John Hughes, John Candy & Steve Martin in their heyday. Even with great casts sometimes it never works out. Fortunately for us the chemistry is perfect and we are blessed with 90 minutes of laughs and maybe some tears. John Hughes for me is the master of showing people as they are with all their flaws and irritating qualities on show and making it very funny to watch. His direction of Planes trains and automobiles is arguably his best. The mood is just right from beginning to end, the friendship between Neal and Dell grows naturally and does not seem forced and most of all this is one of the most consistently funny films you'll ever see. I have just watched it this evening, i have seen it many times before but a long time ago and it was a surprise just how much I remembered as the film went on - I kept thinking 'oh yes this is the pillows scene' and the infamous F Bomb scene which Steve Martin delivers perfectly. Steve Martin plays almost the straight role to John Candy's lovable but irritating Dell Griffith. Steve Martin is a clever enough comedian to not try to steal scenes from John Candy by mugging or trying to be 'bigger' but to play off him. John Candys genius (and John Hughes) is to make Del the comic turn but not to stop there - to give him a serious side that develops as the movie goes on. Therefore not only do we find him funny but we begin to care for him. So then we come to the end. How many comedy's can you name that run out of steam before the end? That is another strength of Planes Trains & Automobiles - the almost sad ending when we discover that Del is a drifter really, travelling alone after the death of his wife. Neal takes him home to meet his family and the movie ends with a big smile from John Candy which freezes then fades to the credits. I've got to admit I was filling up with tears by then but I am a bit of a sap for that kind of thing. So in all this was an eighties comedy that brought together three of the big names for that period and created comedy gold that has stood the test of time. Rest in peace Mr Candy & Mr Hughes thanks for the laughs you've given me.