighter, whose life is revealed in flashback, when he finds himself in a ...
by craftin4jesus on January 11, 2007
This movie is so refreshing in its portrayal of firefighters. Its amazing that Hollywood would even attempt to make it as real as possible. The charactors are realistic and believable. Great movie. ...
by GameraRocks "capt... on May 06, 2006
I feel exactly the same as every single person who has seen this movie, it has given me A LOT of respect for those firefighters who risk their lives every day to save ours, they really are true heroes. A really great film that very few, if any, wouldn't ...
User Comments
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