I'm not sure who is responsible for bringing Steve Martin and John Candy together,but they are a genius in my book,and they were brought together with just the right material.This comedy from John Hughes is without question his best work as a director. I look at this film as a modern day Laurel and Hardy romp,which, incredibly was not included in the AFI's Top 100 comedies.It will cause you tears,both from laughter and it's touching ending.It is about two very different ways of life,clashing in the beginning, but slowly coming together from the realization they we are all human,despite our differences.It is becoming a tradition at the Williams household to view this movie every Thanksgiving.It is a must see,must own film. Thumbs up.
535 Reviews
Funny, Heartwarming but Never Corny
claudio_carvalho28 September 2014
In New York, the marketing executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) wants to travel home in Chicago after hours for Thanksgiving. He has difficulties to get a taxi and his flight is canceled. He meets in the airport the clumsy and talkative shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith (John Candy) that has taken his cab and they travel side-by-side to Chicago. However the bad weather shutdown the O'Hare Airport and they land at Wichita, Kansas. They both want to go to Chicago and they decide to travel together. Along their journey Neal changes his viewpoint about Del Griffith and his own behavior.
"Planes, Trains & Automobiles" is a funny and heartwarming comedy by John Hughes. Steve Martin and John Candy are among the best comedians of the 80's and their chemistry is amazing, giving one of the best performances in a comedy. The emotional conclusion is beautiful and never corny. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Antes Só do Que Mal Acompanhado" ("Better off Alone than with Bad Company")
"Planes, Trains & Automobiles" is a funny and heartwarming comedy by John Hughes. Steve Martin and John Candy are among the best comedians of the 80's and their chemistry is amazing, giving one of the best performances in a comedy. The emotional conclusion is beautiful and never corny. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Antes Só do Que Mal Acompanhado" ("Better off Alone than with Bad Company")
Classic Film that had mixed reviews upon its theatrical release
Christmas-Reviewer25 March 2019
I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.
Review Date 3/25/2019
In 1987 "Planes Trains & Automobiles" opened in theaters the same weekend as "Three Men and a Baby". The critics went gaga over "Three Men" but gave only "so-so" reviews to "Planes Trains and Automobiles" however over the years "Planes" reviews have come around and is now considered one of John Hughes best work and I agree. However I thought that when I first saw it in 1987.
Now 32 years later "Three Men and a Baby" comes across like a feature length sitcom but "Planes Trains & Automobiles" has improved with age and at lighting fast 92 minutes you are never bored.
The simple plat is Steve Martin is an uptight business man trying to get home for Thanksgiving. Everything goes wrong for him. His traveling companion by default is John Candy who has never been better and brings depth into a character that only John candy could.
In 1987 I think critics were reviewing the film harshly because the film went over schedule and budget. "Three Men & a Baby" however did not have bad press to overcome from its production. However when you are watching that film today you will see the "Cookie Cutter" that was always there in the film. "Planes trains & Automobiles" took for more chances and dared you too like two characters that at times weren't very nice.
If you never have seen the film please watch it. The older you are the more you will enjoy it.
This film is by far one of Steve Martins best performances as well as John Candy's. The only films John Hughes wrote that were better than this is "Vacation" and "Christmas Vacation". However all of them are classics and should be mandatory watching.
Review Date 3/25/2019
In 1987 "Planes Trains & Automobiles" opened in theaters the same weekend as "Three Men and a Baby". The critics went gaga over "Three Men" but gave only "so-so" reviews to "Planes Trains and Automobiles" however over the years "Planes" reviews have come around and is now considered one of John Hughes best work and I agree. However I thought that when I first saw it in 1987.
Now 32 years later "Three Men and a Baby" comes across like a feature length sitcom but "Planes Trains & Automobiles" has improved with age and at lighting fast 92 minutes you are never bored.
The simple plat is Steve Martin is an uptight business man trying to get home for Thanksgiving. Everything goes wrong for him. His traveling companion by default is John Candy who has never been better and brings depth into a character that only John candy could.
In 1987 I think critics were reviewing the film harshly because the film went over schedule and budget. "Three Men & a Baby" however did not have bad press to overcome from its production. However when you are watching that film today you will see the "Cookie Cutter" that was always there in the film. "Planes trains & Automobiles" took for more chances and dared you too like two characters that at times weren't very nice.
If you never have seen the film please watch it. The older you are the more you will enjoy it.
This film is by far one of Steve Martins best performances as well as John Candy's. The only films John Hughes wrote that were better than this is "Vacation" and "Christmas Vacation". However all of them are classics and should be mandatory watching.
John Hughes best adult comedy
baumer29 December 1999
John Candy was a comic genius. He really was. Never was his talent on display better than it was in this film. John Hughes and John Candy went on to develop what I can only surmise was quite the friendship because Candy appeared in many Hughes films either as the star ( this one, Uncle Buck, Great Outdoors ) or with a cameo ( Home Alone, Vacation and a few others that I can't think of right now, but check the IMDb and you'll see that he did ). But of all the films that Candy did, including Stripes, I don't think he has ever been as good and as funny as he was in here. If there was any justice in the Academy ( and we all know that is an oxymoron, Academy and justice ) then Candy would have at least been nominated for best actor in 1987. I think Douglas won that year for Wall Street and he deserved to but Candy was brilliant in this film. It was a shame to see his career cut short because even in his bad films he was good. This is his best and most complete role. He will be missed but at least we have great roles like this to remember him by.
Planes.... is a film about one man trying to get home for the American Thanksgiving. He is Neil Page and he is played with perfect smugness by Steve Martin. He is a work-a-holic and his lifestyle is that of many John Hughes family men that live in suburbia Chicago. He lives in a huge house, much like the one in Home Alone and Weird Science, and his family is a beautiful one that consists of a lovely wife and three kids. But he is never home and for all of his success professionally, it is the kind of family that although is together now, it may not survive the fast approaching 90's if Neil Page continues his ways.
John Candy plays Dell Griffith. He is a jolly man, much like Santa Clause but without the beard and the old age. This is a man that carries a giant trunk around with him and is a constant chatter box. He is the kind of man that you know is good at sales, but on a lower level. He is too much of a slob to really be a corporate sales guy. Of course this Laurel and Hardy pair cross paths and from here on out Neil's simple task of getting home to his family for Thanksgiving is going to be a journey from hell.
First of all he loses his cab in New York rush hour to Candy who unwittingly steals it from him, then he is bumped from first class and ends up sitting next to Candy on the plane. Then they are delayed because of weather problems and what do you know, they end up spending the night together in not only the same hotel, not only the same room but the same bed. This presents all sorts of comic possibilities and Hughes doesn't miss one of them. His comic timing and development of the two characters is brilliant. Some of the best scenes are when the two are bantering and Candy is verbally assaulted by Martin. Martin goes off and says that he is annoying to listen to and then he says this: " You know I could sit through an insurance seminar and still look happy and the others would say how do you do it? And I would say, because I can take anything, I've been with Dell Griffith, and they'd say, " I know what you mean. Whooooo, shower curtain guy! " And as funny as that scene is, Hughes goes for more than the quick payoff of laughter. He then reminds you that this isn't just a comedy but a film with many layers and substance to it. Because the next scene has Candy delivering a monologue that almost makes you embarrassed for laughing at what Martin said.
