Review of Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) by Cameron J — 18 Apr 2014
Probably John Hughes' best film in his career, Planes, Trains and Automobiles succeeds primarily on the strength of comedic stars Steve Martin, of SNL fame, and John Candy, of SCTV fame. While the trademarks of a standard Hughes family film are apparent (dated eighties music, abundant sentimentality, meandering montages), the film stands out as a good representation of how it feels when all you want to do is go from one place to another, and then seemingly every little thing goes wrong.
Granted, the problems grow more extreme by the minute, from driving a rental car in the wrong direction on the highway to that same car catching on fire. Martin deals out biting, cynical remarks towards unsuspecting victims, while Candy deals out mediating words of love and kindness towards unsuspecting predators.
Truly, hilarity ensues. Favourite joke: Martin and Candy are forced to share a bed in a motel for the night. When they awaken, they find themselves in a rather homely position.
This review of Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) was written by Cameron J on 18 Apr 2014.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
