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The films coming out of Hollywood about firefighters have been few and far between. However, since the tragedies of September 11, 2001, we are starting to see more of them in development. This film from Touchstone has brought together some big name stars (John Travolta, Joaquin Phoenix, Robert Patick) along with veteran director Jay Russell and screenwriter Lewis Colick to bring a firefighter’s story to the big screen.

Phoenix plays a firefighter named Jack who is trapped inside a burning building. It looks like this is the end of Jack’s life and he reflects back on his life and his career as a firefighter while waiting for his company to come save him. The rescue effort is led by Jack’s former captain, now fire chief, Kennedy (Travolta). He has always seen his fire department as a family and they are always there to protect one of their own.

This film should get a lot of attention before its release. The studio put a great deal of effort into making this a realistic look at firefighting. The stars went through the same training that real-life firefighters go through and most of the extras were actual firefighters from departments across the country. This realism effort actually led to a one-year delay in the release date so that it would be ready for audiences. Let’s hope this starts a trend toward some quality films about today’s everyday heroes. (Marty Doskins/BOP)

Vital statistics for Ladder 49 Main Cast Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta Supporting Cast Robert Patrick, Morris Chestnut, Balthazar Getty, Brooke Hamlin, Jacinda Barrett, Kevin Chapman, Scott Cooper Director Jay Russell Screenwriter Lewis Colick Distributor Touchstone Pictures Trailer Click Here for Trailer Official Site http://www.ladder49.com Rating PG-13 Running Time 115 minutes Screen Count 3,260 Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture

Comparison films for Ladder 49
Title	Date	Opening	Adjusted Opening	Screens	PSA	Adj PSA	Total BO	Adjusted Total	Mult
Signs	8/2/02	60.12	62.50	3264	18418.00	18418.0	227.97	237.02	3.79
Backdraft *	5/24/91	15.72	22.51	1852	8488.00	11693.7	77.48	110.97	4.93
Collateral Damage	2/8/02	15.06	15.65	2824	5332.00	5332.0	40.05	41.63	2.66
Domestic Disturbance	11/2/01	14.03	14.97	2910	4822.00	4950.0	45.21	48.25	3.22
Basic	3/28/03	11.51	11.51	2876	4003.00	4003.0	26.60	26.60	2.31
Frequency	4/28/00	9.03	10.10	2621	3445.00	3707.1	44.98	50.31	4.98