Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Thankful for Classic Comedies
Neal Page (Steve Martin) just wants to get home for Thanksgiving to see his family. But with bad weather, and what seems to be the worst luck, it is not looking good for him to make it home in time? As if things weren’t bad enough he meets Del Griffith (John Candy), a shower curtain salesman with the gift to gab and a relentless ability to irritate Neal by getting them into some unbelievable blunders as they seek anyway home they can.
Putting Martin and Candy together for a buddy/road movie was a genius move by John Hughes. Who knew one of Hughes best films wouldn’t even be a teen flick. To sum it up, if you haven’t seen it, it is the epitome of Murphy’s Law. Del is lovable, but I have to admit during the hotel scene where he is going through his bedtime ritual making many noises I would have flipped out just like Neal. Honestly, folks this one is a keeper! It is truly a comedy worth your time and if I haven’t said this before, I love, love, love it when a good story can be told in about 90 minutes! Whew, and the ending will please the saps, like me, who love a happy conclusion after all the chaos. A great Thanksgiving Day reminder of those things for which to be thankful!
Motherly Advice: This film is rated R so my recommendation is setting your filters to most filtering mostly for the foul language used. Violence and alcohol are very minimal in this, the car accident is probably the most violent part but no one is hurt. On their bus ride to one of their destinations a couple next to them are making out and are shown lighting cigarettes afterwards. Del and Neal don’t exactly hit it off as best buds in the beginning which is pretty apparent with the numerous fights they have. Should be safe and the humor appreciated by ages 12 and up.
Hannah – Clearplay traveler staying close to home this Thanksgiving!
Rated R; 93 min; Directed by John Hughes