Ladder 49

Aroview: Without working up much heat, this firefighting drama is a melodramatic look at the life crises of those manning the hoses and ladders, with Phoenix in the hot seat at work and home.

Attempting to look deeper than normal into the trauma-inducing experiences of tackling burning skyscrapers, this takes a fairly 'safe' route in its storyline, supplemented by some great action, but Phoenix fills out his character with a sincere turn. Travolta also impresses as a veteran fire chief.