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Ladder 49

Ladder 49

Drama · Action · Thriller · 2004

Under the watchful eye of his mentor, Captain Mike Kennedy, probationary firefighter Jack Morrison matures into a seasoned veteran at a Baltimore fire station. However, Jack has reached a crossroads as the sacrifices he's made have put him in harm's way innumerable times and significantly impacted his relationship with his wife and kids.

Movie details

Ladder 49

“Their greatest challenge lies in rescuing one of their own.”

2004 Drama · Action · Thriller 1h 55m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

6.5 / 10

Community rating

Under the watchful eye of his mentor, Captain Mike Kennedy, probationary firefighter Jack Morrison matures into a seasoned veteran at a Baltimore fire station. However, Jack has reached a crossroads as the sacrifices he's made have put him in harm's way innumerable times and significantly impacted his relationship with his wife and kids.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Ladder 49?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Dante's Peak

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On Fire

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Inspired by true and harrowing events, an ordinary man finds his world suddenly torn apart as devastating wildfires rip through the surrounding countryside. With precious moments ticking by, he must flee with his son and pregnant wife if they have any hope of surviving the rapid forces of mother nature.

F.I.S.T.

F.I.S.T.

Drama · 1978

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Poseidon

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Volcano

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Daylight

Daylight

Action · 1996

A group of armed robbers fleeing the police head for the New Jersey Tunnel and run right into trucks transporting toxic waste. The spectacular explosion that follows results in both ends of the tunnel collapsing and the handful of people who survived the explosion are now in peril. Kit Latura is the only man with the skill and knowledge to lead the band of survivors out of the tunnel before the structure collapses.

Where it lives

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Jay Russell

Written by

Lewis Colick

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix

Jack Morrison

John Travolta

John Travolta

Captain Mike Kennedy

Jacinda Barrett

Jacinda Barrett

Linda Morrison

Robert Patrick

Robert Patrick

Lenny Richter

Morris Chestnut

Morris Chestnut

Tommy Drake

Billy Burke

Billy Burke

Dennis Gauquin

Balthazar Getty

Balthazar Getty

Ray Gauquin

Court is in session

Put Ladder 49 on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Adrenaline Seeker

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Cool Ironist

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.