Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)

 Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)


John Hughes, the man who changed how teen comedies were perceived in the 1980’s with films like The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, returns with one of his best films-Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. This film proved how versatile the director is. While he previously worked in settings set in high school, he proved he could make films that touch the heart with middle-aged men. And did he ever touch the heart. The film is so full of deft and sweetness. Some people may find that Steve Martin’s character is mean-spirited, but that is not true. Steve Martin and John Candy have such natural chemistry with one another. Their characters, are thankfully, not caricatures but human beings with feelings. I believed in these characters. This movie has a lotta heart but is it ever uproariously funny. So yes, you will be moved by laughter tears and emotional tears.

As a rule with John Hughes films, he creates relatable, natural characters. Characters that you would expect to interact with in the real world. Just like he tackled the various personas of Molly Ringwald in the movies they did together, his screenplay’s depictions of characters are extremely natural. Who would not be frustrated as Martin’s character as he just wants to be home for Thanksgiving. Who could relate to Candy’s talkative personality that could annoy people despite honest intentions. The scenarios themselves make for great comedy. I died laughing where the two men wake up in that Kansas motel room cuddled with one another and tried to shake it off with fake macho personas. Or that interaction Martin had with the car rental service agent. I was in tears. This script is definitely one of his best.

Neal Page (Steve Martin) is in New York and he is ready to fly to Chicago to be with his family for Thanksgiving. He runs into bad luck when he grabs a taxi, a shower curtain salesman Del Griffith (John Candy) steals it by mistake. They meet again at the airport. Neal is kicked out of first-class and is forced to sit next to the ever-talkative Del. Due to a blizzard, O’Hare is closed, and the plane is forced to land in Wichita, Kansas. With the same destination (Chicago) in mind, the two men decide to travel together. As they take various means of transportation (buses, trains, planes, you name it!) they realize they could have more in common with each other than they originally thought.

This movie would not have been half as good if it were not for both Steve Martin and John Candy. They have amazing chemistry with one another. It also helps that the characters they play are versions of types they perform very well. Neal is uptight while Del is goofy and talkative, but still loving and endearing in his own way. When Del makes that speech about “this is who I am,” my eyes welled up a bit. The supporting cast compliments these characters very well. Michael McKean delivers a great appearance as the state trooper. Also, Kevin Bacon appears as a taxi racer.

I suppose one could not be blamed if they thought Planes, Trains, and Automobiles lacked originality. Yes, I could predict the ending from miles away. But going from Point A to Point B is what makes it special. Hughes embraced the cliches of teen movies, road trip films, and buddy movies to give us something special. Besides, there are hardly any movies for Thanksgiving. This is one of them! Also, the soundtrack! Like he always do, Hughes assembled a great soundtrack with a good combination of rock and country. In the end, this film is a winner because it is funny and heartfelt. It may not have been a major box office success, but it did eventually win people over.

My Grade: A-

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