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Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) |
| Overall Grade: |
A- |
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| Story: |
B+ |
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| Acting: |
A |
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| Direction: |
B |
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| Visuals: |
B+ |
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Hilarious and Heartwarming
by Jersey Joe (movies profile)
Nov 5, 2007
10
of
10 people found this review helpful
Most of Alfred Hitchcock's films tell stories about ordinary individuals who, through circumstance, are thrown into extraordinary situations. Neal Page (Steve Martin) is such a protagonist who, through circumstance becomes a co-traveler with Dell Griffith (John Candy). While this story doesn't involve political intrigue, it does involve a lot of laughter.
Both Neal and Dell are leaving New York City in an attempt to make it home to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving. In the early portions of the film Neal and the audience are stuck with Dell and all of his annoying habits and his inability to keep his mouth shut.
As the trip wears on Neal gets to know Dell a little better and learns a little bit about himself as well. The journey from point A to Point B is hilarious. As the title suggests, the travelers end up attempting to get home through every possible mode of transportation.
There are many truly classic moments in this film. Steve Martin is a great straight man, but the star of the film is John Candy. This is the best work John Candy has ever done on film. He is annoying and lovable and perfectly natural. This is a great performance by a very funny man that gets overlooked too often.
Comedic films and comedic actors rarely get the credit they deserve for their talents. Too often comedy is deemed as simple minded silliness. I dare anyone to watch this film and not find the greatness in the performances given by Steve Martin and John Candy. |
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