Last August, Disney’s non-Pixar animated “Cars” spin-off “Planes”, originally set for a Direct-to-DVD release, opened in theaters in the middle of a crowded animation summer. A $200 million worldwide box office total was good enough for The Mouse House to push full steam ahead on a sequel. Now, less than a year later, in likely the shortest amount of time between the big screen releases of an animated film and its sequel in movie history, comes “Planes: Fire & Rescue”. I expected it to be similar to the original, which was fun but only slightly better than average. But to my surprise, and likely yours as well if you give it a chance, “Planes 2” is an action-packed thrill ride for the whole family.
Longtime Disney writer, producer, and director Roberts Gannaway begins the film with a nice on-screen dedication to all the brave firefighters who sacrifice their time and lives to serve and protect our country.
Dane Cook reprises his role as the voice of Dusty Crophopper, the former crop-duster turned racer who won the prestigious “Wings Around the Globe” event and is now returning home to Propwash Junction in time for the annual Corn Festival. But Dusty learns that he’s got a bad gear box and might not be able to race again. A fire destroys part of the town, and investigators determine that Propwash Junction needs a larger fire department. So they shutdown the town until a second unit can be found.
Because his air racing career may be over, Dusty volunteers to train to become a certified firefighter. This means working with the best and most experienced crew in the nearby town, including the equally tough and sensitive Blade Ranger (voiced by Ed Harris) and Lil’ Dipper (“Modern Family”‘s Julie Bowen), who claims she’s Dusty’s biggest fan.
Soon, Dusty and his new team are battling multiple blazing infernos, which are incredibly authentic-looking, especially coming from the usually sub-par DisneyToon Studios. There are several aerial and action sequences with planes flying in and out of the flames that are so well done they could be too intense for young kids.
“Fire & Rescue” is also filled with genuinely dramatic moments. Hal Holbrook, as the voice of Mayday, an old-school firetruck who feels his time may be over, is quite good. The script also includes the dangers that firefighters face on a daily basis, which audiences will appreciate, especially those with firefighters in the family.
And there’s also enough light comedy to satisfy everybody. A few stock characters, including a park superintendent, are predictably over-the-top, but there are corny and even laugh-out-loud clever car and plane-name references, as well as a few inside jokes and good one-liners. A scene involving Blade’s previous career will be appreciated by adults, and yes, Pixar staple John Ratzenburger and sports commentator Brent Mustburger do make return cameos.
“Planes: Fire & Rescue” is not outstanding, but, unlike the original, the script takes some chances and there are moments of true wonder. Let’s put it this way: in the wrong hands it could have been a lot worse. It’s rated PG for some action/violence and a few references that are sure to fly over kids’ heads.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Planes: Fire & Rescue” gets a B. It’s smart, honorable, and a safe bet for the entire family.