“Planes” is a Disney animated film. However it’s not a Pixar film or from Walt Disney Animation Studios (which recently made “Bolt”, “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph”). Instead, “Planes” was created by DisneyToon Studios, who usually make Direct-to-DVD films. And that’s exactly what this film was supposed to be. That is, until late last year, when Disney announced they would bring the film to theaters this summer (the first part of a trilogy, with a sequel already set for July 2014).
It was a gutsy decision by the Mouse House, but a good one. “Planes” is a spin-off of my favorite Pixar film (no, not “Wall-E”), “Cars”. And while this high-flying adventure isn’t nearly as good as that film, it soars well above the level of a typical Direct-to-DVD release.
Dusty Crophopper (originally voiced by “Two and a Half Men”‘s Jon Cryer, but changed at the last minute to comedian Dane Cook) has been working as a cropduster in the small town of Propwash Junction his entire life. Like Radiator Springs, you can’t find Propwash Junction on the map. However, Dusty’s always dreamed of becoming a racer (I wonder if he knows a snail named Turbo) and competing in the Wings Around the Globe competition. This year he finally attempts to qualify, against the advice of his friends.
He falls a little short, but gets a break and makes it into the field, which includes planes from all across the globe, including the British champ (voiced by John Cleese), a Mexican indoor racing champ who falls for the French-Canadian entry (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and the three-time WATG champ – Ripslinger. He, like Chick Hicks, is green, has a huge ego and doesn’t exactly follow the rules. Dusty’s other major obstacle is himself, since he’s afraid of heights. But his pals from back home, including Skipper, a retired Navy Fighter (Stacy Keach) and some new ones he gets along the way, are going to try to help him win the big race.
“Planes” clearly borrows from both “Cars” and “Cars 2”, but there are enough new elements to allow it to stand on its own. This is a simple and likeable animated film. There are some funny moments (including a nice cameo that continues a Pixar tradition), but not a lot of laughs, and thankfully not too many pop culture references. The script doesn’t have a lot of bite to it, outside of a surprisingly dramatic scene towards the end that will fly right over little kids’ heads, but is very well done.
The most impressive element of “Planes” is the animation, which is top notch. You could tell that the filmmakers put a lot of hard work into the flying sequences. The characters are quite talky, especially at the start of the film, but things settle once the race begins. And the voice cast is top-notch. Others in the fleet include Brad Garrett as Dusty’s car friend Chug, Teri Hatcher, Cedric the Entertainer and Brent Mustburger, back as announcer Brent Mustangburger. Plus there’s a “Top Gun” reunion with Anthony Edwards and Val Kilmer as a couple of fighter planes. As a whole these characters are not as memorable as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the rest of the “Cars” gang, but they are certainly good enough.
“Planes” contains some very nice messages for the little ones which parents will be thankful for. It’s rated PG for some mild action and rude humor. The 6-10 year-old age group should really enjoy it and there’s just enough here to keep adults amused as well.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Planes” gets a C+.