Common Sense Media Review
Chaotic comedy about holiday travel nightmare has profanity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 26 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a mix of humor and inappropriate language, often criticized for its R rating, which many believe is undeserved and primarily due to one scene filled with strong language. While some parents allow their tweens and older kids to watch it, noting it has positive messages and can be quite funny, others are uncomfortable with the adult humor and language, suggesting parental guidance is necessary.
- humor
- language concerns
- mild content
- positive messages
- family-friendly
- classic film
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 82 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is incredibly funny, especially for the Thanksgiving holiday, although it's noted for excessive swearing in one particular scene where the main character repeatedly uses the F-word; however, many feel that the film is suitable for teens and even younger kids if that scene is skipped. Despite its R-rating, viewers emphasize the strong comedic value, positive messages about friendship and family, and overall enjoyable experience, making it a classic worth watching.
- hilarious humor
- excessive swearing
- skip bad scene
- positive messages
- suitable for teens
- classic film
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES, Neal Page (Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (John Candy) find themselves stranded when their flights home for Thanksgiving are delayed, then canceled. The two couldn't be more unlikely travel partners, let alone friends. Neal is a weary executive from the Chicago suburbs, and Del is a goofy, talkative salesman. The one thing they do have in common: They're both determined to make it home. Trying to get from New York to Chicago but indefinitely laid over in Wichita, the two repeatedly bump into each other. Throughout their trip, they spar with locals, motel clerks, a rental car agent, and law enforcement, traveling not only by plane, train, and automobile but by bus and foot, too.
Is It Any Good?
There are some truly hilarious scenes in this much-loved 1980s movie, but they aren't appropriate for younger kids. For example, in one of Planes, Trains and Automobiles' most memorable moments, the two lead characters are forced to share a bed in a sleazy motel, and Del unconsciously cuddles with Neal in his sleep. When they wake up, horrified, Neal asks Del where one of his hands is. He replies, "Between two pillows." Neal exclaims, "Those aren't pillows!"
Given Neal's love-hate relationship with Del, he doesn't always serve as a great role model. He repeatedly tells Del off and berates his oddball ways. Yet even Neal acknowledges his harsh behavior and regrets it on several occasions, and, by the end of the film, the two men realize that together they've accomplished more than they could have done separately. Overall, teens might get a chuckle from the film's many escapades, and adults will probably enjoy watching it with them—with the understanding that there's some language and risque humor among the silly pratfalls and lovable main characters.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the language in Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Do you think the swearing adds to the humor, or does it feel unnecessary? Can you think of other comedies that are memorable because of strong language? Would these films be just as funny without it?
How does this movie find comedy in two characters who are the opposite of each other? What are some other examples of movies in which the two lead characters are "odd couples"? Do you think this movie uses this framework to say something positive about friendship between different personalities?
How does this movie exaggerate to make everyday experiences funny? Why do you think so many movies turn to the stress of the holidays as a source of comedy? How do the portrayals of common experiences help pull audiences in?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 20, 1987
- On DVD or streaming : January 8, 2002
- Cast : John Candy , Kevin Bacon , Steve Martin
- Director : John Hughes
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , Holidays ( Thanksgiving ) , Transportation ( Cars & Trucks , Planes , Trains )
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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