Planes, Trains And Automobiles - A Timeless Road Trip
For many, the mention of Thanksgiving brings to mind family, food, and, so, quite often, a particular movie that captures the spirit of holiday travel gone wonderfully awry. This American road trip comedy from 1987, a creation by John Hughes, truly holds a special spot in people's hearts. It features Steve Martin and John Candy, two performers who, you know, really bring their characters to life in a memorable way. This film, in some respects, is more than just a story about getting from one place to another; it's about the unexpected connections that form when circumstances throw very different people together on a difficult journey.
This beloved holiday film, with its title that pretty much tells you how the characters get around, has a depth that goes beyond what you might first see on the screen. It is, you could say, a story that resonates with anyone who has ever faced travel difficulties or, perhaps, had to spend time with someone who really gets on their nerves. The film, which is almost 40 years old now, still manages to feel fresh and relevant, proving its lasting appeal to audiences young and old. It really is a testament to the kind of storytelling that sticks with you.
Beyond the laughter and the various methods of travel, this picture offers a closer look at human nature and the often-hilarious situations that arise when plans go completely sideways. It's a tale of an advertising man from Chicago who just needs to get home, and the series of unfortunate events that force him into a rather unusual partnership. The movie, which you can stream on MGM Plus or even buy, continues to be a go-to for many, especially when the holiday season rolls around, offering a bit of comfort and a whole lot of amusement.
Table of Contents
- The People Behind the Journey - Steve Martin and John Candy
- Steve Martin - A Creative Force in Planes, Trains and Automobiles
- John Candy - The Heart of Planes, Trains and Automobiles
- What Makes This Film a Thanksgiving Must-Watch?
- How Does the Story of Planes, Trains and Automobiles Unfold?
- The Unlikely Pair - Neal and Del's Planes, Trains and Automobiles Adventure
- Why Do Audiences Still Connect with Planes, Trains and Automobiles?
- Finding and Enjoying Planes, Trains and Automobiles Today
The People Behind the Journey - Steve Martin and John Candy
When you think about this film, it's pretty hard not to think about the two main people who really make it shine: Steve Martin and John Candy. They bring such distinct styles to their roles, and their combined presence is, you know, a big reason why this movie has become so widely appreciated. Their work together here shows a natural chemistry, which is actually quite rare to find. It's almost as if they were meant to play these characters, making the whole experience feel very authentic and, in a way, truly special.
Steve Martin - A Creative Force in Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Steve Martin, who plays Neal Page, is a person known for his wide range of talents in the entertainment business. He has, for instance, been involved in many different kinds of creative projects, from comedy to music and writing. His portrayal of Neal, a man who is often quite bothered by things and just wants to get home, is a master class in showing frustration and, at the same time, a slow acceptance of his difficult circumstances. He really makes you feel for the character, even when Neal is being, well, a bit stuffy. His presence in Planes, Trains and Automobiles adds a layer of sharp wit and, you know, a kind of controlled chaos to the narrative.
| Role in Film | Neal Page, a Chicago advertising executive |
| Character's Goal | To travel home to Chicago for Thanksgiving |
| Key Traits | Irritable, precise, prone to bad luck |
| Contribution to Film | Provides a straight man for comedic situations, shows personal growth |
John Candy - The Heart of Planes, Trains and Automobiles
John Candy, on the other hand, steps into the shoes of Del Griffith, a well-meaning yet, you know, somewhat overbearing salesman of shower curtain rings. Candy's ability to play characters who are both deeply kind and, sometimes, a little too much for others is really on full display here. His performance as Del brings a warmth and, quite frankly, a genuine sense of humanity to the screen. He often makes you laugh, but also, in a way, makes you feel a tenderness for his character's solitude. His presence in Planes, Trains and Automobiles provides the emotional core, showing that even the most annoying people can have a good heart.
| Role in Film | Del Griffith, a traveling salesman |
| Character's Goal | To travel home for Thanksgiving |
| Key Traits | Perky, talkative, kind-hearted, somewhat clumsy |
| Contribution to Film | Offers comedic relief, provides emotional depth, acts as a foil to Neal |
What Makes This Film a Thanksgiving Must-Watch?
