 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
- Review Date: July 19, 2005
- R
- Genre: Comedy
- 1987
Common Sense Media says
A mismatched duo's homeward bound escapades.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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AGE
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!
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Kid, 11 years old
December 31, 2010
AGE
Good and funny
Good and funny, liked it, but a lot of bad language.
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AGE
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
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AGE
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+.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | John Hughes |
| Cast: | John Candy, Kevin Bacon, Steve Martin |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 92 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 20, 1987 |
| DVD release date: | January 8, 2002 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | language |
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