Watch Firehouse
- 1997
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4.3 (160)
Firehouse is a 1996 film directed by John McPherson and starring Richard Dean Anderson, Lillo Brancato and Morris Chestnut. It is a film about firefighters and their lives and struggles. The movie begins with a young boy, named Lieutenant T.J. Luther (Morris Chestnut), watching a movie about firefighting with his family. This seems to have inspired him, because later on we find him serving as a firefighter in Engine Co. 17. He is joined by a group of firefighters, including the experienced Captain Jack Thomas (Richard Dean Anderson) and the young and impetuous Tommy Nuckles (Lillo Brancato).
Captain Thomas is the quintessential leader, who pushes his team hard, but is always there to support them when they need it. He has a lot of experience and has seen it all, which is why he is respected by his team. Tommy is a new firefighter who has a tendency to take risks and is always looking for danger. T.J. is the more reserved of the trio, but he is respected by his colleagues for his dedication and commitment to the job.
The film proceeds to explore the lives of these three firefighters and how they deal with the day-to-day stress of their job. There are many scenes of them working in intense situations such as a high-rise building fire, where they risk their lives to save others. They also bond with each other by playing sports and having a good time during the rare moments they are not on duty.
However, the movie also delves into their personal lives, which is where the film truly shines. T.J. is dealing with the death of his father, who was also a firefighter. Captain Thomas is in the middle of a divorce and struggles to maintain a relationship with his son. Tommy is dealing with problems at home, where his father belittles him for being a firefighter rather than a businessman.
The film does an excellent job of balancing the demands of the job and the personal struggles of the firefighters, while also highlighting the bond that forms between the members of the team. The film shows the inherent dangers of firefighting, but also the satisfaction of knowing that they are making a difference in people's lives.
One of the film's strengths is the great chemistry between the actors. Richard Dean Anderson gives a strong performance as Captain Thomas, who is the backbone of the team. Morris Chestnut is equally impressive as T.J., who is dealing with a lot of emotional baggage while still being a top-notch firefighter. Lillo Brancato plays the role of Tommy with a great deal of enthusiasm and energy, making the character a source of comic relief at times.
Overall, Firehouse is a compelling drama that works equally well as a character study and an action movie. It is a tribute to the bravery and heroism of firefighters in dangerous situations, while also showing the humanity and compassion of the men who put their lives on the line every day. The film's pacing is well-done, and the audience is never given a chance to get bored. The movie's themes of loyalty, courage and friendship make it a valuable addition to any film collection.