Planes

From above the world of Cars, Disney’s Planes is an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure about Dusty Crophopper (voiced by Dane Cook), a small-town plane crop dusting plane who dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. Sound a bit familiar? 

 

Although I am a Pixar fan, I didn't really care for Cars, but I did like Cars 2 probably because it was more of an underdog story like Planes is and I thought it was funnier. Thus, I feel Planes is better than Cars, but very similar to the plot line of Cars 2 with a bit of the Cars storyline mixed in too, but with planes of course. Like with the Cars sequel, this story also features a world-wide race and international friends and competitors. This time though, new countries are featured and stereotyped like India, Canada and Mexico. As with the first Cars film this also features an old legend helping out a new racer. The only thing missing was the spy element of Cars 2. However, since Cars has been the Disney Princess equivalent for boys, I expect this new film will add to the franchise and will still be enjoyed by young boys and allow for more products to be purchased.  

 

The film also reminded me of an animated version of Top Gun, but for kids of course. I also loved that the voices of Echo and Bravo were voiced by Anthony Edwards and Val Kilmer. Too clever. I was expecting “Danger Zone” to start playing at any moment. 

 

The fast paced, high-flying action also provided for a more fun visual than Cars, especially when seen in 3D. This really saved it for me and I’m glad I had the opportunity to see it with 3D glasses on. The animation put the audience in point-of-view shots and at times I felt like I was also going on fun loop-de-loops like the planes themselves. 

 

The humor is definitely for younger kids, but there is still something there for parents too. I chuckled at the President Kennedy accent from the voice of the traffic controllers at JFK Airport and Dusty checking out a female plane’s propellers. And although the film has a slow start, it eventually picks up though. Being a mom of two very young boys, I feel good about and look forward to sharing this film with them eventually.