“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is a 1987 comedy film about two wildly different men who are forced to journey cross-country together, battling obstacles and sharing adventures like an odd couple in order to make it home for Thanksgiving.
CLICK HERE⇟⇟⇟👉🏼_Watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles 1987 English Subtitles_
Review
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a classic John Hughes comedy with an overbearing dose of heart. In the film, Hughes masterfully blends humor and pathos to create one of the most memorable road trip movies in cinema history. The movie tells the story of two men stranded in different parts of America who are trying to return to their hometown for Thanksgiving.
The two main characters, Neal Page (Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (John Candy), could not be more different from each other. Neal is a successful marketing executive who is obsessed with punctuality, while Del is an outgoing but somewhat clumsy shower curtain ring salesman who always seems to have just missed connecting flights.
The film’s storyline deftly balances humor with poignant moments as Neal and Del encounter one mishap after another during their journey. Whether it’s dealing with ridiculous weather conditions, sleeping in seedy motels or attempting to rent a car from an unhelpful clerk, the two men face countless obstacles that provide plenty of laughs along the way.
One scene that stands out in particular is when Neal finally loses his temper at Del after they’ve been stuck traveling together for days. The scene showcases Martin’s brilliantly controlled anger and Candy’s genuine sensitivity as he tries to apologize for his mistakes. It’s a moment that perfectly captures the movie’s balance between humor and pathos.
The dialogue in this movie is also very well written. John Hughes’ screenplay expertly weaves witty one-liners with realistic dialogue that serves to deepen our understanding of both characters. One pivotal moment occurs when Neal finally comes clean about why he so desperately needs to get back home for Thanksgiving, revealing a deeply personal tragedy that he has been keeping hidden from everyone around him.
The acting performances by Steve Martin and John Candy are impeccable throughout the movie, showcasing their range as actors. Martin plays Neal as a tightly wound individual who slowly unravels as his journey progresses while Candy brings a certain charm and warmth to Del’s character that makes him instantly relatable.
Another key element in the success of the movie is its score. The film’s score, composed by Ira Newborn, expertly complements the onscreen action, heightening the emotional impact of each scene.
With its heartfelt storyline and unforgettable performances, it’s no surprise that Planes, Trains and Automobiles has remained a beloved classic since its release in 1987. It has garnered critical acclaim, receiving a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie also proved to be a hit at the box office, grossing over $49 million.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles was filmed across several locations including Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, Wichita, Kansas and Amarillo, Texas. This allowed for a diverse range of settings that added depth to the characters’ journey.
While the movie was well received upon its release, what really made it stand out was its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. Its witty humor combined with heartfelt moments resonate so strongly with viewers that it remains one of John Hughes’ most enduring works.
In terms of recognition for their performances, Steve Martin won the Best Actor award at the American Comedy Awards while John Candy received a nod from the Canadian Genie Awards for his work in the film.
Overall, Planes Trains and Automobiles is a timeless classic that remains just as relevant today as it did upon its initial release. Its appeal lies in its ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level through believable characters and genuine pathos. It’s a triumph of comedy filmmaking that deserves all of the accolades it has received over the years.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 93
- Release : 1987-11-26
- Genre : Comedy
- Cast : Steve Martin as Neal Page, John Candy as Del Griffith, Laila Robins as Susan Page, Michael McKean as State Trooper, Dylan Baker as Owen
- Crew : Harold Michelson as Art Direction, April Ferry as Costume Design, Michael Chinich as Executive Producer, Donald Peterman as Director of Photography, Toni-Ann Walker as Hair Designer
- Popularity 16.939
- Budget : $15,000,000
- Revenue : $49,500,000
- Company : Paramount, Hughes Entertainment
- Summary : 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 ring curtain salesman, Del Griffith.
- Tagline : What he really wanted was to spend Thanksgiving with his family. What he got was three days with the turkey.
