Search - Into the Fire on DVD

It's All So Sad! "Into The Fire" Is A Quietly Powerful Film

K. Harris | Las Vegas, NV | 03/22/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Headlining a film with a lead character who is socially disconnected, uncommunicative, and grief stricken doesn't usually signal "feel good" entertainment. Being emotionally muted, real human interactions and relationships are something that Walter Harwig (Sean Patrick Flanery) ignores in the earnest drama "Into The Fire." But you can only avoid colliding with other lives for so long. He ends up being paired with two women who have also suffered devastating and life-changing losses--and guess what? Things don't get much cheerier. However, "Into The Fire" doesn't attempt to depict life's big moments. Instead, it is content to examine the small struggles of coping with life even when you're not sure it's worth living anymore. And, in that way, this small film is a testament to survival. Quiet and slow, but thoughtful, "Into The Fire" is a well-meaning film that documents how sharing grief can ultimately free you to move forward.

Flanery plays a member of the NYC Harbor Patrol Unit. Upon discovering a dead girl while examining the wreckage of a plane crash, his life starts to spin out of control. Memories of a past family tragedy resurface, and Flanery's guilt and depression overwhelm him. Relieved of duty, he doesn't know what to do with himself. Melina Kanakaredes, as the dead girl's sister, is struggling with the immediacy of her loss. And as the third part of this triangle, JoBeth Williams stars as a woman who has lost her son in the events of 9/11. This being a character drama, the film revolves around these relationships and what each person has to offer another. The film relies on subtle moments and is infused with sadness. There are few major revelations and the lack of histrionics provides "Into The Fire" with an intimate and quiet dignity.

I admired the unorthodox approach writer/director Michael Phelan utilized in this film. Coaxing a terrific performance out of Flanery, Harwig is a believable and complicated creation. Williams is appealing, as well, she is the oracle of wisdom in this film--but still has some issues of her own to face. However, I'm not sure if "Into The Fire" has a broad appeal. It is exceedingly slow--which may or may not be a problem to some. The Flanery and Kanakaredes connection can also seem a bit forced, and the coincidental timing of some of the film's events lessen its realness. Phelan has great potential, though. There are moments of real poignancy here--but the lack of momentum can sometimes be problematic. About 3 1/2 stars. KGHarris, 03/07."

Dark, slow and disappointing

S. Lacroix | Kingston, NH USA | 07/11/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"For the caliber of actors (Sean Patrick Flannery, Melina Kanakaredes, JoBeth Williams), this was highly disappointing. Story is exceedingly slow to develop and scenes leave you hanging without resolution. The characters are connected but the ending leaves a lot to be desired (quite literally) as I wanted the story to continue and bring the life-stories to closure. Had so much potential but was disappointingly boring."