8/15/2013

Pop Culture Thursday: Da Plane! Da Plane!

I really hope you read the title in your best Tattoo from Fantasy Island voice. 

So last week  - on the day it opened - we saw Planes. We don't see movies in the theater very often, but Cars is a family favorite and Hot Guy is rather obsessed with planes. Plus, the bowling alley was super crowded and we needed something to do until all the day campers left.

If Hot Guy were writing a review of Planes, he would probably start by saying that it was technically accurate, based on actual air racing and that all the planes portrayed in the movie are actual planes.

If Lovebug was writing a review, he might start out by saying that it was funny. Though he might complain that none of the jokes involved poop or underwear.

Hugmonkey's take would probably include his deep love for vehicles and a rationalization for why he must run around the house carrying Lego airplanes.

Ironflower might mention that it was only fair for her to see it, since her brothers saw both Tangled and Brave in the theater with her. She might also admit to laughing.

For me, well, I'd have to start by saying that Dane Cook wasn't as annoying as he usually is. In fact, if people in Hollywood must keep employing him (though for the love of all that is good and holy, WHY?), I recommend that they do it in animated features. The movie is cute and definitely preferable to a Smurfs movie. But. . . .


  • Bigger cameos were needed for Goose and Iceman. (Top Gun reference. I wanted more Top Gun references, because I will always love that movie, despite whatever Tom Cruise has done with the rest of his life). 

Image courtesy of Filmofilia


  • I liked that the female planes competed with the male planes, but it would have been better if one of them had been the heroine, or at least the villain. Still, it was less sexist than Cars. 
  • I also liked Dottie, the female crew chief. They should include more of her next time. 
  • The whole around the world race theme was a bit too similar to the dreadful Cars 2. They used maps, but not consistently. They used some world famous sites like the Taj Mahal, but they could have done a lot more with that. 


How do people write 1000 word reviews of movies? How? I really can't think of anything else to say about Planes. Are you planning on taking any little people you know to see it?

6 comments:

Cindy Lou Who said...

I believe all movies need more "top gun" references. Hell, even "Project Runway" realizes the awesomeness that was "Top Gun", as Tim Gunn's new nickname is "Top Gunn". Regardless of how weird Tom Cruise grew up to be, he was at the height of perfection in Top Gun.

triplezmom said...

@Cindy Lou, you are so right - it's the rare movie that couldn't benefit from a Top Gun reference. I had to pause "Project Runway" to explain that nickname to my kids. I can't wait until they're ready to watch a REAL planes movie.

Kirs said...

My 4 year old daughter is going to see this movie with her Dad while I stay home with the 19 month old. While I could take him to the theater I wouldn't want to be pelted with popcorn and possibly shoes for bringing the noisiest child in the world into a theater.

Blackshear said...

What an effective way to write a review of family movies. Makes it easier to see what age group/kid would be likely to enjoy the movie. Well done. More movie reviews! TV too!

triplezmom said...

@Kirs, if I had a younger child to stay home with, I would have been fine doing that. I don't think most 19 month olds get a lot out of movies anyway.

@Cuz Greg, Thank you. I would do more movie reviews if I actually saw more movies. :) I could review trailers. I should do more with TV, but usually I watch everything behind. . .

Tracie Nall said...

I like your movie review - you should do more of them.

We have not seen this. I think my daughter is too old for it, although she still has a warm spot in her heart for the original Cars movie.