But truth be told, first and foremost, this is a funny, funny film. And if anyone has scene it, they will tell you about the airport scene where Page has lost his rental car and he comes back and does what we have all dreamed of doing ourselves, he goes ballistic on the person behind the desk, who subsequently is Grace, from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. She must have been fired by Ed Rooney and now rents cars at airports for a living. She plays a desk clerk that has decided to take the Thanksgiving holiday a little sooner that she is supposed to. Martin comes in and she starts by saying, "Can I help you?" Martin replies, "You can start by wiping that f***ing dumbass smile off your rosy f@**ing cheeks. " From there he goes into an F-Word filled tirade about how her company left him in the middle of f***ing nowhere with f****ing keys to a f***ing car that isn't f***ing there. It is one of the funniest moments that I have seen in any film because you don't expect it from a Hughes film.
Planes... is a heart warming film about family, friendship and good will towards men. It is also a wickedly funny movie and it will stand the test of time and I think in 30 or 40 years from now, it may be looked upon as Hughes best film. Candy and Martin are wonderful in here and it is really a treat to watch them work together.
10 out of 10
Planes.... is a film about one man trying to get home for the American Thanksgiving. He is Neil Page and he is played with perfect smugness by Steve Martin. He is a work-a-holic and his lifestyle is that of many John Hughes family men that live in suburbia Chicago. He lives in a huge house, much like the one in Home Alone and Weird Science, and his family is a beautiful one that consists of a lovely wife and three kids. But he is never home and for all of his success professionally, it is the kind of family that although is together now, it may not survive the fast approaching 90's if Neil Page continues his ways.
John Candy plays Dell Griffith. He is a jolly man, much like Santa Clause but without the beard and the old age. This is a man that carries a giant trunk around with him and is a constant chatter box. He is the kind of man that you know is good at sales, but on a lower level. He is too much of a slob to really be a corporate sales guy. Of course this Laurel and Hardy pair cross paths and from here on out Neil's simple task of getting home to his family for Thanksgiving is going to be a journey from hell.
First of all he loses his cab in New York rush hour to Candy who unwittingly steals it from him, then he is bumped from first class and ends up sitting next to Candy on the plane. Then they are delayed because of weather problems and what do you know, they end up spending the night together in not only the same hotel, not only the same room but the same bed. This presents all sorts of comic possibilities and Hughes doesn't miss one of them. His comic timing and development of the two characters is brilliant. Some of the best scenes are when the two are bantering and Candy is verbally assaulted by Martin. Martin goes off and says that he is annoying to listen to and then he says this: " You know I could sit through an insurance seminar and still look happy and the others would say how do you do it? And I would say, because I can take anything, I've been with Dell Griffith, and they'd say, " I know what you mean. Whooooo, shower curtain guy! " And as funny as that scene is, Hughes goes for more than the quick payoff of laughter. He then reminds you that this isn't just a comedy but a film with many layers and substance to it. Because the next scene has Candy delivering a monologue that almost makes you embarrassed for laughing at what Martin said.
But truth be told, first and foremost, this is a funny, funny film. And if anyone has scene it, they will tell you about the airport scene where Page has lost his rental car and he comes back and does what we have all dreamed of doing ourselves, he goes ballistic on the person behind the desk, who subsequently is Grace, from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. She must have been fired by Ed Rooney and now rents cars at airports for a living. She plays a desk clerk that has decided to take the Thanksgiving holiday a little sooner that she is supposed to. Martin comes in and she starts by saying, "Can I help you?" Martin replies, "You can start by wiping that f***ing dumbass smile off your rosy f@**ing cheeks. " From there he goes into an F-Word filled tirade about how her company left him in the middle of f***ing nowhere with f****ing keys to a f***ing car that isn't f***ing there. It is one of the funniest moments that I have seen in any film because you don't expect it from a Hughes film.
Planes... is a heart warming film about family, friendship and good will towards men. It is also a wickedly funny movie and it will stand the test of time and I think in 30 or 40 years from now, it may be looked upon as Hughes best film. Candy and Martin are wonderful in here and it is really a treat to watch them work together.
10 out of 10
Arguably the best comedy of the 1980s
MovieAddict20162 June 2004
The greatness and pure genius of "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is that, while it is uproariously hilarious, it also reveals great hurt and truth - unlike any comedy I have ever seen before or since.
Scenes such as those in the Bravewood Inn are classics. The argument between Neal and Del is the turning point in the film, and it is the first time that the audience realizes that they are in for more than they thought they were. There are certain elements of tenderness, heart, agony, conflict, and heartfelt emotion in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" that make it transcend the genre.
Steve Martin and John Candy don't just act; they embody themselves so deeply in their characters that it almost sets a standard for how comedic pairings should be. Line them up next to Chris Farley and David Spade and the differences are astronomical. Watching Steve Martin is like acting a comedian at the top of his game. Just watch his reactions. The facial reaction from Steve in response to Del's comeback in the Bravewood Inn is perfect; we understand what Neal is going through, and Steve Martin lets us know this by placing himself in a recognizable area. We also understand Del, and that is really the key to this movie: Being able to identify with both characters almost equally. How often can you say that about buddy pictures? I don't ever feel much sympathy for Chris Farley, if that means anything.
John Candy remains one of the most underrated and underwritten film comedians of all time. Offered constant mediocre scripts during the eighties and early nineties, all the way up until his death in 1994, he could make the material something more, something watchable. I recently viewed "Funny Farm," a painfully unfunny film to sit through. I imagined what John Candy could have done with Chevy Chase's role, and I found myself laughing. Why? Because John Candy can make anything watchable. Just how many times would you watch "Summer Rental" or "The Great Outdoors" if the lead actor was Jim Carrey?
There's some important content in this film, but it is never overpowered by laughs, nor vice versa. They go hand-in-hand. I come back to the Bravewood Inn argument scene. After the hilarious, ongoing insults Neal throws at Del, Del responds and says, "You wanna hurt me? Go right ahead if it makes you feel any better. I'm an easy target. Yeah, you're right, I talk too much. But I also listen too much. I could be a cold-hearted cynical like you, but I don't like to hurt people's feelings. So you go right on and think what you like about me. But I'm not changing. I - I like me. My wife likes me. My customers like me. 'Cause I'm the real deal. Whatcha see is whatcha get." It's creepy how much dramatic, emotional and truthful subtext sneaks into this film, and yet it only makes it all the better for it. "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is my favorite Comedy, yes I know that I have said it before. But, it is a serious comedy that has both heart and is hilarious at the same time. Entertainment at it's best. And isn't that what movies are all about?
5/5 stars.
Scenes such as those in the Bravewood Inn are classics. The argument between Neal and Del is the turning point in the film, and it is the first time that the audience realizes that they are in for more than they thought they were. There are certain elements of tenderness, heart, agony, conflict, and heartfelt emotion in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" that make it transcend the genre.
