Backdraft (2002, VHS)

Think real hard to yourself about when the last time a movie about the drama and danger firefighters came out?

I can't think of any personally, but back in 1991 a movie by the name of Backdraft came out directed by Ron Howard.

By making this movie, about two brothers, both firefighters, battling wits while looking out for each other during a mysterious ring of deaths all caused by someone who's an arsonist.

With this film, Ron Howard proves to everyone that there is no more "Opie" or "Richie Cunningham" those two are long gone. We now know Ron Howard, the serious director and storyteller.

I consider this film to be the complete opposite of "The Towering Inferno" showing you the other side of the fire, the inner depths of the true danger that can and most often will happen if you're not careful. Even if you are careful there's a certain, hypnotic effect that fire has that can take control of almost anything and destroy it like a wild beast.

Put the story, special effects and the amazing cast together and you have a wonderful film that's full of great acting, little bits of comedy, heavy drama and true tragedy.

I can think of no one person in this cast that wasn't perfect for the role he or she played.

Kurt Russell has the look in his eyes of a guy that's a true hero, someone you can always look to for help.

William Baldwin shows the audience the fear that goes through a rookie s mind when facing the monster of heat.

Robert De Niro is just...Robert De Niro, great in anything and everything.

When watching this movie you get the sense that firefighters are an all to unappreciated species. These guys and women risk their lives every single day to help everyone, no exceptions.

I'm thankful that movies like this are made, because there are some careers out there that movies have made me realize that I am so much of a fraidy cat that I couldn't succeed at any of these!

This movie, again, is tragedy the likes of Shakespeare in a certain, small way. Betrayal, brotherly love, fear, and loathing all come into play as the story unfolds before us.

I just wish the movie were more popular when it first came out. There are some true award-worthy performances given out in this movie. I really couldn't care less just how accurate this movie portrays firefighters or fire. I just love the movie because it's exciting and familiar to anyone with a family.

Check this out, it's well worth it.