Saturday, October 16, 2004

Movie Review - Ladder 49 ***

Ladder 49 (2004)
Directed by: Jay Russell
Writing credits: Lewis Colick
Genre: Action / Drama / Thriller
Main Cast:
Joaquin Phoenix .... Jack Morrison
John Travolta .... Captain Mike Kennedy
Jacinda Barrett .... Linda Morrison


Ladder 49 will hit home for many Americans. This sad movie whether it intended to or not reminded you of the difficulties that the firemen go through, in particular the tragedy of September 11th. This movie on its own right, without the recollection of the terrorist attack on the empire state building, saddens you. Waiting to see if Joaquin Phoenix’s character is rescued from the burning building, you can help to imagine real firefighters in that same situation. I think we all need this remembrance, we can't forget to honor our brave and heroic civil servants from that day and those who risk their lives everyday. This blockbuster is a tear jerker and worth seeing.

Plot Summary - courtesy of the Internet Movie Database
Under the watchful eye of his mentor Chief Mike Kennedy (Travolta), probationary firefighter Jack Morrison (Phoenix) matures into a seasoned veteran at a Baltimore fire station. Jack has reached a crossroads, however, 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. Responding to the worst blaze in his career, he becomes trapped inside a 20-story building. And as he reflects on his life, Chief Kennedy frantically coordinates the effort to save him.

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

The 40th Anniversary Chicago International Film Festival

If you are in the area don't forget to check out The 40th Anniversary Chicago International Film Festival, which is currently running until October 21. The Chicago Film Festival is the oldest competitive film festival in North America. This year it will bring 110 feature films and 54 short films from 44 countries.
See schedule

Hollywood Movie Of The Year Awards Nominations

Congratulations to the following movies for being nominated in this years Hollywood Movie Of The Year Awards. I have added my ratings for them, check them out and submit your vote

Collateral by Michael Mann | Cinemacritic.blogspot Rating ****
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Michel Gondry | Cinemacritic.blogspot Rating N/A
Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore | Cinemacritic.blogspot Rating N/A
Hero by Zhang Yimou | Cinemacritic.blogspot Rating ****
Napoleon Dynamite by Jared Hess | Cinemacritic.blogspot Rating N/A
Shrek 2 by Andrew Adamson | Cinemacritic.blogspot Rating ***1/2
Spider-Man 2 by Sam Raimi | Cinemacritic.blogspot Rating ****
The Bourne Supremacy by Paul Greengrass | Cinemacritic.blogspot Rating ***1/2
The Motorcycle Diaries by Walter Salles | Cinemacritic.blogspot Rating N/A***1/2
The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson | Cinemacritic.blogspot Rating ***1/2