Steve Martin and John Candy don't just act; they embody themselves so deeply in their characters that it almost sets a standard for how comedic pairings should be. Line them up next to Chris Farley and David Spade and the differences are astronomical. Watching Steve Martin is like acting a comedian at the top of his game. Just watch his reactions. The facial reaction from Steve in response to Del's comeback in the Bravewood Inn is perfect; we understand what Neal is going through, and Steve Martin lets us know this by placing himself in a recognizable area. We also understand Del, and that is really the key to this movie: Being able to identify with both characters almost equally. How often can you say that about buddy pictures? I don't ever feel much sympathy for Chris Farley, if that means anything.
John Candy remains one of the most underrated and underwritten film comedians of all time. Offered constant mediocre scripts during the eighties and early nineties, all the way up until his death in 1994, he could make the material something more, something watchable. I recently viewed "Funny Farm," a painfully unfunny film to sit through. I imagined what John Candy could have done with Chevy Chase's role, and I found myself laughing. Why? Because John Candy can make anything watchable. Just how many times would you watch "Summer Rental" or "The Great Outdoors" if the lead actor was Jim Carrey?
There's some important content in this film, but it is never overpowered by laughs, nor vice versa. They go hand-in-hand. I come back to the Bravewood Inn argument scene. After the hilarious, ongoing insults Neal throws at Del, Del responds and says, "You wanna hurt me? Go right ahead if it makes you feel any better. I'm an easy target. Yeah, you're right, I talk too much. But I also listen too much. I could be a cold-hearted cynical like you, but I don't like to hurt people's feelings. So you go right on and think what you like about me. But I'm not changing. I - I like me. My wife likes me. My customers like me. 'Cause I'm the real deal. Whatcha see is whatcha get." It's creepy how much dramatic, emotional and truthful subtext sneaks into this film, and yet it only makes it all the better for it. "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is my favorite Comedy, yes I know that I have said it before. But, it is a serious comedy that has both heart and is hilarious at the same time. Entertainment at it's best. And isn't that what movies are all about?
5/5 stars.
Martin & Candy make for a unique odd couple; hysterically funny holiday comedy
george.schmidt16 April 2003
PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES (1987) **** Steve Martin, John Candy, William Windom, Edie McClurg, Laila Robins, Kevin Bacon (cameo). One of my all time favorite comedies. Side-splittingly hilarious film by writer-director John Hughes about uptight advertising salesman Neal Page (Martin in a versatile comic turn) faced with many pitfalls in reluctantly traveling with obnoxious yet well-meaning shower curtain-ring salesman Del Griffith (Candy in arguably his best role) offering assistance and resulting in setback. Great scenes all around in this first-rate buddy road flick. Candy is bittersweet with his " I like me" moment but the best moments are him going down a highway the wrong way with two oncoming semis and Martin's priceless apoplectic moment at a car rental saying the "F" word 18 times (yes I counted! in fact I watched this video at least once a week for two years at college with my roommates laughing helplessly).
What a funny movie! They just don't make them like that anymore
CyndiReynolds425 January 2004
What is a more funny movie, then one with both Steve Martin and John Candy, `Planes, Trains and Automobiles,' kept me laughing the whole time. There's no better way to explain Martin and Candy, but truly funny. They are the ultimate odd couple. The up tight Neal Page (Martin) is a workaholic, just trying to see his family for Thanksgiving. When he runs into Del Grifith (John Candy), Neil learns to laugh and unwind. They couldn't be more wrong for each other. Through all the busyness of New York, it's ironic how two opposite people could possibly meet each other and become friends. Especially when they are so different and couldn't like one another any less. Del is a carefree, easy going, curtain ring sales men, that seems to have no problems in life. Though he hides one tearful secret, he keeps you laughing until the end.
When Neal is in such a hurry to get home for Thanksgiving with his family, he just has to have everything go wrong. It doesn't help that Neal is an overly obsessive, business man with no other purpose in life but to work and go home. After several attempts to never see each other again, Del and Neal learn to spend their trip together. After hopping from planes, trains and automobiles, a simple trip soon turns into quite an adventure, for the two odd friends. The fine acting and natural raw comedy between Martin and Candy adds an addicting appeal to the movie. The movie is rated R for the language that the characters use through the entire movie. Although that is what makes the movie so funny. It's a great ****ing movie! The film would probably appeal more towards an older audience because of the `intense' language used, though the film still holds a wholesome quality about it. It's a warm hearted film with lots to laugh about. The laughter of the film keeps you drawn in until the end, when the more serious nature of the film is displayed. `Planes, Trains and Automobiles' deserves a 7 out of 10.
When Neal is in such a hurry to get home for Thanksgiving with his family, he just has to have everything go wrong. It doesn't help that Neal is an overly obsessive, business man with no other purpose in life but to work and go home. After several attempts to never see each other again, Del and Neal learn to spend their trip together. After hopping from planes, trains and automobiles, a simple trip soon turns into quite an adventure, for the two odd friends. The fine acting and natural raw comedy between Martin and Candy adds an addicting appeal to the movie. The movie is rated R for the language that the characters use through the entire movie. Although that is what makes the movie so funny. It's a great ****ing movie! The film would probably appeal more towards an older audience because of the `intense' language used, though the film still holds a wholesome quality about it. It's a warm hearted film with lots to laugh about. The laughter of the film keeps you drawn in until the end, when the more serious nature of the film is displayed. `Planes, Trains and Automobiles' deserves a 7 out of 10.
The best Thanksgiving movie ever!
lee_eisenberg1 December 2005
When jittery advertising executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) is trying to go home for Thanksgiving, he gets stuck with boorish shower ring salesman Del Griffith (John Candy). Their experiences over the next two days are some of the funniest moments ever to grace the silver screen. The best parts are the "pillow" scene, the car rental scene, and the freeway scene (warning: you may very well laugh yourself to death). But overall, the reason that the movie is so good is because we come to understand why these two men are like they are.
I can't do "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" justice by trying to describe it. You have to see it to understand how hilarious it is. You won't have a dull moment in it.
I can't do "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" justice by trying to describe it. You have to see it to understand how hilarious it is. You won't have a dull moment in it.
The anti-comedy which transitioned John Hughes from teen angst to childhood, family movies
johnnyreags8 July 2019
I struggle mightily to rate this movie as highly as others have. Luckily for it, I respect the admirable skills of both John Candy & John Hughes, and Steve Martin is no slouch as well. They all do their parts reasonably well, but I would struggle to rank this film in Hughes' top 5 screenplays in his impressive career. Mostly because I've decided this movie isn't really a comedy. So what is it then?
