Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) - Movie Review

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - A Hilarious Holiday Classic

Rating - 8/10

“Those aren’t pillows!”

    Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a holiday classic that holds up decades later, and a big part of that is the unbeatable chemistry between Steve Martin and John Candy. On paper it is a simple road trip comedy about two mismatched strangers trying to get home for Thanksgiving, but what makes it stand out is the heart, humor, and humanity packed into every scene.

    Steve Martin plays the uptight, easily frustrated Neal Page, while John Candy brings warmth and goofiness as Del Griffith. The contrast between the two is perfect. Martin’s straight-laced energy bounces off Candy’s lovable chaos, and together they create one of the most memorable comedy duos in film history. Their timing, delivery, and constant push-and-pull dynamic give the movie a rhythm that never slows down.

    What also makes this film shine is how it balances its humor with genuine emotion. Yes, it is filled with slapstick, awkward situations, and laugh-out-loud moments, but beneath the comedy is a story about loneliness, kindness, and connection. The final act hits surprisingly hard, reminding you that this is not just about a crazy trip across the country but about two people who find something meaningful in each other’s company.

    The writing is sharp, the pacing keeps you engaged, and the soundtrack adds just the right touch of energy. Director John Hughes captures both the absurdity of travel nightmares and the warmth of human connection, and that balance is what makes Planes, Trains and Automobiles a film worth revisiting every holiday season.

    It is funny, heartfelt, and timeless. A true comfort watch that showcases the brilliance of two comedy legends at the top of their game.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Civil War (2024) - Movie Review

Image
Civil War - Another Gripping Alex Garland Film Rating - 7/10 “They’re not the good guys. We’re not the bad guys. We’re just trying to tell the story.”      Civil War is a gripping and unsettling film that imagines an America torn apart, not through some far fetched science fiction lens, but through the eyes of those trying to make sense of it, journalists on the frontlines. Directed by Alex Garland, this film does not hold your hand or over explain its world. Instead, it drops you into chaos and asks you to observe, to feel, and to interpret what you see. It is intense, grounded, and deeply uncomfortable in the best way possible.      The cast delivers sharp and believable performances that make the story feel almost too real. Kirsten Dunst gives one of her most grounded portrayals, showing both weariness and courage as a photojournalist who has seen too much. Her quiet strength contrasts beautifully with the reckless energy of her younger colleague, pla...
Read more

Drive-Away Dolls (2024) - Movie Review

Image
 Drive-Away Dolls - An Ethan Coen Miss Rating - 5/10 "Some trips just do not go the way you think they will."      Drive-Away Dolls tries to mix crime, comedy, and a road trip adventure, but it ends up feeling uneven and a little hollow. It has moments of charm, yet the story never fully delivers the excitement or emotional pull that it promises.      The plot follows two best friends, Jamie and Marian, who hit the road for a fresh start. What begins as a simple drive quickly turns chaotic when they cross paths with criminals and get tangled up in a mess they never asked for. The film plays with quirky humor and offbeat characters, but it struggles to keep a consistent tone from scene to scene.      The performances are solid. Margaret Qualley brings a playful energy with an accent you'll either love or hate, and Geraldine Viswanathan adds heart and relatability. There are fun moments of dialogue and flashes of clever writing, but they...
Read more

Tenet (2020) - Movie Review

Image
Tenet - Nolan is Getting a Little Too Confusing Rating - 7/10 “Don’t try to understand it. Feel it.”      Christopher Nolan’s Tenet is an ambitious and cerebral spectacle that pushes the boundaries of what a blockbuster can be. It is bold, stylish, and brimming with confidence, as Nolan once again dives into the complexities of time and perception. From the first gunshot that moves backward through glass to the film’s explosive final act, Tenet demands your full attention and never lets up.      The concept of time inversion is both fascinating and overwhelming. Nolan constructs a puzzle that feels like it is folding in on itself, and while the science might not always add up, the sheer audacity of it is thrilling to watch. Every scene feels meticulously crafted, from the choreography of reversed fight sequences to the massive set pieces that blur the line between forward and backward motion. Visually, the film is stunning, and the practical effects and...
Read more