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Planes, Trains & Automobiles [1987]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Given the presence of both Steve Martin and John Candy, one would expect this John Hughes comedy to be much, much funnier than it is. Certainly it's not for lack of effort on the part of its stars. Martin is an uptight businessman trying to get home from New York for the holidays. But one thing after another gets in his way--most of it having to do with Candy, a boorish but well-meaning boob who takes a liking to him. Together they travel all over the map; no matter how hard Martin tries to shake him, he can't. But Hughes's writing is never as sharp as it should be and this film winds up being only intermittently humorous. --Marshall Fine

Editorial
Special Features

1.78 Anamorphic Wide Screen
German
English
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital 5.1 English\Surround German
Dolby Digital 5.1
Surround
Arabic\Bulgarian\Czech\Danish\Dutch\Finnish\German\Hungarian\Icelandic\Norwegian\Polish\Romanian\Swedish\Turkish

Editorial
Synopsis

All Neal Page (Steve Martin) wants to do is make it home from a business trip in New York City and spend Thanksgiving with his family in Chicago. Instead, he finds himself rerouted from New York's La Guardia Airport to Wichita, Kansas. With no other options, Neal decides to share a room in a fleabag hotel with Del Griffith (John Candy), a shower-curtain-ring salesman and fellow stranded traveler. Although Neal finds Del to be a buffoon, he just can't seem to get away from him. To make matters worse, all their efforts to get back to Chicago fail as trains break down and rental cars catch on fire. Along the way they encounter crazy cabbies, redneck truck drivers, and oversexed bus passengers. John Hughes's (SIXTEEN CANDLES, THE BREAKFAST CLUB) first film to feature adults after his success with teen films features fine performances from Martin and Candy. Kevin Bacon, who appeared in Hughes's next film, SHE'S HAVING A BABY, makes a small but humorous appearance, as does Edie McClurg, known for her role as the high school secretary in FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF.

High class comedy
Review date: 2008-06-03 Rating: 8 out of 10

Like other reviewers have said the Amazon review of this film is at best misleading. All films are subjective, but this is much better than their reviewer makes out IMO. Its consistently funny, with Steve Martin delivering one of his best performances. Indeed without Martin it would have been merely an average film. He takes it to another level. This is not to say that John Candy is bad, he isn't, but Steve Martin is the reason to see the film.

Essentially its a string of comedic set pieces, the train, the Motel, the car etc. Each of these have great moments, perhaps none better than the Motel where they find they have to share a bed. Theres also a lovely joke in the back of a flat bed truck with a dog in very cold weather.

My only criticism is the 80's music, which to fair I didn't like in the 80's! This has dated badly now. I also have mixed feelings about the ending as well. A little bit too soppy for my liking.

Overall though a fine movie with excellent performances, many laugh out loud moments, and a film that you can watch many times without being bored by it (mainly because of Steve Martin).



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Reviews


Planes, Trains & Automobiles = Fun, Laughter & Humour
Review date: 2008-05-28 Rating: 10 out of 10

Even although it was released before I was even born I just love this film, it has been on my shelf ever since I took it from my Dad's DVD collection. I hadn't heard of it and thought it being 80's I was expecting it to be a bit cheesy. I was in for such a shock. It is an immense film. I love it, it's one of those films you can watch again and again. It's one of those DVD's that should be in EVERYONE's DVD collection! If your a fan of Steve Martin or John Candy then this is for you, if you enjoy a laugh - this is for you! Don't think about it just buy it!

The Best Comedy Film Ever!
Review date: 2008-05-17 Rating: 10 out of 10

Well what can I say this film is hilarious and is a must see. Both Steve Martin and John Candy are on top form in this film, and provide loads of hilarious situations, from driving down the freeway in the wrong direction, getting robbed, stealing taxi's, and sharing a bed to name a few. Martin plays the striaght man in this film, where as Candy plays the likable shower curtain ring salesman. (the job title is funny in its own right!)They meet each other when Del (Candy) steals Neals (Martin) cab. Both men decide to make their way home together when bad weather shuts down the airports. The journey home is full of many laugh out load mishaps
From the start of the film, you know it's going to be fun ride.
But alongside the laughter there is also a great sadness, that brings a tear to the eye every time you watch it.
If you have a DVD player, there is no excuse not to own this film!

Snort crack crack snort!
Review date: 2008-04-16 Rating: 10 out of 10

Wow! Brilliant film.

It combines comedy at its best with a rather sad and meaningful ending, I wont give too much away!

Overall, I rate 5 stars as it is 80's comedy at its best :)

"Those aren't pillows!"
Review date: 2008-03-26 Rating: 8 out of 10

Now over twenty years old, the only real thing that's dated is the fashion and the music - this is still a cracking comedy about two guys in a desperate situation.

This isn't a cerebral comedy, it's often quite slapstick and silly - but it does have a serious note to it, particularly at the end when it becomes quite poignant.

The plot of the film is pretty much universally known now, and Steve Martin plays the methodical clean living Neal Page with the reserved manner required of the role, and when he starts to crack under the strain of the situation - Steve Martin excels as the manic pushed-too-far marketing man.
Equally well casted is John Candy as Del Griffith. His appearance naturally lends well to playing lovable jolly characters, and this is no exception.

Del's optimism and ability to seemingly land on his feet at every fall grinds down Neal to the point of breakdown. The relationship between the two strangers becomes strained, but the shared experiences bring them together as friends. Neal demonstrates his desperation several times, and these are among the films best scenes - especially the famous "effing" scene where he launches a tirade of abuse at a car rental receptionist.

The reality of Del's situation is revealed at the end of the film, at this point the character seems more endearing than ever. There have been many films since which try to convey the warmth between family and friends at thanksgiving. They tend to over-sentimentalise an event which means nothing in the UK, and feel fake - but despite the cartoony, ridiculous situations you see in this film, the characters never seem anything but genuine.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Laila Robins
John Candy
Kevin Bacon
Michael McKean
Steve Martin

Creators:
Steve Martin (Primary Contributor)
John Candy (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Paramount Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Paramount Home Entertainment
EAN: 5014437810038
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, Dubbed, PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2001-10-08
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 88 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1987-11-25
Language: Arabic (Subtitled)
Language: Bulgarian (Subtitled)
Language: Czech (Subtitled)
Language: Danish (Subtitled)
Language: Dutch (Subtitled)
Language: Finnish (Subtitled)
Language: German (Subtitled)
Language: Hungarian (Subtitled)
Language: Icelandic (Subtitled)
Language: Norwegian (Subtitled)
Language: Polish (Subtitled)
Language: Romanian (Subtitled)
Language: Swedish (Subtitled)
Language: Turkish (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: German (Dubbed)

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