Candy, Turkeys, and Automobiles
The temperature is falling, the air is crisper, and hearts are warmer as the holidays are almost in full swing, with your favorite Christmas movies already in circulation. There are hundreds of great Christmas movies to choose from, such as "Home Alone," "Klaus," "It's A Wonderful Life," and "Die Hard," just to name a few. But with Thanksgiving right around the corner, can you name a Thanksgiving movie? They are few and hard to come by, but one comes to mind, and it's fantastic: John Hughes' 1987 classic, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." This heartwarming and hilarious road trip comedy captures the essence of Thanksgiving in a way that resonates with audiences year after year. In this article, we will explore why "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is the ultimate Thanksgiving movie.
Credit: Paramount Pictures
Credit: Paramount Pictures
At its core, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is a story of two strangers, Neal Page (Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (John Candy), who are desperately trying to get home for Thanksgiving. The film begins with Neal, a marketing executive, trying to catch a plane to Chicago to reunite with his family for the holiday. However, a series of mishaps and bad luck force him to team up with Del, a talkative and overly friendly shower curtain ring salesman. Their journey home is fraught with chaos, frustration, and countless modes of transportation, from planes to trains to rental cars. While the film primarily focuses on Neal and Del's epic and often absurd misadventures, the underlying theme of "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is the importance of family and friendship. Throughout the movie, Neal gradually learns to appreciate Del's good-hearted nature and the importance of understanding and empathy. Thanksgiving serves as the backdrop for this transformation, highlighting the significance of being with loved ones during the holiday season.
Thanksgiving can indeed be a time of heightened stress and travel chaos. For many, it's the busiest travel period of the year, and the challenges that arise from trying to reach loved ones can be both frustrating and relatable. "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" excels in capturing the resilience and determination required to make it home for the holiday, effectively reflecting the experiences of countless travelers.
The film humorously magnifies the all-too-familiar frustrations that can turn a Thanksgiving journey into an adventure in itself. Cancelled flights, overbooked hotels, lost luggage, and the unpredictable weather are all obstacles that Neal and Del face, and these challenges resonate with anyone who has ever embarked on a long Thanksgiving journey. The scenes in which the two characters grapple with these issues are not only entertaining but also serve as a collective catharsis for those who've had their own share of travel mishaps.
What makes "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" truly special is that it doesn't just focus on the chaos and exasperation of Thanksgiving travel; it delves into the unwavering determination and the depths to which people will go to be with their families during this important holiday. Neal and Del's relentless pursuit of getting home showcases the sheer resilience that this time of year can evoke in individuals. Their journey becomes a metaphor for the larger theme of Thanksgiving – the idea that, no matter what challenges arise, being with family and friends is worth any trial or tribulation.
Credit: Paramount Pictures
Credit: Paramount Pictures
"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is undeniably a comedy filled with uproarious moments and outrageous mishaps, but at its heart, it resonates deeply with the spirit of Thanksgiving. This classic film subtly weaves a powerful undercurrent of gratitude throughout its storyline, making it a perfect fit for the holiday's themes.
The character of Del Griffith, brought to life by John Candy, personifies the essence of Thanksgiving. Despite his quirks and unrelenting optimism, Del embodies the qualities that lie at the heart of the holiday season. He's ever-willing to help those in need and express genuine appreciation for the small joys in life, reminding us of the importance of kindness and thankfulness, especially during a holiday centered around gratitude.
In a world often consumed by the pursuit of material success, Del stands as a humble yet profound example of what Thanksgiving truly represents. His gratitude isn't tied to wealth or status; it's rooted in the connections he forges and the simple, everyday pleasures that make life meaningful. Del teaches us that Thanksgiving is about recognizing the beauty in the ordinary and acknowledging the kindness and humanity that surround us.
Throughout the film, Del's character invites us to reevaluate what we're truly thankful for during the Thanksgiving season. While the holiday is often associated with grand feasts and elaborate traditions, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" nudges us to consider the value of the small, heartwarming gestures, the bonds we form, and the shared experiences that leave lasting impressions.
"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is a quintessential Thanksgiving movie, not because it adheres to traditional holiday film tropes, but because it encapsulates the essence of the season in a way that is both humorous and heartwarming. The film beautifully portrays the ups and downs of Thanksgiving travel, the importance of family and friendship, and the power of gratitude. It reminds us that, no matter how chaotic the journey, the destination is always worth it when it means reuniting with loved ones. So, this Thanksgiving, consider adding "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" to your holiday watchlist and embrace the laughter, lessons, and warmth it offers.
For The Love Of Movies,
Jonathan Austin
