AltWeeklies Wire
A Boy and His Monsternew
The Water Horse rises well above the level of most contemporary family films. It's moving and amusing, addresses the concerns of adulthood and childhood and is intelligent rather than merely smart allecky or even clever.
  
    Shepherd Express  |  
    David Luhrssen  |  
    01-11-2008  | 
    Reviews
  
  
  
    
  Flaming Tributenew
No scorcher this, but nonetheless a sturdy tribute to firefighters and male camaraderie.
  
    Austin Chronicle  |  
    Marjorie Baumgarten  |  
    10-08-2004  | 
    Reviews
  
  
  
    Tags: Jay Russell, Ladder 49
  Manipulative Momentsnew
A series of flashbacks and a drippy soundtrack make for a terrible emotional wreck in Ladder 49.
  
    Tucson Weekly  |  
    James DiGiovanna  |  
    10-07-2004  | 
    Reviews
  
  
  
    
  Joaquin Phoenix Shows Versatility With Rolesnew
Even a firefighting action drama represents another unpredictable change-of-pace for Joaquin Phoenix, 29. Wait until next spring's Walk the Line, in which he portrays the one-and-only Johnny Cash (opposite Reese Witherspoon, no less, as June Carter).
  
    Creative Loafing (Atlanta)  |  
    Bert Osborne  |  
    10-07-2004  | 
    Profiles & Interviews
  
  
  
    Tags: Jay Russell, Ladder 49
  Like Moths to a Flamenew
Jay Russell's action-packed, flame-broiled Ladder 49 is an all-out valentine to the firehouse fraternity. While it's good with mayhem, it's pretty weak in terms of actual human behavior.
    
  
    
  After the Fire
Ladder 49 effectively balances humanizing and lionizing its firefighter heroes.
  
    Salt Lake City Weekly  |  
    Scott Renshaw  |  
    09-24-2004  | 
    Reviews
  
  
  
    Tags: Jay Russell, Ladder 49