Fall Movie Guide ’04 – Movies Opening October 1

The Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta, Morris Chestnut, Robert Patrick; directed by Jay Russell

The Hype:
Transitioning from inexperienced rookie to seasoned veteran is a hard stage in a anyone’s life. For Baltimore firefighter Jack Morrison (Phoenix), making the transition often shortchanges his wife and kids. In order to survive these trying times, he relies on the support of his mentor and chief, Mike Kennedy (Travolta) and his second family–the men of the firehouse. When Jack becomes trapped in the worst blaze of his career, his life and the things he holds important–family, dignity, courage–come into focus. As his fellow firefighters of Ladder 49 do all they can to rescue him, Jack’s life hangs by a string.

The Hype:
Oscar (voiced by Smith) is a fast-talking little fish who dreams big. Sometimes a little too big. When a shark mob boss is found dead, bottom-feeding Oscar thinks he can up his cred by telling a whopper of a lie that brings him fame, fortune, and the nickname “Sharkslayer.” But his “heroism” doesn’t come without a price, and the lie a catches up to him when the true story bubbles to the surface and Oscar finds out that lying has gotten him into some hot water.