Traditionally, Thanksgiving signals the dawn of the holiday season. Many of us, our turkey barely digested from our first holiday feast the day before, rush off on Black Friday morning to snatch up whatever bargains retailers are offering to lure us into their establishments, leaving the first holiday in the dust as we start preparing for the really big day, Christmas.

In a way, I think we miss much in this fashion. Sure, Thanksgiving may not be as flashy as Christmas. There are no highly decorated trees associated with it, no festive lights to put up, no gift buying and giving. Instead, Thanksgiving is mainly a day about being thankful for what we have, and sharing a special meal with friends and family. And therein lays its special magic and charm.

And while most families have a tradition of watching their favorite Christmas films during the season, it should be noted that there is indeed a very special film dedicated to Thanksgiving, as well: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. For more than a decade, it has been a tradition in our home to enjoy this classic with friends and family on the long Thanksgiving weekend.

Director John Hughes (Uncle Buck, Home Alone) has whipped up another winning comedy that is both lighthearted and heartwarming at the same time. It’s a film that the whole family can enjoy, no matter their ages or genders.

Marketing executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) is trying to get home to Chicago from New York just two days before Thanksgiving. But things are about to take a very strange turn for Neal when his cab is inadvertently appropriated by one Del Griffith (John Candy) on the way to the airport.

Their fates seemingly linked, Neal and Del run into each other yet again at the airport, and on their flight, which is diverted by bad weather to Wichita, Kansas. Feeling guilty about stealing Neal’s cab, Del hopes to make amends by getting him a by now scarce hotel room while they wait for a flight to Chicago next morning.

But things go awry yet again, and the two are forced to share a room and a single bed, the catalyst for much chagrin for Neal but much delight for audiences as the hijinks roll on. And they do roll on as things get progressively worse for Neal. Stolen cash, broken down trains, burning rental cars-these are just a few of the obstacles Neal and Del must overcome as they make their way home for Thanksgiving dinner with their families.

Along the way, something magical happens, as the pair start to strike up an unlikely friendship. Del may be a loudmouth and a bumbler, but he’s genuine, he exudes good humor, and people like him for him. And Del's devotion to his wife has Neal reexamining his life and his priorities as he realizes he spends too much time fixated on work and not enough on his family.

Many will appreciate Planes, Trains, and Automobiles for the many, many laughs it delivers. On that level alone, the film is a true winner, and the exceptional performances by Martin and Candy are responsible for most of them. Arguably the best performances for both actors, they become together more than the sum of their parts, and there is a definite on screen magic when Candy and Martin are together.

John Candy, however, defines the film. He brings to life the emotion, feeling, and good nature of Del Griffith with words and expressions that go beyond simple acting; he really is Del here, and we all identify with him more and more as the film moves along.

There are a number of cameo appearances, too, that lead to some truly hilarious moments (i.e. Steve Martin at the rental counter with Edie Mclurg in the one segment that may not be appropriate for the kids). But you’ll also see Ben Stein, Kevin Bacon, William Wyndham, Susan Kellerman, Dylan Baker, Michael McKean and others in short segments.

Like Thanksgiving, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is all about friendship and family, and that’s a big part of what makes it so special. So much more than work and our increasingly consumption driven lives, family should be our number one priority. That’s a lesson that Del Griffith teaches Neal page, and by film’s end, the audience as well.

You can see more of John Candy in

The Great Outdoors and Summer Rental .


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8