Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Laughs, chuckles and side splitting hysteria

Wow Its the little moments that prove this is one is a comedy masterpiece. And where is your other hand? Why between the pillow........Thats not a PILLOW!!!!!!!!! Great!! Yeah this one is a keeper. Hard to believe 22 years have passed as well as John Candy. Wish the same team would have a made a sequel. Hope/Crosby......Lewis/Martin.........Martin/Candy. Oh well only a wish now. Still a holiday classic. January 3, 2009

Trade this DVD for a CASIO! Good Martin/Candy Entry

I wasn't sure how to review this one, so let's just say it was a bit of a chore. I have seen the gags and this film many times and yet it retains the charm i've always loved about it. Much cleaner than today's "toilet humor" films (which gross me no end, by the way but I digress), at the very least the former Saturday Night Live guys let us sneak a peak in the life of Steve's character, a introverted businessman who only has one passion: his wife and kids. His frustration with the airport, with the taxi (surprise appearance by Kevin (the goblin) Bacon) and one thing after another that we travellers can relate to, at first he resents, hates, and then comes to admire (and somewhat smarmy sympathize) with Candy's character, a curtain ring salesman who, despite major losses in his life latches onto Steve and won't let him go.

Of course the funniest scenes (the "pillow" incident and the f**king rental car girl) make it an R rating for the Thanksgiving dinner relatives who may drop by and want a sneak peak.

Enjoyable, but definitely not for the whole family.

Other John Candy favorites:
John Candy: Comedy Favorites Collection
Only the Lonely
Home Alone

Love Steve Martin films:
All of Me
Steve Martin - The Wild and Crazy Comedy Collection (Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid / The Jerk / The Lonely Guy)

And don't forget Saturday Nite Live:

Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live, as Told By Its Stars, Writers and Guests
Best of Saturday Night Live Classic Years Collection 1975 - 80 - Vol. 1 December 4, 2008

It's an absolute shame that John Candy checked out

An absolute comic genius, John Candy's talents are showcased in this movie. Directed by John Hughes, Planes, Trains & Automobiles started the friendship between the two. Candy would go on to be in many Hughes' films; Uncle Buck, Great Outdoors & Home Alone. Since the Academy hardly recognizes comedy, Candy wasn't even nominated but if there was an award for the funniest performance of a lifetime, Candy would win for this film. December 2, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving Del Griffith

It is difficult to say which is better - the 85 minutes of comedy that makes you laugh continuously or the 5 minutes of drama that will touch your heart. Undeniably Steve Martin and John Candy are at their hilarious best, but it's probably the latter that will have you pondering this movie long after the credits roll. I come back to it every year at Thanksgiving time - it is a very worthy addition to the many great Christmas season classics that follow. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is not only a great Thanksgiving movie, it is a perfect film to watch at this time of year because it reminds us of the true meaning of the season that follows. November 23, 2008

A timeless classic, worth owning and viewing at least once a year

I have always enjoyed this film, and make it a point to watch it at least once a year, usually around the holidays. It's not a family film, so it is definitely not something you'll want to watch with small children present. The theatrical version contains some language which might be objectionable to viewers of any age.

The story itself is very basic -- there's nothing complex to remember. It's simply a story of a man trying to get home in time for Thanksgiving dinner, only to have every transportation option work against him. The twist is that he teams up with a complete stranger in their quest to get to where they need to be. It's in this vain that the unfortunate but often hilarious events take place. The comedy in this film runs from a chuckle to side-splitting laughter. Things are often taken to the extremes, but in an odd way, it all seems logical.

The story is heart-touching in the end. Again, there's nothing complicated about the ending or how the film gets there. In all honesty -- "you're along for the ride". It's simple, endearing, and the message is something to which anybody can relate.

No matter how many times I see it, I still feel good inside during the last scene as the credits roll. October 20, 2008

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