How can a movie with flames leaping all over the place, people in jeopardy, and firefighters bravely battling against immeasurable odds be such a yawner? I almost feel guilty calling this film a bore - there’s a post 9/11 vibe to it that makes disliking it seem a bit unpatriotic, which feels disingenuous to say the least - but that’s what it is. “Ladder 49” is a big, bloated, boring, heartless drama that tries too hard to be wrestle some tears from its poor unsuspecting audience.

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Eddie Hawkins, called Hudson Hawk has just been released from ten years of prison and is planning to spend the rest of his life honestly. But then the crazy Mayflower couple blackmail him to steal some of the works of Leonardo da Vinci. If he refuses, they threaten to kill his friend Tommy. Written by Harald Mayr {marvin@bike.augusta.de}