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Planes, Trains and Automobiles
1987 92 min United States of America R 12+
★7.7
Comedy
Director: John Hughes
Trailers
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EN
Teaser
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Description
An irritable marketing executive, Neal Page, is heading home to Chicago for Thanksgiving when a number of delays force him to travel with a well meaning but overbearing shower curtain ring salesman, Del Griffith.
Budget:
$15M
US Gross:
$49.53M
Worldwide:
$49.5M
Starring
Steve Martin
Actor
John Candy
Actor
Laila Robins
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is widely regarded as a classic buddy comedy that masterfully balances slapstick humor with genuine emotional depth. The film's enduring appeal is anchored by the exceptional chemistry between Steve Martin and John Candy, whose performances elevate a simple road-trip premise into a resonant exploration of empathy and human connection.
| Acting | Steve Martin and John Candy deliver brilliant, career-defining performances that anchor the film's shift from antagonistic comedy to heartfelt drama. | |
| Pacing | The narrative expertly avoids repetition, maintaining a tight, well-crafted structure that feels purposeful and devoid of wasted scenes. | |
| Ending | The film’s conclusion provides a poignant, bittersweet resolution that effectively deepens the story's emotional impact. | |
| Screenplay | John Hughes’ writing creates a unique blend of humor and sincerity that feels more substantive than many contemporary crude comedies. | |
| Production | The 80s aesthetic and musical score are viewed by some as an essential, nostalgic component of the film, while others find the production style dated and unappealing. | |
| Originality | While many praise the story as a timeless masterpiece, some critics argue the plot relies on unoriginal, routine slapstick tropes common to the road-trip genre. |