Andrew Robinson
There aren’t a ton of Thanksgiving movies out there. With it being the holiday in between the horror-laden Halloween and feel-good Christmas, Thanksgiving tends to be forgotten in terms of movies. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, however, bucks this trend and provides a meaningful, funny, and heartfelt film.
Released in 1987 and starring Steve Martin and the late great comedic actor John Candy, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles features Candy as the annoying salesman that accompanies Martin as the latter man attempts to make it home for Thanksgiving.
With comedic legends like Candy and Martin, it is obvious from the get-go that audiences will be in for a laugh-fest. When The Breakfast Club writer John Hughes is added into the equation, things get even better.
Summary
Martin’s Neal Page and Candy’s Del Griffith are brought together when Neal’s flight from NYC to Chicago is cancelled and the two end up in the same cab. Once Del decides that he too is going to travel to Chicago, the two travel together.
Reason Why it’s Worth the Watch
The chemistry between Candy and Martin is evident. More so, however, the film is not just a comedy; there is a message. Neal and Del both grow as a result of meeting each other. This is a message that we all need to understand, especially as the holiday season ramps up.
How many times have you met someone and wrote them off because of a less-than-ideal initial encounter? How many times have you disliked someone despite not knowing them at all?
For me, this has happened more frequently than I’d like to admit. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles attempts to transcend this human tendency, as well as teach us to work to beat it. And, of course, it is still hilarious.
Watch Planes, Trains, and Automobiles this Thanksgiving. During a time of thankfulness, family, and love, watch a man attempt to reunite with his family despite an obnoxious slob accompanying him the whole way.
Maybe – just maybe – you’ll learn something.