I believe that P.T.&A. is the beginning of Hughes' transition into family-friendly filmmaking, centered around the Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays. If not for an extremely unnecessary 90 second scene where Martin channels his inner Cartman, this movie ought to be rated PG. I can't remember any other instances of drugs, sex, or violence that would inhibit this from being viewed by the whole family. Yes there is some smoking, but that was common back in the 80s and I doubt many parents would be that offended compared to the famous f-bomb scene. And that's what makes this scene such a head scratcher in terms of Hughes' intended audience; who is he making this film for? And when was watching a guy explode in anger ever considered funny? Martin either wasn't directed properly or they didn't really develop his character in my eyes to be empathized from an audience perspective. Neither Martin's character, nor many of the comedic elements of this film actually amuse me. I didn't think it was funny, hardly at all. There may be one or two lines/scenes that I might consider smiling at. The rest of the film just makes me feel like it hasn't aged well. I want to believe this was actually considered comedy back in the 80s, but I don't think many would characterize it as funny. Both actors have made funnier films, I assure you. The movie hasn't aged well IMO.
So that leaves me to focus on the film's other redeeming qualities. Besides wrestling with the misnomer that this film isn't really a comedy, I do think it functions well as a character-development film in terms of the story that it depicts. I don't care how implausible many of the scenes or sequences are. But if Hughes intends to make people think more about how they treat one another (especially the stranger), then I feel this film does an extremely good job of making me evaluate myself more than the movie itself. Since I'm not busy laughing at the nonsense onscreen, I spent a lot of time discerning how I would behave in the situation. Would I be receptive to a complete stranger? Would I be kind, patient, and hospitable? Or would I turn tail and run as soon as the first unfortunate event happened? It was amusing to watch folly after folly befall Steve Martin's character, but Candy actually endears himself to his new friend to such an extent that getting to the destination didn't finish the movie. I won't spoil the ending, but I think Hughes did an acceptable job of tying the loose ends together in a somewhat patronizing ending. If I put down my cynicism, it really is a heartwarming ending which emphasizes Hughes' strength of family-centric, morality booster bliss.
But there is also a mystery about this film that begs for a director's cut which will now never happen (RIP John Hughes). If you do some research, supposedly the original cut of this film was in excess of 3 hours. Steve Martin couldn't believe how long the original script was. Many of the trailers you can find online contain scenes that actually AREN'T in the film! I can only imagine that there are some comedic gems which ended up on the cutting room floor that may have bolstered this otherwise pedestrian "comedy". This film is a prime example of what can happen when you overdo the edits. Watch the extras if you have access to them on Blu-ray or DVD.
6 stars for the film. Half a star each for Candy & Hughes. Reluctant 7/10, but I can think of many other films I would rather share with my family during Thanksgiving. Perhaps a missed opportunity on Hughes' part given the dynamite duo who obviously have decent chemistry and supreme acting ability. One could argue that Martin/Candy saved this film. Strong, steady performances from both of them.
I believe that P.T.&A. is the beginning of Hughes' transition into family-friendly filmmaking, centered around the Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays. If not for an extremely unnecessary 90 second scene where Martin channels his inner Cartman, this movie ought to be rated PG. I can't remember any other instances of drugs, sex, or violence that would inhibit this from being viewed by the whole family. Yes there is some smoking, but that was common back in the 80s and I doubt many parents would be that offended compared to the famous f-bomb scene. And that's what makes this scene such a head scratcher in terms of Hughes' intended audience; who is he making this film for? And when was watching a guy explode in anger ever considered funny? Martin either wasn't directed properly or they didn't really develop his character in my eyes to be empathized from an audience perspective. Neither Martin's character, nor many of the comedic elements of this film actually amuse me. I didn't think it was funny, hardly at all. There may be one or two lines/scenes that I might consider smiling at. The rest of the film just makes me feel like it hasn't aged well. I want to believe this was actually considered comedy back in the 80s, but I don't think many would characterize it as funny. Both actors have made funnier films, I assure you. The movie hasn't aged well IMO.
So that leaves me to focus on the film's other redeeming qualities. Besides wrestling with the misnomer that this film isn't really a comedy, I do think it functions well as a character-development film in terms of the story that it depicts. I don't care how implausible many of the scenes or sequences are. But if Hughes intends to make people think more about how they treat one another (especially the stranger), then I feel this film does an extremely good job of making me evaluate myself more than the movie itself. Since I'm not busy laughing at the nonsense onscreen, I spent a lot of time discerning how I would behave in the situation. Would I be receptive to a complete stranger? Would I be kind, patient, and hospitable? Or would I turn tail and run as soon as the first unfortunate event happened? It was amusing to watch folly after folly befall Steve Martin's character, but Candy actually endears himself to his new friend to such an extent that getting to the destination didn't finish the movie. I won't spoil the ending, but I think Hughes did an acceptable job of tying the loose ends together in a somewhat patronizing ending. If I put down my cynicism, it really is a heartwarming ending which emphasizes Hughes' strength of family-centric, morality booster bliss.
But there is also a mystery about this film that begs for a director's cut which will now never happen (RIP John Hughes). If you do some research, supposedly the original cut of this film was in excess of 3 hours. Steve Martin couldn't believe how long the original script was. Many of the trailers you can find online contain scenes that actually AREN'T in the film! I can only imagine that there are some comedic gems which ended up on the cutting room floor that may have bolstered this otherwise pedestrian "comedy". This film is a prime example of what can happen when you overdo the edits. Watch the extras if you have access to them on Blu-ray or DVD.
6 stars for the film. Half a star each for Candy & Hughes. Reluctant 7/10, but I can think of many other films I would rather share with my family during Thanksgiving. Perhaps a missed opportunity on Hughes' part given the dynamite duo who obviously have decent chemistry and supreme acting ability. One could argue that Martin/Candy saved this film. Strong, steady performances from both of them.
A great film on so many levels.
DavidSim2401835 March 2004
Warning: Spoilers
John Hughes normally concentrated on teen films in the 1980's. Most of these were very good, but Planes, Trains & Automobiles was a nice change of pace. The pairing up of Steve Martin and John Candy was an inspired choice, and these two great actors turn the film into a comedy masterpiece.
Normally, I can't stand Steve Martin, because in almost everything I've seen him in, he goes completely over the top. But his performance in PTA changed my outlook of him. He plays Neal Page, a snobbish, cynical advertising executive in New York, who is going home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. The film is called Planes, Trains & Automobiles because these are the means of transportation Neal has to go through to get home.
Desperately late for his plane home, there is an hilarious scene at the beginning where he makes a mad dash for a taxi with Kevin Bacon (making a cameo). Unfortunately, Neal loses out, and then loses a second taxi stolen by John Candy. He plays Del Griffith, a shower curtain ring salesman, who is also on his way to the airport.
The two of them properly meet at the airport after Neal's flight is delayed. I like this scene because they both recognise each other from somewhere, but can't quite place where. Neal then has the bad luck of being seated next to Del on the plane. At some point in our lives, we've all met someone like Del Griffith. Someone who is over friendly, chatty, and a real pest. But they're so full of the best of intentions you don't have the heart to tell them to leave you alone.
Just when it looks like things can't get any worse for Neal, the flight is then cancelled. So begins the hysterical chain of events of Neal's odyssey to get home.
