Review of Planes (2013) by Stewart H — 01 Dec 2013

Two cents:

Planes is the story of a straight to video release that dreamed of the big screen. An underdog with a predictable story line, a two dimensional hero and cringe inducing international stereotypes. Despite these many shortcomings, its potential to keep the kids entertained while also driving toy sales saw it push through these limitations of taste and reason, and it landed on the silver screen. Way to go Disney! May the merchandise sales never end!

Movie Prep:

This is a kids only product. I dare say a US kids only product to, because if you're from say, the UK, the character called Bulldog (wow that's original) might have both British kids and adults rolling their eyes at this ridiculous stereotype. You can tell he's British because he has the Union Jack painted on his nose, and sounds like Basil Fawlty! Like ALL British people do!

It's not the only international relations disaster either. El Chupacabra is apparently from Mexico. You can tell because he's painted the colors of the Mexican flag, wears a wrestlers mask, and is named after a mythical creature that kills goats and sheep! Like ALL Mexicans!

Approach this as you would a $2 bargain bin dvd you came across, and figured, 'well it has planes, that should keep the kids quiet for a couple of hours.'.

Best Format:

This feels like a straight to video film, and should have been a straight to video film. A HD viewing at home is recommended. The animation is at least decently done, and the flying action should keep the kids in the US entertained.

Worst element for me:

The way the international characters and locations were designed is just borderline offensive.