Planes, Trains & Automobiles represented a unique and unpredictable cinematic undertaking for prolific filmmaker John Hughes. After all, prior to this 1987 feature, Hughes was renowned for his contributions to the '80s teen movie genre. Unlike other filmmakers who made teen flicks, Hughes opted to eschew cheap exploitation and sex in order to focus on character interaction and relationship building. Moreover, Hughes demonstrated that he had a talent for mixing the comedic with the poignant. Thus, after creating such teen movies as The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, making the leap to adult-oriented cinema withPlanes, Trains & Automobiles was a huge risk, but it paid off. Easily on par with Hughes' earlier efforts, Planes, Trains & Automobiles is of a rare breed of comedy; it's humorous and affecting, and there's a genuine heart amidst all of the hysterics. It's difficult to imagine the film having any detractors since it's simply impossible to dislike.

With Thanksgiving drawing near, Chicago marketing executive Neal Page (Martin) has only one goal in mind: to leave New York City and get home to see his family in time for Turkey Day. This ostensibly simple goal proves to be rather tricky, though, as Neal begins to encounter mishap after mishap with transportation. To make matters worse, Neal is perpetually stuck with smothering slob Del Griffith (Candy); a shower curtain ring salesman who's on the road and who never shuts his mouth. Del is well-meaning, but Neal finds him to be constantly frustrating. Additionally, much to Neal's chagrin, the two always end up together. Thus, Neal and Del set out to use various methods of transportation (guess which) to get Neal home for Thanksgiving, all the while being hindered by bad weather, robbers, and other assorted obstacles.

Without a doubt, Planes, Trains & Automobiles is one of the most successful one-joke movies you will ever see. Like all of the best odd couple comedies, the film throws these two mismatched individuals together and allows us to watch them suffer through all sorts of bizarre misfortunes as they try to reach Chicago before the turkey is served. There are countless moments of sheer hilarity scattered throughout Planes, Trains & Automobiles. The humour partly comes from the outrageous nature of many of the situations, but is more directly derived from the unexpected ways in which Neal and Del react to said situations. For a good example of this, see the legendary car agency scene which earned the film its R rating - Neal's f-word-laced diatribe is side-splitting. But to describe anymore of the film's funniest moments would be unfortunate spoiling for the uninitiated and redundant reiteration for the fans. Planes, Trains & Automobiles is only marred by the ending which becomes unnecessarily mawkish and sugary, while Ira Newborn's musical score is overly repetitive and at times utterly grating.

Of course, Hughes' film is primarily a comedy - it's a travel farce showing that anything which can go wrong will go wrong, regardless of mode of transportation. Yet, the reason that Planes, Trains & Automobiles worked so well in 1987 and still works today is that Hughes had the good sense to imbue the pair of protagonists with real human emotions and flaws. Neal and Del are stereotypical character types, to be sure, but they are endearing and feel like actual people due to the depth that Hughes provided them with. Additionally, there are a number of bittersweet and dramatic moments to tug on the heartstrings which would likely feel forced if they were present in another comedy. However, these scenes work in Planes, Trains & Automobiles because Neal and Del feel like genuine flesh & blood human beings. Thus, the humour constitutes the "hook" which initially draws in a viewer, but the drama and the well-written characters add to the appeal and allow the movie to make a lasting impact. Sure, this is not high Shakespeare, nor does it want to be, but this type of material is not normally present in mainstream comedies.

While it's mainly concerned with the trials and tribulations of holiday travel, a theme of friendship also runs throughout Planes, Trains & Automobiles. Neal and Del are the typical "odd couple", and their friendship is unlikely, yet the development of said friendship feels organic in the hands of John Hughes. For the film, Steve Martin was the straight man for most of the humour, and his performance is without a flaw. Martin is very likeable, and many viewers should find the character to be reminiscent of somebody that they know (that is, someone who tries to maintain their dignity through all sorts of humiliation, and who deserves better than what they get). Opposite him, the late great John Candy is a real standout. His comic timing along with his lovable doofus persona creates an altogether memorable character. Candy's Del Griffith is a man who drives Neal insane with his big mouth, but he's decent to his core. Plus, Candy infused the role with an unexpected depth; his buffoonery hides loneliness and sadness, and this is conveyed very clearly through Candy's mannerisms. Meanwhile, in the supporting cast, nobody gets much screen-time to make an impact, but look out for Kevin Bacon and Dylan Baker who made cameo appearances.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is a fine cinematic treat which should be required viewing on Thanksgiving. Hughes' expertly-written comedy does not demand much from a viewer, but gives a lot back in terms of both laughter and good feeling. With its endless highlights, this is a delightful film, and you will want to keep coming back to it after you've experienced it. Be sure to keep watching until the end of the credits, where a joke from the film's beginning receives its brilliant punch-line.

8.7/10

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