Now stuck with Del, who wants to help Neal, our hapless duo go from one disaster after another to get to Chicago. Steve Martin and John Candy make a great double act, because although they seem like the archetypal Odd Couple, there are more complexities to their relationship then at first thought.
One of the best scenes is when they are forced to spend a night in a motel. Del's slobbish behaviour finally drives Neal to explode. He begins ranting about how boring Del is, and what a real failure he is. In short, Del is nothing but a plague on humanity.
What is so good about this scene, is at first you are chuckling at Neal pointing out Del's shortcomings. But Del looks so genuinely hurt your sympathies start to switch to Del instead of Neal. Then something very unexpected happens, when Del tells Neal (and the audience) something I thought was very moving:
"You wanna hurt me? Go right ahead if it makes you feel any better. I'm an easy target. Yeah you're right. I talk too much. I also listen too much. I could be a cold hearted cynic like you... but I don't like to hurt people's feelings. You can say what you like about me; I'm not changing. Me... I like me. My wife likes me. My customers like me. 'Cause I'm the real article. What you see is what you get."
This scene alone speaks volumes about the personalities of these two men. You begin to really feel sorry for Del, because he seems like a lonely man. And Neal is not such a nice person after all. He doesn't mind insulting people if it makes him feel better. But still, the laughs come thick and fast afterwards. One of the most hysterical scenes is when Neal mouths off at a car rental saleswoman after being dumped in the middle of nowhere. I've never heard so many F words in one sentence. This had to have been what gave the film its 15 certificate. Its possible Hughes inserted this scene to make it clearer to the audience PTA is more adult-oriented than his previous films.
Del and Neal end up sharing a rental car, and they manage to completely wreck it. They are nearly killed by two trucks, and the funniest part is when Del appears as the Devil to Neal. Everything just seems to be conspiring against them. Gradually, the two men start to become friends. What's satisfying is it doesn't feel artificial. It feels like its been building up to it. This is due to John Hughes' slick direction. Neal and Del are two men who are both social misfits for different reasons. Neal is too organised and structured to relate to others, and Del tries so hard to make friends he often ends up alienating them.
Despite all the disasters that befall them, they do make it to Chicago. This is where the film takes on a more serious tone, but doesn't lessen the enjoyment. Del has a secret he hasn't told Neal concerning his wife, but I won't reveal it for those who haven't seen the film.
The ending is very touching, and a little sad too. But you have grown to like both Neal and Del by the end of the film. Both of them realise things about themselves. Neal learns to be more tolerant and kind, and Del learns not to be so overbearing with his friendliness. The film ends with where their friendship will lead to, and its probably best left that way.
Its a pity Steve Martin and John Candy couldn't have made more films, because they worked so well together. This is my favourite Steve Martin film, and it never seems mawkish or cloying in any way. A great little study into the personality changes you can go through on the road. I always notice something different to this film every time I watch it. This was the best film John Candy ever made. There is so much of him in Del.
R.I.P. John Candy.
Normally, I can't stand Steve Martin, because in almost everything I've seen him in, he goes completely over the top. But his performance in PTA changed my outlook of him. He plays Neal Page, a snobbish, cynical advertising executive in New York, who is going home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. The film is called Planes, Trains & Automobiles because these are the means of transportation Neal has to go through to get home.
Desperately late for his plane home, there is an hilarious scene at the beginning where he makes a mad dash for a taxi with Kevin Bacon (making a cameo). Unfortunately, Neal loses out, and then loses a second taxi stolen by John Candy. He plays Del Griffith, a shower curtain ring salesman, who is also on his way to the airport.
The two of them properly meet at the airport after Neal's flight is delayed. I like this scene because they both recognise each other from somewhere, but can't quite place where. Neal then has the bad luck of being seated next to Del on the plane. At some point in our lives, we've all met someone like Del Griffith. Someone who is over friendly, chatty, and a real pest. But they're so full of the best of intentions you don't have the heart to tell them to leave you alone.
Just when it looks like things can't get any worse for Neal, the flight is then cancelled. So begins the hysterical chain of events of Neal's odyssey to get home.
Now stuck with Del, who wants to help Neal, our hapless duo go from one disaster after another to get to Chicago. Steve Martin and John Candy make a great double act, because although they seem like the archetypal Odd Couple, there are more complexities to their relationship then at first thought.
One of the best scenes is when they are forced to spend a night in a motel. Del's slobbish behaviour finally drives Neal to explode. He begins ranting about how boring Del is, and what a real failure he is. In short, Del is nothing but a plague on humanity.
What is so good about this scene, is at first you are chuckling at Neal pointing out Del's shortcomings. But Del looks so genuinely hurt your sympathies start to switch to Del instead of Neal. Then something very unexpected happens, when Del tells Neal (and the audience) something I thought was very moving:
"You wanna hurt me? Go right ahead if it makes you feel any better. I'm an easy target. Yeah you're right. I talk too much. I also listen too much. I could be a cold hearted cynic like you... but I don't like to hurt people's feelings. You can say what you like about me; I'm not changing. Me... I like me. My wife likes me. My customers like me. 'Cause I'm the real article. What you see is what you get."
This scene alone speaks volumes about the personalities of these two men. You begin to really feel sorry for Del, because he seems like a lonely man. And Neal is not such a nice person after all. He doesn't mind insulting people if it makes him feel better. But still, the laughs come thick and fast afterwards. One of the most hysterical scenes is when Neal mouths off at a car rental saleswoman after being dumped in the middle of nowhere. I've never heard so many F words in one sentence. This had to have been what gave the film its 15 certificate. Its possible Hughes inserted this scene to make it clearer to the audience PTA is more adult-oriented than his previous films.
Del and Neal end up sharing a rental car, and they manage to completely wreck it. They are nearly killed by two trucks, and the funniest part is when Del appears as the Devil to Neal. Everything just seems to be conspiring against them. Gradually, the two men start to become friends. What's satisfying is it doesn't feel artificial. It feels like its been building up to it. This is due to John Hughes' slick direction. Neal and Del are two men who are both social misfits for different reasons. Neal is too organised and structured to relate to others, and Del tries so hard to make friends he often ends up alienating them.
Despite all the disasters that befall them, they do make it to Chicago. This is where the film takes on a more serious tone, but doesn't lessen the enjoyment. Del has a secret he hasn't told Neal concerning his wife, but I won't reveal it for those who haven't seen the film.
The ending is very touching, and a little sad too. But you have grown to like both Neal and Del by the end of the film. Both of them realise things about themselves. Neal learns to be more tolerant and kind, and Del learns not to be so overbearing with his friendliness. The film ends with where their friendship will lead to, and its probably best left that way.
Its a pity Steve Martin and John Candy couldn't have made more films, because they worked so well together. This is my favourite Steve Martin film, and it never seems mawkish or cloying in any way. A great little study into the personality changes you can go through on the road. I always notice something different to this film every time I watch it. This was the best film John Candy ever made. There is so much of him in Del.
R.I.P. John Candy.
Funny Holiday Comedy.
