If Planes was
about a bomber, then it would be mission accomplished. The voice talents of
Dane Cook, Stacy Keach, John Cleese, Brad Garrett, and Priyanka Chopra are the
best things about the movie Planes, a
Disney release, but NOT a Pixar production. It is Prana Animation Studios that put this
one together. Not exactly a household
name, but they’re the ones who released Tinker
Bell and Secret of the Wings
(another Tinker Bell movie) straight
to DVD release. Unfortunately, the quality of this film reveals
its history.
Planes was
originally created to be a direct-to-DVD release, but when little ones clamor
to see a summer flick with a giant tub of buttery movie-theater popcorn, why
not squeeze more money out of it and slip it into the theaters first? Ohhhhh, now this movie makes more sense.
The movie begins with the title “From above the world of Cars” hoping the Disney connection will
help this movie to soar to megabucks. It
flops. Cars was somewhat unique and
successful, and although Planes has a
similar look, it doesn’t quite make it off the runway. Without Pixar’s humorous
magic, the audience didn’t laugh for almost 15 minutes. I don’t know if any parents ever did. The humor is definitely geared towards
younger children, almost at the parents’ expense. The simplistic underdog story lacks the
sophistication to entertain bored parents, yet provides endless stereotypes to offend
them.
Dane Cook voices Dusy, a crop-duster who dreams of becoming
a racing plane, has a secret fear of heights.
Kinda lame, right?
While most movie critics consider this film to be a soulless
cash grab, there are some visually colorful aerial views of landscapes,
although older folks may get dizzy in the 3D version. (I’m showing my age.) Little ones who love airplanes will be in heaven and the merchandising profits are sure to please Disney. The “believe in yourself” ending is
predictable and unoriginal. I mean, we
just finished watching Turbo a couple
of weeks ago.
It’s a disappointing movie theater trip, but at least you
got your buttery popcorn fix. Little
ones will enjoy it. Parents will endure
it. Are we going to see “Boats the
Movie” next?
Grade = C
