Ladder 49

This movie was actually really good. I was not too happy with RottenTomatoes on this one. Some of the critics were so off that it seemed like they had watched a completely different film. I have wondered since how one qualifies to be a critic. Do they just have to watch tons of movies? Be good at ripping things a part? It makes me think about what the scary critic in Ratatouille said near the end of the film which I found to be quite profound.

"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations, the new needs friends."

So now that I have complained about critics and why they are wrong about this film, I will talk about why I thought it was worth watching.

Ladder 49 was the first film I have seen about firemen. Perhaps there are many out there, but I haven't seen them. I liked the setting, the characters, and the way in which the film was paced and arranged. The only issue I had was the love story between the two felt so rushed at first. However, as the film continued I realized it was trying to cover a much longer time period than I had anticipated - so that made much more sense.

The hero is a regular guy. The critics tore it up saying things like "this film glorified firemen" and rubbish like that. I am wondering, why not? This story shows that they are not perfect people, they have problems, and they aren't heroes all of the time. And yet it also shows what a great risk US service men and women take when serving the public in many different capacities. It helped me understand a little more what many families across the world face when living with a father/husband who may not come home that night for dinner because he wants to help others.

This is a sad movie too. I thought that it took chances and for me that is why I kept watching. It felt fresh and original. There wasn't even a "bad guy" or villan to hate. It was really about an everyday person with normal fears, loves, family and friends. It is a good film, and the critics are wrong!