AaronCapenBanner3 September 2013
John Hughes took a break from teenagers to tackle adulthood in this warm and funny comedy featuring Steve Martin & John Candy, who play Neal Page and Del Griffith, two men trying to get home from work for the Thanksgiving Holiday, but instead meet with mounting frustration as everything that can go wrong does, threatening to make these men either bitter enemies, or close friends.
Both Steve Martin & John Candy give fine performances, both in the slapstick comedy and heart-warming drama, which strikes the right balance between the two. Funniest scene may be in the car rental office, between Martin and costar Edie McClurg; profanity with a purpose at least! And it ends exactly the way viewer was hoping!
Both Steve Martin & John Candy give fine performances, both in the slapstick comedy and heart-warming drama, which strikes the right balance between the two. Funniest scene may be in the car rental office, between Martin and costar Edie McClurg; profanity with a purpose at least! And it ends exactly the way viewer was hoping!
A Thanksgiving tradition in our household! A terrific and sweet movie!
bsk-412 July 2005
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.
John Hughes Classic
mccabegabe20 November 2021
I only saw this recently for the first time, and I understand the love around it. It features two of comedy's greats and it's penned by John Hughes. I do think it's slow-paced at times, but overall a great buddy comedy.
Not The Hughes I Was Used To
zkonedog18 November 2021
As sort of a Johnny-Come-Lately to the John Hughes film catalog, I've been steadily trying to work my way through his movies. Some I've considered my all-time favorites (Home Alone & The Breakfast Club), while others (Uncle Buck & 16 Candles) I didn't really connect with. But the common theme in all of them was suburban/family life. Planes, Trains & Automobiles takes a much different approach, however, in that it is a more straightforward road-trip comedy. Unfortunately, the humor (and attempts at emotion) did not win me over.
For a very basic overview, this film sees uptight businessman Neal Page (Steve Martin) trying to get home to his family for Thanksgiving. Not only is he constantly thwarted by seemingly every mishap known to man, but he keeps crossing paths with Del Griffith (John Candy), a devil-may-care, slobbish shower-curtain salesman who lives life by the seat of his pants.
Obviously, the primary "hook" is 90 minutes of Candy & Martin together. Two comedy legends, without a doubt. But I didn't think they were used to full advantage here. I wanted to see more of Candy's physical comedy (it is difficult for me to take him seriously in any capacity) and more of Martin's rage--his profane scene with the rental car agent might have elicited the biggest laugh of the whole picture from me.
I also rarely found myself actually laughing at the jokes/situations. I knew why they were supposed to be funny, but rarely did they strike me that way in the moment. It really seemed like the broadest (or most obvious) sort of comedy possible.
Of course, I watched this movie for the first time in 2021--nearly 35 years after its initial theater run. Perhaps its brand of humor was fresh or pioneering in the late-80s. But at least for me, in that sense this film didn't "age well".
I know that Planes, Trains & Automobiles is considered an all-time comedy & road-trip classic, so my "take" will almost certainly be in the vast minority. But for whatever reason (or all the ones described above), I just didn't find it funny or endearing past the most basic levels of comedy or emotion.
For a very basic overview, this film sees uptight businessman Neal Page (Steve Martin) trying to get home to his family for Thanksgiving. Not only is he constantly thwarted by seemingly every mishap known to man, but he keeps crossing paths with Del Griffith (John Candy), a devil-may-care, slobbish shower-curtain salesman who lives life by the seat of his pants.
Obviously, the primary "hook" is 90 minutes of Candy & Martin together. Two comedy legends, without a doubt. But I didn't think they were used to full advantage here. I wanted to see more of Candy's physical comedy (it is difficult for me to take him seriously in any capacity) and more of Martin's rage--his profane scene with the rental car agent might have elicited the biggest laugh of the whole picture from me.
I also rarely found myself actually laughing at the jokes/situations. I knew why they were supposed to be funny, but rarely did they strike me that way in the moment. It really seemed like the broadest (or most obvious) sort of comedy possible.
Of course, I watched this movie for the first time in 2021--nearly 35 years after its initial theater run. Perhaps its brand of humor was fresh or pioneering in the late-80s. But at least for me, in that sense this film didn't "age well".
I know that Planes, Trains & Automobiles is considered an all-time comedy & road-trip classic, so my "take" will almost certainly be in the vast minority. But for whatever reason (or all the ones described above), I just didn't find it funny or endearing past the most basic levels of comedy or emotion.
Consistently funny with some good adult sentiment
bob the moo5 October 2003
Neal Page is trying to get home in time for thanksgiving with his family. When his plane is diverted to Wichita due to heavy snow elsewhere he finds himself partnering up with shower curtain salesman Del Griffith. However Del is not Neal's immediate first choice for travelling partner and the two soon find that one misfortune after another wears their patience very thin.
While comedies have moved on to become more grosser and outrageous in order to tickle our dulled funny bone, PT&A manages it with what now seems like restraint but is really a good example of `wacky' comedy, mixed with a good vein of sentiment and character. The plot is pretty good although some of it pushes the boat out to the unreal in order to get laughs but this isn't a problem because it DOES get laughs, if it hadn't then it might have been an issue. Most of it is hilarious although some drags early on.
The deeper beauty of the film is how well controlled Hughes is in painting his emotions. Usually his stuff can be sickly sweet but here he mixes it well with the comedy. The relationship between Neal and Del is good and they both have things to learn (more so Neal), the hurt they inflict on one another is well done and not to the point that the comedy is stopped. Thankfully the two actors are good enough to carry it off. Martin is close to his manic best and Candy plays a loveable goof. The best scene to see them working is when Martin is laying into Del in the hotel room the expressions on their faces (Candy esp) during this makes it hard not to feel anything. The support cast do good work whether it be now-famous cameos or just support cast but each character has their own little thing!
Overall I worry that modern audiences may have become so used to everything being so OTT and gross that this film may seem subtle (even though it isn't). However aside from that this is a very funny film that does have a good heart. Not a perfect film in any way but it does exactly what it says on the tin - it made me laugh hard but also had a believable emotional core.
While comedies have moved on to become more grosser and outrageous in order to tickle our dulled funny bone, PT&A manages it with what now seems like restraint but is really a good example of `wacky' comedy, mixed with a good vein of sentiment and character. The plot is pretty good although some of it pushes the boat out to the unreal in order to get laughs but this isn't a problem because it DOES get laughs, if it hadn't then it might have been an issue. Most of it is hilarious although some drags early on.
The deeper beauty of the film is how well controlled Hughes is in painting his emotions. Usually his stuff can be sickly sweet but here he mixes it well with the comedy. The relationship between Neal and Del is good and they both have things to learn (more so Neal), the hurt they inflict on one another is well done and not to the point that the comedy is stopped. Thankfully the two actors are good enough to carry it off. Martin is close to his manic best and Candy plays a loveable goof. The best scene to see them working is when Martin is laying into Del in the hotel room the expressions on their faces (Candy esp) during this makes it hard not to feel anything. The support cast do good work whether it be now-famous cameos or just support cast but each character has their own little thing!
