Planes, Trains and Automobiles Review

 

        John Hughes owned the 80s in terms of making comedies and drama. He wrote and directed many classics such as National Lampoon’s Vacation which is loosely based on his own account of going to Disneyland. After that, he revolutionized how high school was portrayed with The Breakfast Club. Many people consider that film to be his best all around. Personally, The Breakfast Club is one of his best films, although I will attest that Planes, Trains and Automobiles to be the definitive film.

1. Road Trip

        The film is simple to follow. Neal is an ad executive who is trying to get home for Thanksgiving. While trying to reach Chicago, which was John Hughes recurring city which any of his films take place, he meets Del. A traveling salesman who sells curtain shower rings who accidentally steals a taxi from Neal. A series of events bring the two together as Neal tries to make it home for Thanksgiving. 

        What makes the film work is the two main leads. The synergy between Steve Martin and the late John Candy manage to gel together as two strangers. Additionally, just the character development of the two show just how talented they were as comedians. Since we’re shown very little of Neal, we can interpret that he’s easily inconvenienced with anything. More so that nothing goes his way.

        Del meanwhile is that kind of guy who is an awe shucks person. He’s very endearing and as the film progresses and leaves Neal confounded, he manages to know people that owes him favors. Just the personality between the two showcases one of the various highlights in the film. One of my favorite scene is in the beginning. The two manage to find a hotel but it’s the last available room, with one bed. As Neal becomes annoyed by Del, he goes on a tirade. Del defends himself by asserting that he knows what he is. 

        It’s my favorite scene because it represents just how the two are. As the film progresses, they lighten up and get into more predicaments. Just to give the audience a break from the succeeding inconveniences we get to really know them. For Del, I don’t want to give anything away but the ending involving him is tragic. It really helps Neal change his personality as the film continues. 

2. Just Go with It

        If there’s a recurring motif that pops up is the idea of just going with it. This motif rears its head in the movie since Neal tries various ways to get to Chicago. With Del helping him and unintentionally annoying his new friend. As we see throughout the film, Neal faces obstacles that impede him from his journey. The best scene involving just him is the reason why the film got an R rating. 

        Neal reaches an airport to find a rented car, only to realize that it’s gone. He goes and complains to the clerk and proceeds to use the F word to her. The punch line is the best part, which I won’t spoil. It just represents how Neal has to take the punches and his new friend bailing him out. As I mentioned prior, Del doesn’t feel inconvenienced and does what’s right to help Neal.

3. Overall

        Planes, Trains and Automobiles is the best Thanksgiving film to watch in that time. I feel that it’s also a transition film since it involves getting home for the holidays. Anyway, the film is an absolute gem.