Throwback Thursdays - Planes, Trains and Automobiles

In honour of the American Thanksgiving holiday, here's a review of the classic Thanksgiving themed film, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Steve Martin and John Candy
Released: 1987
Box Office: $49,230,280 (USA)
Throwback Review

Let me first start off by saying that I don't know one person who has seen this movie and did not find it funny. This might be John Hughes' funniest film in his remarkable career. In classic Hughes fashion, he not only directed this film, he also wrote and produced it. The film also marked his second time working with John Candy, however this time as one of the lead actors, where their first collaboration had Candy as a bit character in the first Vacation film.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles stars Steve Martin as the high-strung advertising executive Neal Page who is trying to get home to his family in Chicago for Thanksgiving after being on a business trip in New York. After being told that he would "never make the six" (which is one of my favourite lines from the film), Neal embarks on a doomed from the get-go journey that sees him consistently run into Del Griffith (Candy) who at times hinders Page's traveling and sometimes aids him in his quest to Chicago. Along the way, the two characters use all means of transportation (hence the title) and discover that you should never judge a book by its cover.

This film is without a doubt one of my all time favourites. Already a fan of Hughes' work, this film breaks the mold of his usual "brat pack", teenage angst type films that I love, but still maintains the Hughes' charm. Unlike the majority of comedies these days, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles takes its "one trick pony - cliche (in the case of this film, the "road" comedy) and gives it more depth and variety. Add in the use of real-life, believable characters who can carry the film on their own, and you have a receipe for success. The film provides both Martin and Candy with two of their best comedic roles and some of the most memorable scenes in film history (for example Martin's tirade on the rental car agency worker and Candy and Martin waking up in eachother's arms - "those aren't pillows!)

This film is not only a very well done comedy, it also has a well thought out storyline that pulls at your heartstrings. As much as I laugh at this movie, even after watching it for the millionth time, I find myself tearing up at certain points and rooting for the characters to make it at the end. It's a brilliant mash-up of comedy, heart, and drama all told in a down to earth, realistic way, that only Hughes could do.

Final Verdict: See it. A must see. If you haven't seen this film already, I have to wonder why? It is among the greatest comedies (especially in the holiday themed comedy genre) of all time in my books right alongside the Vacation series (mainly Christmas Vacation), Anchorman, Trading Places, Wayne's World, etc. The laughs and the smiles will be there guaranteed. And don't be alarmed if you catch your heart warming to the strong compassionate scenes.

"Six bucks and my right nut says we're not landing in Chicago"- Del Griffith, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.