

I recently revisited 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' after years, and it's just as hilarious and heartwarming as I remembered. Steve Martin and John Candy are a comedic dream team—their chemistry is electric, and every scene they share is pure gold.
The film follows Neal Page (Steve Martin), a stressed-out businessman trying to get home for Thanksgiving, and Del Griffith (John Candy), a lovable but annoying shower curtain ring salesman. Their misadventures—from canceled flights to sharing a motel bed—are laugh-out-loud funny, but what really gets me is the underlying message about kindness and human connection.
One of my favorite scenes is the infamous rental car debacle. Edie McClurg's deadpan delivery as the rental agent cracks me up every time. And that moment when Neal finally snaps at Del? Steve Martin's rant is legendary, but John Candy's heartfelt response adds such depth to his character.
What surprised me most this time around was how emotional the ending felt. Without spoiling it, that final reveal about Del’s life hit me harder than I expected. It’s rare for a comedy to balance humor and heart so perfectly.
The Blu-ray special features are a treat too—especially the tribute to John Candy. Watching his castmates reminisce about his warmth and talent made me appreciate his performance even more. The deleted 'Airplane Food' scene is a gem, though I get why it was cut.
Sure, some jokes feel dated (like the '80s-era language warnings), but the core of this film—its celebration of unlikely friendships—is timeless. It’s become a Thanksgiving tradition in my house, right alongside turkey and pie.
If you’ve never seen it, do yourself a favor: grab this Blu-ray edition. The 5.1 sound mix makes Steve Martin’s airport meltdown even funnier, and the HD transfer captures every exasperated facial expression perfectly. Just mute the rental car scene if kids are around!
