Review of Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) by Deb S — 21 Nov 2010

Neil Page (Steve Martin) is an uptight snobbish business guy who is rushing home for thanksgiving and trying to get from New York to Chicago. Things don't go as planned for Neil as his plane has to land in Kansas because of severe weather. Enter the kind-hearted yet hugely irritating shower-curtain ring salesman named Del Griffith (John Candy). Feeling guilty he stole the taxi Neil was supposed to get in, he tries everything he can to get him home in time once they meet again at the airport. Needless to say nothing goes according to plan. The two are obviously completely different to each other and Neal has a very hard time coping with Del's gross personal habits and overbearing personality in contrast with Neal's more controlled and ordered way of life. Every time you feel they are finally on their way, obstacles are there to slow them down again. Every travelling nightmare was included in this film, from delayed flights, broken down trains, theft in a hotel, cars getting wrecked, freezing cold weather and plenty more but while Del always remains in good spirit, Neil keeps on getting more and more agitated.

Some of my favorite scenes included Candy and Martin driving a totally burnt out car around as if it was perfectly normal, driving the wrong way on the highway, John Candy clearing his sinuses when they are sharing a bed together but keep your fingers on the mute button for that hilarious scene at the car rental desk should there be any kids around.

Cool cameos of Ben Stein and Kevin Bacon.