Overall I worry that modern audiences may have become so used to everything being so OTT and gross that this film may seem subtle (even though it isn't). However aside from that this is a very funny film that does have a good heart. Not a perfect film in any way but it does exactly what it says on the tin - it made me laugh hard but also had a believable emotional core.
Oh he's drunk, how would he know where we're going?
cabasaexpert35130 March 2005
Steve Marin and John Candy are hilarious together in this comedy about a guy trying to get home to his family for thanksgiving with a guy who is really annoying. Everything that could go wrong to these guys goes wrong. Steve Martin plays a guy who is a businessman who is very uptight and John Candy plays a guy that means well but talks a lot and can be very annoying. Together they have the worst luck they could possibly have. During their venture they learn a lot from each other and become really good friends. This movie has a good storyline and will keep you laughing through most of the movie. I think anyone who has a sense of humor can appreciate this movie.
My favourite John Hughes film
TheLittleSongbird25 September 2010
Planes, Trains and Automobiles for me is nothing short of a classic. It is sentimental yes, but it is also very funny, heartwarming and touching. John Hughes does a great job with the direction, and the film looks beautiful with the cinematography truly lovely especially. The music is a nice touch, while the story is a beautiful and I think heartwarming one and the script is full of funny and poignant parts. Then there is the chemistry between Steve Martin and John Candy. These two are outstanding together, and individually both are wonderful, particularly Candy- to be honest I can imagine very few who can play the role as well as Candy did, he was well and truly one of a kind. Overall, wonderful and a classic. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Heartwarming,funny
mohamadacma2 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A man is rushing to take a taxi to catch up his flight. Someone else takes the taxi. Soon after, he put his belongings in another taxi,only to see that taxi taking off, which later, he finds out that somebody else had taken his place in the taxi. He finally reach the airport. Sitting in the waiting room, he come face to face with the man that stole his taxi. He admonishes him for his doing and the man finally say sorry. From this point on, a cascade o unfortunate events start happening to the man trying to get to his family in Chicago for Thanksgiving. First,the flight gets delayed, which went in his favour because he was late to the airport,but then the flight gets interrupted and the plane landed in airport before that of Chicago's. To spend the night, the man offers him to get him a room at someplace whose manager he knows because he'd never be able to find a room in this situation. They ended up in a room with only one bed. The man hated himself for having got stuck with the other annoying guy that couldn't leave him be not here nor on the plane where they first come together after his 1st class' ticket got denied. The man have had it with the guy. He gets up form the bed, dress up and wants to leave. Before which,he starts scolding the guy for being a boring and off putting person. The guy replies emotionally. After this dispute the man feels guilty of addressing the other guy's short backs n goes back to the bed. They then take a train and the train too starts oozing out smoke and stops in the middle of nowhere. They take the bus and They then parted ways so that they'd maybe have more luck but it was all the same. Finally they meet again and take the road in an old car. Couples things happen on the road: the car get burned, and they almost died crossing between two trucks when they were driving the wrong road. Theses events had solidified their bonds. Now they really were parting ways when the man starts recalling his recent memories in flashes and realised that the other guy actually is alone and don't have a home or a wife to got to. He then took him to his family and they meet and the film ends with him smiling. Heartwarming story about friendship, overcoming hurdles, judging people we don't know nothing about. Also, what makes memories stand out is the amount of authenticity and honesty and the circumstance in which they occur. Also, couple of funny moments stand out: when the man washes his face with the socks water,crossing they the trucks, and when everything is burning(the car) and they look back n laugh as I they dont care.
One of the best of the 1980s
Leofwine_draca17 February 2014
PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES is one of the best American comedies of the 1980s. I say this as somebody who's grown up and loved the film since I was a child. I'm no great fan of John Hughes, but I think this is a clear best for him as director; it's a wonderfully funny film, with great performances, direction, music and script.
Steve Martin - who's never been better as the snarky marketing executive - plays the straight man to John Candy's salesman buffoon, and the comic interplay between these two is great, like a modern-day Laurel and Hardy. The comedy comes thick and fast, mixing situational with extreme humour and slapstick besides, and there's some time for characterisation in there too.
One of my favourite things about this production is that it isn't drenched in a saccharine sweetness as with so many. Sure, there's some poignance here, but when included it's oddly touching and rather moving. The lengthy journey-by-car sequence is the stuff of brilliance.
Steve Martin - who's never been better as the snarky marketing executive - plays the straight man to John Candy's salesman buffoon, and the comic interplay between these two is great, like a modern-day Laurel and Hardy. The comedy comes thick and fast, mixing situational with extreme humour and slapstick besides, and there's some time for characterisation in there too.
One of my favourite things about this production is that it isn't drenched in a saccharine sweetness as with so many. Sure, there's some poignance here, but when included it's oddly touching and rather moving. The lengthy journey-by-car sequence is the stuff of brilliance.
Fun movie
grantss3 December 2016
Neal Page (played by Steve Martin) is in New York on a business trip and is flying back to his family in Chicago that night. It is two days to Thanks Giving and he wants to be at home with his family on it. Just getting to the airport is an ordeal, as the cabs are busy. His flight is then delayed. When his flight eventually takes off it is rerouted to Wichita, Kansas, due to Chicago being snowed in. By now Page is teamed up with Del Griffith (John Candy), an obnoxious salesman. Page detests Giffith but the man has his uses, especially knowledge of hotels and transport. Now the adventure to get back to Chicago begins.
Fun movie from writer-director John Hughes. One rollicking adventure from start to finish.
However, not quite as funny as I was expecting - the humour is more about the predicaments the two characters end up in, rather than anything else, and these get predicable and lame after a while.
Great, emotional ending though.
Fun movie from writer-director John Hughes. One rollicking adventure from start to finish.
However, not quite as funny as I was expecting - the humour is more about the predicaments the two characters end up in, rather than anything else, and these get predicable and lame after a while.
Great, emotional ending though.
How To Drive Someone Crazy
ccthemovieman-14 September 2006
Steve Martin and John Candy do a wonderful job playing off each other in this memorable comedy. Of friends of mine I know who have seen this movie, they all vividly remember this movie and their favorite scenes.
Martin and Candy are stuck without plane rides home and wind up trying all modes of transportation to reach their destination. Both run into unbelievable obstacles, most of them the fault of Candy, who drives Martin almost insane. Candy was the funnier of the two in this story but both comedians were at the top of their game here. Too bad there was so much profanity for a film that could have been enjoyed by everyone but some it is almost appropriate, especially with Martin's character. Candy's role would have made anyone swear. Martin's profane tirade with the rental car woman at the airport is hilarious.
In addition to the wacky story, I enjoyed the soundtrack. Critics didn't like it, but I found the sudden bursts of rock 'n roll interesting and it added to the enjoyment of watching this almost-modern day classic.
After all the aggravation, there was a nice sentimental touch at the end which somehow made the whole disastrous trip worthwhile for the two leading characters.
Martin and Candy are stuck without plane rides home and wind up trying all modes of transportation to reach their destination. Both run into unbelievable obstacles, most of them the fault of Candy, who drives Martin almost insane. Candy was the funnier of the two in this story but both comedians were at the top of their game here. Too bad there was so much profanity for a film that could have been enjoyed by everyone but some it is almost appropriate, especially with Martin's character. Candy's role would have made anyone swear. Martin's profane tirade with the rental car woman at the airport is hilarious.
