Backdraft

A classic Ron Howard (Rush) from the early 90s. I saw this film like half a dozen times when I worked at Cineplex Odeon. It was so good - the effects - the acting. Russell (Escape from LA) was back as an actor after being gone a while and looking good - played a Lt. at a firehouse 17 in Chicago. Baldwin (Hawaii Five-O), William, was at the height of his popularity - saw his father die in a fire and put off being a fireman like his brother and father. DeNiro (The Deer Hunter) was being DeNiro - he had a low key part as a fire investigator. Sutherland (MASH), Donald, was was pyromaniac - an excellent and creepy job he did too. If you don't watch the whole thing you have to see the scenes with him - eerie. He is a good bad guy. Leigh (Weeds) was working in city politics and dating Baldwin - she had a small annoying part. They all had great accents - working class Chicago. The city is really out on display in this too. Glenn (Training Day) did a phenomenal job as the fireman that helped raise the two brothers after their father dies. He also has a shower scene which - wow! De Mornay (Rock the Cradle) was the estranged wife of Russell. Gedrick (Iron Eagle) was just starting to be really popular - played a wounded fireman. The fire is the main character and there is a really poetic explanation of fire from DeNiro in a monologue toward the end of the movie. It was really well written, edited, and filmed. All in all, I say: SEE IT - Showtime was playing it this weekend.