Planes, Trains and Automobiles [1987]

A bit dated (OK, a lot), but far better than 2010 rip-off Due Date. This is light, funny fare but also very human and unexpectedly touching. Del Griffith (John Candy) plays who has to be the worst travel companion ever in the history of vehicles; he’s not specially endearing or anything, in fact, he’s extremely irritating, but you can’t help but sympathize with the way Candy portrays him. Steve Martin is even better. His tirade at a car rental desk is a celebration of the word “fuck” (the word and its derivatives are uttered an astounding 18 times during the one-minute sequence). Planes, Trains and Automobiles deserves a watch just for that hilarious breakdown. Dylan Baker is also memorable in a very brief but extremely funny turn: probably the biggest laugh in the film.

 

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