Planes, Trains, and Automobiles has become a Thanksgiving tradition in our house. Even though it is considered a comedy and rightly so, it is so much more.
It is a lesson in tolerance, trust and friendship. In my book, it is John Candy's finest performance hands down! His versatility shines right through in this film from beginning to end.
It is also one of my favorite Steve Martin roles. He is perfect as the uptight, fastidious, and intolerant Neal Page who's frustration over a client who can't make up his mind over which advertising campaign to go with, causes him to worry that he will be late getting home in time to share Thanksgiving with his family.
Candy is also perfect as Dell Griffith, the overbearing but well meaning nomadic shower curtain ring salesman. He adds such sensitivity and sweetness to the role that it takes this movie from a rolling in the aisles comedy, to a sweet and tender story about two strangers overcoming their character flaws to walk in each others shoes for a moment.
To be sure, it's hilariously funny and I never tire of the gags and pratfalls every time I see it. But for me, it's more about what these two men learn about themselves and from each other.
This one is a real charmer, and while you can view it anytime, it seems especially apropos at Thanksgiving.
It is a lesson in tolerance, trust and friendship. In my book, it is John Candy's finest performance hands down! His versatility shines right through in this film from beginning to end.
It is also one of my favorite Steve Martin roles. He is perfect as the uptight, fastidious, and intolerant Neal Page who's frustration over a client who can't make up his mind over which advertising campaign to go with, causes him to worry that he will be late getting home in time to share Thanksgiving with his family.
Candy is also perfect as Dell Griffith, the overbearing but well meaning nomadic shower curtain ring salesman. He adds such sensitivity and sweetness to the role that it takes this movie from a rolling in the aisles comedy, to a sweet and tender story about two strangers overcoming their character flaws to walk in each others shoes for a moment.
To be sure, it's hilariously funny and I never tire of the gags and pratfalls every time I see it. But for me, it's more about what these two men learn about themselves and from each other.
This one is a real charmer, and while you can view it anytime, it seems especially apropos at Thanksgiving.