In addition to the wacky story, I enjoyed the soundtrack. Critics didn't like it, but I found the sudden bursts of rock 'n roll interesting and it added to the enjoyment of watching this almost-modern day classic.
After all the aggravation, there was a nice sentimental touch at the end which somehow made the whole disastrous trip worthwhile for the two leading characters.
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
JoBloTheMovieCritic28 November 2019
JOHN CANDY'S best
mm-396 August 2002
Warning: Spoilers
Spoiler!!!!
This film is Candy's best; too bad his career ended so early. Steve Martin (SNL) whose career started with a big bang, started to slowly die, and this was his last good film. Candy who never seems to get the roles or respect he deserved (this was a tailor made character). The results were hilarious. I love the scene where Candy and Martin (one of his first straight roles) kept looking at the bed in the hotel room, with that camera close up and music. Then Candy asks if he wants a shower; One of many great roles. The ending gets very serious, and we find that Martin actually has a heart. 8/10
This film is Candy's best; too bad his career ended so early. Steve Martin (SNL) whose career started with a big bang, started to slowly die, and this was his last good film. Candy who never seems to get the roles or respect he deserved (this was a tailor made character). The results were hilarious. I love the scene where Candy and Martin (one of his first straight roles) kept looking at the bed in the hotel room, with that camera close up and music. Then Candy asks if he wants a shower; One of many great roles. The ending gets very serious, and we find that Martin actually has a heart. 8/10
An 80's comedy with two of the best
willcundallreview1 July 2014
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a cross country comedy film that provides a sweet inner circle but also contains some good lines and comedy acting from two of the best. With it's crazy plot(which is pretty fun though), and of course John Candy, the film manages to be a great kind of stupid at times, mixing the right amount of jokes with the right amount of drama and capable acting skill. I felt this film was safely a good one, and here below is why so.
The story as stated is a little crazy and can even be said to be silly, it goes well though, I personally enjoyed the chemistry between the two given the situation and the ending of the film is pretty sweet indeed. It goes a nice pace because the film is not a long one and this makes it even better, never afraid to rush scenes and the dialogue and things going are not done lazily at all, just some good work put in here.
Steve Martin is not in his main funny role but he likes his angry main character role, and that's what he provides, funny anger. John Candy is the real funny man of the film and we feel sorry for him on more than one occasion, he just exudes laughs and warmth and even though annoying, still a good guy in the end. I loved the chemistry between the two, they work so well together and more collaborations would have be welcome, if it were not for Candy's untimely death(in real life).
John Hughes directs and writes this just as a comedy and possibly drama genre should be, his skill in the screenplay is plainly seen as I said about the un lazy scenes of the film, hard work put in for sure. It of course with the commotion provides some wonderful back drops really crediting the USA's countryside, an easy view to the eye, well usually when the two are in happier times and places.
The film Is not without criticism, I found that the story although yes is fun, it is also predictable and watching it for the first time you just knew what was coming next. It isn't also super funny, the sweetness of the story is what also helps this but the comedy can really lack at some points. I will say on that point, Candy saves the day a few times, and coaxes Martin in to being a funny guy.
If you like this kind of lazy afternoon comedy fun time then this is for you, it really is a film that is to be watched when one is happy. For those who are fans of either Candy or Martin, you should love this, it seems to bring near the best out of them and when they work together in certain scenes here, it brings a wealth of expertise. For those who love these funny 80's comedies that came out quite a bit, then this is also for you, has all the elements that various films of the decade also had and even more new things too, just good fun, and for all the family(just about).
Overall it is Safely a Good movie. As I said before watching on a lazy day and chilled, this can be a wonderful film, I do feel parts were never crying out with laughter but it does provide chuckles in various places. Just adore the chemistry of two of the 80's best when it comes to this kind of comedy, it doesn't rely on physical comedy as well and I have to say I have a lot of respect for the film because of that, just enjoy it.
The story as stated is a little crazy and can even be said to be silly, it goes well though, I personally enjoyed the chemistry between the two given the situation and the ending of the film is pretty sweet indeed. It goes a nice pace because the film is not a long one and this makes it even better, never afraid to rush scenes and the dialogue and things going are not done lazily at all, just some good work put in here.
Steve Martin is not in his main funny role but he likes his angry main character role, and that's what he provides, funny anger. John Candy is the real funny man of the film and we feel sorry for him on more than one occasion, he just exudes laughs and warmth and even though annoying, still a good guy in the end. I loved the chemistry between the two, they work so well together and more collaborations would have be welcome, if it were not for Candy's untimely death(in real life).
John Hughes directs and writes this just as a comedy and possibly drama genre should be, his skill in the screenplay is plainly seen as I said about the un lazy scenes of the film, hard work put in for sure. It of course with the commotion provides some wonderful back drops really crediting the USA's countryside, an easy view to the eye, well usually when the two are in happier times and places.
The film Is not without criticism, I found that the story although yes is fun, it is also predictable and watching it for the first time you just knew what was coming next. It isn't also super funny, the sweetness of the story is what also helps this but the comedy can really lack at some points. I will say on that point, Candy saves the day a few times, and coaxes Martin in to being a funny guy.
If you like this kind of lazy afternoon comedy fun time then this is for you, it really is a film that is to be watched when one is happy. For those who are fans of either Candy or Martin, you should love this, it seems to bring near the best out of them and when they work together in certain scenes here, it brings a wealth of expertise. For those who love these funny 80's comedies that came out quite a bit, then this is also for you, has all the elements that various films of the decade also had and even more new things too, just good fun, and for all the family(just about).
Overall it is Safely a Good movie. As I said before watching on a lazy day and chilled, this can be a wonderful film, I do feel parts were never crying out with laughter but it does provide chuckles in various places. Just adore the chemistry of two of the 80's best when it comes to this kind of comedy, it doesn't rely on physical comedy as well and I have to say I have a lot of respect for the film because of that, just enjoy it.
I didn't laugh once.
educallejero12 February 2020
This movie makes "Due Date" look like a masterpiece. The "annoying guy" (John Candy) is really annoying for us too, which shouldn't be the case. And Martin sucks at delivering the reactions of the straight man, not helped by a disastrous editing job. All the scenes are stiff. the editing style just ruins the mood for me. It jumps from scene to scene, making it more a bunch of sketches glued together by a thin story (come back home dealing with bad weather). Also, plain and simple, I don't find the jokes funny. Martin's character feel unrealistic because he's supposed to be a "straight man" and acts like it, but accepts ridiculous behavior from Candy's character all the time for no reason. It's just dumb.
In the end, I found most of this movie just boring and unfunny. Martin doesn't work for me as the boring typical dude and John Candy is just annoying. Not for me.
In the end, I found most of this movie just boring and unfunny. Martin doesn't work for me as the boring typical dude and John Candy is just annoying. Not for me.
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