Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
R | 26 November 1987 (USA)
Planes, Trains and Automobiles Trailers

An irritable marketing executive, Neal Page, is heading home to Chicago for Thanksgiving when a number of delays force him to travel with a well meaning but overbearing shower curtain ring salesman, Del Griffith.

Reviews
CrawlerChunky

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

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BallWubba

Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.

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Voxitype

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

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Quiet Muffin

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

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Raven-1969

A simple plan to fly from New York to Chicago for Thanksgiving goes horribly awry for business executive Neal Page. He is delayed by a pointless meeting, impeded by heavy holiday traffic, conned by a sly New Yorker and even his waiting cab is stolen, all before he reaches the airport. Bumped from a hard-earned first-class seat on a postponed flight, Neal finds himself face to face with the man who stole his cab, shower curtain salesman Del Griffith. This is just the beginning of the nightmare for both men, opposites in every respect, as their flight is forced to land in Wichita. The unlikely travel companions suffer repeated indignities and troubles trying to return to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving, and they are pressed to rely on as well as confront each other. The result is equal parts disastrous, hilarious and enlightening. Thirty years after the release of Planes, Trains & Automobiles and I still quote from and laugh at memorable scenes; the waving of stinky socks on the plane, mistaking worn underwear for a washcloth, driving the wrong way on the highway and waking up with a hand between two pillows. Steve Martin (Neal) and John Candy (Del) are perfectly cast. The actors are not only naturals for the characters, they work so well together. They are like a finely tuned machine.It is intriguing and funny enough that a noisy, restless and annoying blabbermouth and slob is stuck in the same seedy hotel room as a selfish, hostile and intolerant businessman, yet John Hughes takes it a step farther. There are lessons in human nature, honesty, letting go, non-judgment, vulnerability, kindness, decency, holiday spirit and more. This story, written and directed by Hughes, really resonates in our hearts because of this extra depth. We understand, as Del and Neal ultimately do, that "all the time we spend trying to get back what's taken from us, more is going out the door." Gobble, Gobble!

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LeonLouisRicci

A Relief from the "Raunchy Comedy" Explosion that Permeated the Genre and Developed a Huge Fan-Base and Endless Entries during the Era, this Extremely Popular Movie Entertains with a Fast Pace and Two Endearing Talents, Steve Martin and John Candy.The Film is a Smooth Road Trip Adventure with the Adjective "Heartwarming" Attached Routinely from Fans and Critics.It is a Funny, Non-Threatening, Piece of Fluff that has an Easy Time Entering the Consciousness of the Audience and makes it a Congenial Ride-Along and Rewards with its Uncomplicated Scenario and Sharply Defined, if Elementary, Personas of the Characters.The Humor Results from the Dialog, mostly, and the Visuals are more Slow-Burn Expressionistic than Slapstick. The Director takes His Time setting up the Situations and then uses Martin and Candy to Punctuate the Proceedings with Their Individualistic Charm.Routinely Stopping the Film for Tugs at the Heart, with a Tear-Jerk of an Ending, the Movie Finds a Nice Tone that Separates it from the Routine. Highly Enjoyable Family Fun where All Ages can Find a Handle of Humor for Their Liking.Overrated, but Undeniably Infectious. The Underselling and Restraint Works Wonders for this Fan Favorite and it seems that only Nit-Pickers can Find Fault

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studioAT

Aside from the really unnecessary scene that involves a lot of swearing this is a very good film, from the pen of the much missed John Hughes.John Candy (Hughes's muse after Molly Ringwald) and Steve Martin are the perfect comedy team, and their antics are very funny. There are some lovely set pieces, and some interesting cameos along the way too.It's not without its slow moments, but when this film is good its very good.Regularly touted as one of the best films of the 80's I couldn't agree more.

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Hitchcoc

How sad that we lost John Candy so young. He was one of those comedians who had a gentle nature but could be hilarious. He never had to resort to cheap laughs but relied on physical comedy. Steve Martin is without a doubt one of the funniest people to walk this earth, but he is also one of our best actors, and I mean best. He is creative in his acting and wears his heart on his sleeve. He is also, of course, a fine musician. These two guys pair up in this movie. We cringe all the way through because short of getting them killed, they are assaulted at every turn with the worst luck we can imagine. What ensues, despite Candy's character being responsible for most of the misery, is a real love story. It will make you think of why we fragile humans need each other because the world isn't a kind place for many. See this if you have a chance.

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