Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Film Review: An endlessly entertaining holiday comedy classic

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An uptight marketing executive, Neal Page (Steve Martin), crosses paths with a well-meaning but annoying shower curtain ring salesman, Del Griffith (John Candy), when their flight from New York to Chicago is diverted due to severe weather.

Through a series of unfortunate events, the two mismatched personalities become travel companions and embark on a three-day odyssey of misadventures trying to reach Chicago in time for Neal's Thanksgiving dinner with his family.

Written, directed and produced by 1980s teen comedy sensation John Hughes, Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) is a road trip comedy/drama extravaganza which has become a staple viewing holiday tradition for many American households.

A delightful romp showcasing the very best work of a director and its two leads at the top of their game, this is one of those rare lightning-in-a-bottle films where every element smoothly comes together to form the perfect Thanksgiving festive treat for everybody.

John Hughes (far right) received praise for branching out from teen comedies such as The Breakfast Club (1985) and Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) to an R-rated adult comedy (rated as such for one particularly notorious scene featuring a whopping 20 f-bombs)

What would be every traveller's or holidaymaker's worst nightmare makes for an excellent premise for a successful comedy concoction, with endless possibilities for narrative potential. Hughes was allegedly inspired by his own travel experiences, leading to a first script draft being written sharpish and bucket loads of creative imagination flying wild.

Consistently entertaining and a complete riot from beginning to end, it is no exaggeration to state that this is one of the best comedies ever made, exhibiting an exceptionally tight edit by Paul Hirsch with endlessly quotable lines and a hugely memorable final product.

Practically every scene in this movie (with the very clear exceptions later on!) delivers comedy gold, with Hughes utilising every trick in the book to get a kick out of his audience. The film is ripe with a plethora of visual gags, well-orchestrated slapstick and hilarious dialogue exchanges, which means that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Steve Martin and John Candy, two of the most well-known comedy legends of their time, are absolute dynamite together. Chalk and cheese, these characters could not be any further apart in personality types, so when they are forcibly pitted together, sparks naturally fly. The electric chemistry between this pairing is instantly engaging and makes for one of the greatest cinematic comedic duos ever made.

A comedy match made in heaven - Steve Martin (left) and John Candy (right) continue to leave viewers in fits of laughter thirty years on from the film's original theatrical release

Martin cleverly plays his role with great restraint, opting for dry wit and embodying the straight-faced everyman, whose pessimism and often vicious mean streak contrasts soundly with John Candy's boundless capacity for warmth and earnestness.

Although Del could easily have come across as insufferable due to his irritating, overbearing general persona, Candy's multi-layered performance oozes plenty of lovable, endearing charm, with a particularly poignant history which never fails to tug at the heartstrings.

John Hughes heavily encouraged his actors to experiment and improvise whenever they felt like it, which adds an extra layer of authenticity and believability to the situation. Throughout the full 90-minute run time, you can clearly tell that the leads had a blast working together, having fun with each of their respective roles and making the most of every scene.

The film is also unashamedly 80s with its usage of cracking chart-topping tunes, ranging from rock and roll to country and pop, accompanied by Ira Newborn's versatile original score. Despite the story being relatively timeless, the soundtrack definitely dates the film, but is just another infectious element which adds to its everlasting charm.

The perfect dramady to have a good laugh and perhaps even a good cry this holiday season

The main attraction which elevates this movie above others of its genre is the effective integration of heartwarming drama amongst the humour. The final train sequence provides a masterclass in pure visual storytelling, as Neal's logical thought processes are captured through various flashbacks and flashforwards, eventually leading him to deduce the real tragedy of Del's present life.

The film is admirably wholesome and genuine in its celebration of empathy and compassion towards others, orchestrated in an emotionally resonant fashion with a fantastic misdirect throughline subtly layered throughout. A late revelation soon dissolves into a surprisingly touching, tear-jerker of a final sequence as Neal introduces his new pal to his family, ending with the profound freeze frame shot of John Candy's beaming smile.

Consistently funny, whilst equally balanced with effective human drama, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a film bristling with both heart and spirit. It is hard not to watch the movie with a constant smile on your face as you appreciate the pure display of talent both on and off screen.

If you have yet to see this critically acclaimed comedy classic, you are definitely in for a delectable treat this holiday season! Just try and be forgiving of some of its 80's sentimentality!

Check out the trailer for Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!