One Final Thought: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
Originally published on Homers Radio Network February 18, 2017
Written by: Brian J. Sumner
I’ve been looking back at our past shows in a frequent manner, as of late, and really just kind of marveling at the fact that I’ve actually, finally, followed through with something!
Progress!!
I’ve had a history of starting and stopping projects. Loyal listeners of the show have heard me mention the novel that I had written a few years back and while that entire story was written in completion, the aftermath and the “What’s the next step?” never really grew legs. So that story…my novel…sits in a digital purgatory on my computer’s hard drive till a day it might find a new home. Preferably the “New Releases” table at a Barnes and Noble or perhaps Top 10 eBooks on Amazon. Point being, this podcast and this entire process of making the podcast for you guys to listen and enjoy each week has brought upon a sense of satisfaction from following through with a project that I don’t think I’ve ever attained, creatively, in my life.
So, a big “Thank You!” to you guys that listen to the show & give me a reason to continually strive to express my creativity on a week to week basis.
Not only has my recollection of past shows put me in awe of my own personal achievements but it’s also given me fodder for another edition of One Final Thought.
Scrolling through the ol’ archives brought me to our “Safe Travels” episode which was the precursor for our first ever Thanksgiving Special, “Table Scraps.” On that episode (Episode 018), we watched a beloved, comedy favorite called Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, starring comedy legend (and helluva banjo player) Steve Martin and of course, the late great, John Candy. An absurd, wacky, exaggeration of the classic “Buddy-Buddy” style of film which takes two complete strangers on a hilarious (also sweet and poignant at times) road trip from hell!
Listen to Safe Travels
So rare does this type of film have the ability to combine comedy (both physical and dialogue driven) and drama into one story and have an even balance within the storytelling. With the exception of a few nitpick areas (THAT DAMN MUZAK MUSIC IN THE FINAL SCENE!!) this film is quite simply…flawless. With regard to character believe-ability, story evolution, and humor, this film literally meets all the criteria for a genuine, Hollywood classic film.
So, you’re probably asking yourself…
“Then what’s the point of this edition of the blog, Brian? Don’t you use this as a platform to point out flaws in said movie??”
To which I would say,
“No…and you should really stop talking to yourself…it’s weird.”
In reference to the movie, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, I had a certain observation that washed over me that I felt should be explored and it, quite simply, is this;
Since John Candy’s passing in 1994, has Hollywood had anyone step up to take his place as the “go-to, big, lovable on screen character?” Think about it…has anyone else on the big screen since John Candy passed away had that same on screen presence?
That aura that says, “Look at me…I’m a big time character and when you look at me you just feel happy and safe and you want to smile!”
That’s what John Candy was for me growing up as a huge fan for the comedy legend. From his early days in sketch comedy with Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara on SCTV (think SNL, but in Canada) up to his final Hollywood film, Wagon’s East, (which we discuss in Episode 021 – Mel Brooks) John Candy conveyed a feeling of familiarity and happiness through his acting that literally pulled you in as if you were reacting to a giant, emotional magnet that he somehow had gained control of and repeatedly, without fail, would attract your eyes to stay on him as you laughed and felt a sense of genuine comfort. Much like a family member that you hardly get to see but when they happen to be in town, you cancel all other plans to make sure you’re able to get just a little bit of time with them so you can feel that happiness. Even for just a little bit.
That’s the feeling John Candy’s presence had upon me.
You couldn’t help but smile when you saw the man on screen. Even when he took on more serious roles like the slimy, Louisiana lawyer, Dean Andrews in Oliver Stone’s JFK, he still found a way to bring that John Candy charm to the role and even though a feeling of loath-ability for that character would fall upon you, by the time he made his final appearance in the film, you couldn’t help but crack a smile. That was the power of John Candy as a performer and as a human being.
John Candy in JFK ©1991, Warner Brothers
So who is able bodied and worthy enough in Hollywood to take that mantle?
Who, in your opinion, has the ability to bring a smile to your face even when the role they may choose could make you look at them through eyes of disgust?
For my money, there is really only one other person, right now, in Hollywood, that can even come close…
Tom Hanks.
©2019 Sony Pictures
More times than not, over the course of his career, Tom Hanks has held an audience’s attention by having a presence on screen that is based in a warm, familiar feeling. Almost like an old blanket that provides a feeling of security with the knowledge of “it’s always there when I need it.” That is kind of how I feel about Tom Hanks. You can always seem to count on him and he almost never lets you down. Much like John Candy, when Tom Hanks plays a particularly unlikable character (Joe Fox, You’ve Got Mail), he does it with a certain level of charm that makes you want to like the guy even though you are clearly not supposed to like this character, whatsoever.
You’ve Got Mail ©1998, Warner Brothers
But what really drives home the point for me is the fact that “off-screen” Tom Hanks doesn’t seem to be that far of a departure from “on-screen” Tom Hanks. So many instances have been documented, via social media, of Tom Hanks just mingling with ordinary, everyday fans and not coming across as an entitled Hollywood elite status symbol. In most cases, rather, he feels like an old friend you haven’t seen for awhile or that one family member that you just can’t wait to reconnect with at the next family function.
“Hollywood, more than ever, desperately needs someone to maintain that persona much like John Candy was able to do”
Familiarity and Warmth.
Two important characteristics, that I feel, are very much lacking these days with regard to on screen presence and off screen interaction. John Candy carved out that notch and over time Tom Hanks has been able to redefine the outline of that type of performer to take on his identity. My hope is he will continue with this trend, because Hollywood, more than ever, desperately needs someone to maintain that persona much like John Candy was able to do for so many years.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles will forever be a benchmark in the career of John Candy and as long as his memory stays alive in the hearts of movie fans around the world, the beauty and sweetness of his performance will live forever in movie lore. No one could have ever imagined the importance of this role, this movie, or his performance because we, as humans, take life for granted so many times over the course of our lives, but the importance is undeniable.
Greatness…true, undeniable greatness lives forever.
I’m Brian Sumner from the Dude, What?! Movie Review Podcast, and that’s my One Final Thought on Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
Brian J. Sumner is the Host of Dude, What?!, author of The Secrets of Dr. Killiecrankie & a lover of pumpkin pie the Official Walking Around Food of Thanksgiving
