Disney’s PLANES (Review)

From above the world of Cars comes Disney's Planes, an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with 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.

Review

This spin-off from the movie CARS features, yup you guessed it, planes. Those who have watched its predecessor (CARS) might even find it unoriginal (but what is really original these days?).

With a simple, predictable storyline and ending, this movie is solely for the kids (probably bellow 10) and those really really young at heart. PLANES is a wholesome movie for the kids, harmless and occasional funny with pretty scenery to boot. There is also a lesson that can be learnt from the story (for the kids): that it is not impossible to dream big as long as you put your heart into in; essentially perseverance, discipline, and confidence (not necessary in that order).

PLANES is about how a small town dust cropper plane (the kind that releases fertilizers from the air on crops) name Dusty dreams of entering an epic round the world race and become a famous international air racer (eventually). Dusty is bored of his seemingly mundane life and wants more excitement and the epic race is his ticket out of his small town life. He practices (from a dummy guide book no less) conscientiously with the help of his car friend. He even gets a mentor (who turns out to be less than what he claimed to be) to train him to get better. But his flying apparently does improve.

Like all underdog movies, you have the insecure (reminds me of someone I know ha) antagonist plane (with some dumb and dumber sidekicks) who thinks he is above the other planes as he is consecutive winner for 2 years running and is intent on winning it again. But he eventually feels threatened and attempts to sabotage Dusty. Throw in some frenemies who become allies, a little comedy and jokes here and there with a tinge of romance… and you basically have PLANES.

In conclusion, I won’t say that PLANES was particularly spectacular story-wise, but it might have been a sight in 3D (given the animation and landscapes). Still (kids aside) it might be a treat for those who enjoy that cartoons and animations (just not on the big screen unless it is in 3D).