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This John Hughes comedy-classic was released the day before Thanksgiving in 1987, and was
a huge hit, earning over $50 million at the box office. Iconic funny men Steve Martin
and John Candy star as a mismatched duo forced to work together to survive the ultimate road
trip from hell, as they attempt to make it home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. With Murphy's
Law in full effect, Martin does an excellent job portraying the arrogant, and impatient
business man perpetually pushed to the end of his rope, both by the ridiculously horrible
circumstances he continually finds himself in, and by Candy's irritating antics. What
makes this odd-couple pairing work however is Candy's marvelous performance as the good
natured and lovable shower-curtain ring traveling salesmen, who is so oblivious to his obnoxious
behavior, it's hard to fault the endearing guy, defending himself by saying, "I'm the
real article, what you see is what you get." Although the supporting cast includes familiar
names and faces like Kevin Bacon, Dylan Baker, Matthew Lawrence, and Ben Stein - most are
reduced to quick punchlines, and remain largely inconsequential. Stretching the bounds of
believability, the 92-minute American adventure bounces from one awful traveling disaster
to the next... from grounded airplanes, to broken-down trains, to having their rental
car catches on fire; which results in perhaps the movie's funniest laugh-out-loud scene
when Candy attempts to calmly dismiss officer Michael McKean's safety and legal concerns
over
their destroyed vehicle. Earning its R-rated in a single, hilarious, F-bomb laced scene,
this picture is otherwise a family friendly story with noble themes of friendship, family,
and not judging others by a first impression. With some silly, and perhaps hammy dialogue,
the original screenplay by Hughes is otherwise very tightly constructed, despite ending with
an abrupt emotional shift, and a rushed ending. Technically and visually speaking, there's
nothing noteworthy with this picture, which has held up extremely well over the years...
except for its cheesy and overly synthesized score from Ira Newborn, which is far too goofy
to ever feel appropriate. The briskly paced experience is a holiday staple, and the greatest
reminder of how talented the late John Candy really was... this is a delightful picture
I love watching around turkey day. "Planes, Trains And Automobiles", "Brilliantly funny
characters. Amusing situations." Now let's see what you had to say about this picture
in the Google+ comments.
And our ratings are... a double EIGHT. Everyone praised Martin and Candy's performances, scoring
the film a GREAT. Despite some story flaws, I too loved the characters in this picture,
and laugh every time I watch. It's a GREAT movie.