Planes, Trains and Automobiles (R, 1987)

common sense media says

A mismatched duo's homeward bound escapades.


parents & educators say
  • 75% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the consistent use of profanity in this movie may override its many humorous scenes, and as such, may not be appropriate for preteens and younger kids. In one scene that adults may find funny, an irate Steve Martin employs "f--k" repeatedly while arguing with a rental car agent; in another, Candy jokes about picking up pick-up sticks with his "butt cheeks." At the same time, the film does impart a few moral lessons, such as the value of family and not judging a character by his first impression. Teens should be fine watching this film, but they should probably do so with an adult.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: None (aside from car crashes).
Sex: Scantily-clad girl pinups inside taxicab, couple heavily making out and jokes about body parts.
Language: Lots of strong language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Planes, Trains and Automobiles

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about whether a movie can still be funny without the use of foul language. You may also ask them if one can always a judge a person by his appearance or first impression, and if there are instances where it takes time to get to know a person better. Teens may also weigh in on a discussion about the value of family life: how does it affect a family when a parent works long hours and travels extensively for business?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Neal Page and Nell Griffith couldn't be more unlikely traveling partners, let alone friends. Neal, a wearied executive from the Chicago suburbs who has sat in on one too many business meetings, is desperate to come home to his wife and children for Thanksgiving dinner after his plane is indefinitely laid over in Wichita, Kansas. Played by Steve Martin, Neal repeatedly meets up with goofy shower-ring salesman John Candy in a series of coincidental encounters, beginning with Nell's unwittingly stealing Neal's New York City cab. Throughout their journey, they spar with Midwestern hicks, motel clerks, a rental car agent, and law enforcement figures, traveling not only by plane, train, and automobile, but by bus and even foot as well.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
There are some truly hilarious scenes in PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES, but they aren't very appropriate for children -- at least younger ones. In one scene, the two men are forced to share a bed in a sleazy motel and Nell unconsciously cuddles with Neal in his sleep. When they wake up, horrified, Neal asks Nell where one of his hands is. He replies, "Between two pillows." Neal exclaims, "Those aren't pillows!"

Neal's love-hate relationship with Nell does not always serve as an appropriate role model, as he repeatedly tells off Nell and berates his oddball behavior. Yet, even Neal realizes his bad behavior and regrets it on several occasions, and by the end of the film, the two realize that together they've accomplished more than they could separately. Overall, teens would get a chuckle from the film's many escapades, and their parents would probably enjoy viewing it with them -- with the understanding that the humor is far from clean.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Director: John Hughes
Cast: John Candy, Kevin Bacon, Steve Martin
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 92 minutes
Theatrical release: July 20, 1987
DVD release: January 8, 2002
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language

This review was written by Lori Silberman Brauner
 
 

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What parents & educators say

12
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
  • 75% say language is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

cheesydude
kid, 12 years old
 
funniest Steve Martin movie ever!
I thought this movie was sooooo funny! The only reason it's rated R because of this one scene where Steve Martin says the f-word 20 times in a row at a car rental place. Otherwise it would have been rated PG. I think it's fine for 9+.

 

Taddy
kid, 11 years old
 
Good and funny
Good and funny, liked it, but a lot of bad language.

 
Probably one of the tamest R-rated movies ever. THe only reason it's R is because of one scene at a car rental place where Steve Martin just swears at a woman and uses the f-word frequently. It's used about 15 times in one minute. There's one scene that might be scary for little kids(when they are in the car crash), but other than that, the rest of the film is PG material.

Movie Boss
teen, 14 years old
 
Good for teens, but no one under 12
This movie was flippin hilarious. Sure, 1 scene had the F-bomb as every other word(Ha-Ha-Ha)and it had some mature humor in it, but someone my age would be able to handle it.

SomebodysMe
teen, 17 years old
 
Hilarious
This movie is soooooooooo funny! One of the best ever. The language that is in it is only really in one scene, where he comes back from finding the rental car he was supposed ro rent was gone. A couple anatomy jokes too. Watch it before your kids!

ccbluebonnet
teen, 15 years old
 
i thought this movie was hilarious but there was one scene where Steve Martin said the "F" word numerous times in a row but that was the only thing that made it rated R. Otherwise it was awesome

jobrogirl124
teen, 13 years old
 
IT'S FINE!
I loved this movie. Even though there are some words which aren't age appropriate....Kids should be able to understand not to say those words. But otherwise, this movie is perfect for a good laugh.

zazmopepperz
teen, 16 years old
 
Iffy for ages 11 to 14
The movie is extremely and family friendly, apart from one scene where Steve Martin is incredibly P***ed off and uses the f-word 10 odd times. Only because that I'd say pre-teens at the youngest should watch this. Totally awesome though.

HenryRedJeanz
teen, 14 years old
 
Wow.
Omg WOW this is such a great comedy movie, with a great cast, John Candy and Steve Martin are just fantastic, and you look at the characters and think "OH MY GOD I know someone who is EXACTLY like that!!!" It's hilarious!! and the messages are all positive, and the rolemodels are pretty much all good! It has a great story about getting along with people, and the friendship between these two men is beautiful, and very funny in parts. There are some mild sex references and two people kiss very passionately on a bus but thats it, there is some mild language and a scene where Steve Martin uses the f-word like 20 times, but its played for laughs and its only because he's angry, and he's not saying it TO anyone. Overall, its a great funny comedy, harmless fun except for language, it leaves you with a lovely feeling and the messages are great! I reccomend it to kids 11+ and their families. 5 STARS! enjoy :)

bkid
teen, 14 years old
 
funny, but crude

BestPicture1996
teen, 16 years old
 
Very comical!
Candy and Martin give a hilarious and heart-warming performances!

thejokerspencil
parent of and 3 , 11 , 12 , 17 year old
 
Holiday twice a year film
I laughed and really felt for both characters but many find this flick frusterating thats why I can't tell you wether or not this would interest you.

 
comedy classic
This is a classic for sure. I mean I saw this when i was twelve and theres only one scene that is really bad were the F-word is said like over ten times in less then a minute. Other then that your kids should be agble to see this.

Erock23432
kid, 12 years old
 
:)
Great Thanksgiving Movie!

ijustlovemovies
kid, 13 years old
 
Dumb humor and sad storyline
This was a OK movie definitly not one of the best but still entertaining. Actually the language was what made it funny. The ending was very sad finding out that (spoiler alert) john candy's characters wife was actually dead. Even though martins character is not nice at all at the end he does help him and gives him a thanksgiving dinner. Good ending

disneyliz
kid, 13 years old
 
This movie is totally hilarious! My eight year old brother watched with me and we skipped through the seen at the car rental. but if your older then ten you are perfectly old enough and mature to watch that scene. all he says is f word a million times but in the funniest way possible. I recommend this movie to anyone! i loved it!

hmph11
kid, 13 years old
 
Funny!!
I love it! its better on tv cause they bleep out the f words.

CKBrown1000
teen, 18 years old
 
Instant classic!
A great comedy. Some should be advised that there is one scene where the word f___ is used several times repeatedly. Other than that, this should be regarded as an excellent family movie, as well as a comedy. I reccomend it for viewers 10+ who can understand that just because a word is used in a movie, doesn't mean it should be thrown around in life all the time.

ConnDude
teen, 14 years old
 
Funny!
It's definately not an appropriate movie for preteens and under, but I loved it. Hilarious!!! This movie was awesome!!!!

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