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e. The problem bar delves into. As the main into walking stere- k was watching a worse yet, a Johnay is an "inde- maker who loves skie-cutter charac- ar and have them conversation.
appears that page from Sayles' use these charm instruct the audible of Ramón and powerful topic, but ultimately comes upolicem on how to right to die, then. But if you'relook a sermon then you sing.
Will Lamborn
www.movies.yahoo.com
Ladder 49
Movie (☆☆1/2)
DVD (☆☆1/2)
PG-13, 105 minutes, DVD
Ladder 49, directed by Jay Russell, is a charming film that reveals the rewards and adventures in firefighters' lives. Russell does a fine job walking the audience through this heroic tale, displaying the tragic events that occur in such a demanding lifestyle. The film is seen through the eyes of a dying firefighter reflecting on his life. Although a bit hokey at moments, Ladder 49 is a heartwarming account of the great courage and vital efforts of these selfless individuals who risk their lives to save others.
Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) is a
lovable friend with the presence of seasoned veterans. He proves himself as an asset to the fire department and his fellow firefighters by leaping out of windows and conquering uncontainable fires to rescue those in need. He falls deeply in love with Linda (Jacinda Barrett), who you may recognize from The Real World, Linda
Morrison adores her husband, but fears the dangers of his career. Phoenix and Barrett make a lovely on-screen couple with notable chemistry, but Barrett's occasional accent slips are somewhat distracting to the viewer.
Captain Mike Kennedy (John Travolta) is much more than the station supervisor. His comrades view him as a mentor and father figure. The supporting roles in this film help to express the kniskip and brotherhood the men feel.
Ladder 49 is a beautiful homage to firefighters and the sacrifices they make to ensure others' safety. It has a fantastic soundtrack and proves extraordinarily entertaining. It's a great rental for a Saturday night.
—Lauren Debiak
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Guess Who
(☆☆☆)
PG-13,
97 minutes,
Southwinds 12
Loosely based on the Tracey and Hepburn classic Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? this remake starring Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher is actually both interesting and entertaining.
A young black woman brings her fiancé, a white man, home to meet her family. Her father is not thrilled about this, and it takes the course of the film for him to admit that it's because he's white. There are lots of interesting scenes, and many of them are brave for a film such as this, especially a dinner scene when Mac wants to hear "black jokes" from Kutcher. The pairing of Mac and Kutcher is brilliant, and the two work off each other with hilarious results. Kutcher puts in a surprisingly natural performance without repeating the character we know from Punk'd and That 70s Show. But Mac is truly the star of the film, and the rest of the characters react off his personality and charisma.
The film doesn't take itself as seriously as the original, but at the same time isn't slapstick humor. It deals with other issues besides race, such as gender roles in the family, marriage and changing generations. In many ways it would be better to compare this to the *Father of the Bride films* rather than to the original—it is just as embarrassing, funny and heartwarming, with a deeper political streak.
An interesting, thought-provoking movie that will keep you laughing.
Michael Bovd