This film, which many consider the most cherished Thanksgiving movie, has a reputation that goes beyond just being a holiday picture. It captures something very real about the holiday season: the often-difficult travel, the longing to be with family, and the unexpected challenges that can pop up. It's a story that, you know, really speaks to the shared experience of trying to get somewhere important, even when everything seems to conspire against you. The humor comes from these very relatable situations, making it a comfortable watch year after year, especially when you're settling in after a big meal.
How Does the Story of Planes, Trains and Automobiles Unfold?
The story begins with Neal Page, a marketing executive who is, quite honestly, a bit particular. He simply wants to get back to Chicago for Thanksgiving. However, a series of travel disruptions, including a diverted flight, mean he gets stuck. This is where he meets Del Griffith, a man who, you know, is the complete opposite of Neal in almost every way. They are forced to share various modes of transportation, from actual planes to, yes, trains and automobiles, in a desperate effort to reach their destination. The film follows their rather chaotic journey, filled with mishaps and, in fact, some truly memorable moments that highlight their clashing personalities. It's a simple premise, yet it provides a really strong foundation for the comedy that follows.
As they travel, things just seem to go wrong for Neal, one after another. If it can be painful, or funny, or just plain crazy, it seems to happen to him. Del, with his well-meaning but, you know, sometimes overwhelming presence, is always there, either causing more trouble or, surprisingly, offering a helping hand. The dynamic between the stuffy man and the perky salesman creates a lot of the film's charm. Their struggle to travel home becomes a series of unfortunate events that, actually, turn into a bonding experience. It’s a classic road trip setup, where the journey itself becomes the main event, and the destination is almost secondary to the human interactions along the way. The film does a very good job of showing how two very different people can, in a way, come to understand each other.
The Unlikely Pair - Neal and Del's Planes, Trains and Automobiles Adventure
The core of this movie's lasting appeal is, honestly, the relationship that develops between Neal and Del. Steve Martin's Neal is a man who, at first, seems to have very little patience for anyone, especially Del. John Candy's Del, conversely, is a person who, you know, just wants to be friendly and helpful, even if his methods are a bit unconventional. Their interactions create a lot of the comedy, as they constantly rub each other the wrong way. Yet, as they face one setback after another, a kind of respect, or perhaps even a fondness, starts to grow between them. It's a truly wonderful example of how two individuals, initially at odds, can find common ground through shared adversity. They are, in fact, absolutely wonderful as two guys with a knack for making the worst of a bad situation seem, well, kind of funny to us.
Why Do Audiences Still Connect with Planes, Trains and Automobiles?
People continue to feel a connection to this film, nearly 40 years after it first came out, for a few reasons. One is that it marked a significant shift for John Hughes, the person who wrote, produced, and directed it. He was known for stories about teenagers, but with this one, he took a big step away from that, showing he could tell stories about grown-ups too. This film, you know, remains an important holiday movie for many people. It’s also about the universal experience of travel headaches and the unexpected people you meet along the way. Everyone has, at some point, had a trip go wrong, or had to deal with someone who tested their patience. This movie captures those feelings in a way that is both humorous and, in fact, quite touching. It shows that even when things are going terribly, there can be moments of shared humanity and even, perhaps, a little bit of joy. The film, in some respects, taps into a collective memory of holiday travel and the desire to simply get home.
Finding and Enjoying Planes, Trains and Automobiles Today
If you are looking to watch this film, it's quite easy to find it these days. Currently, you are able to watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles streaming on MGM Plus, which is pretty convenient for those who have that service. It is also possible to buy the film, so you can add it to your personal collection and watch it whenever the mood strikes, or, you know, when Thanksgiving rolls around again. This availability means that its status as a classic can continue to be shared with new generations of viewers, ensuring its place in film history. It’s a film that, truly, stands the test of time, offering laughter and a bit of warmth whenever you need it.
For those who like to know what others think about a film, you can discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for Planes, Trains and Automobiles on Rotten Tomatoes. This website, you know, is a good place to stay updated with what both critics and general audiences think about the movie. Checking out the scores there can give you an idea of its widespread appreciation. It's a film that, generally, gets a lot of good feedback, showing just how much it has resonated with people over the years. The positive reception from both professional reviewers and everyday watchers really speaks to its enduring quality and, quite frankly, its charm.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)
