Like any lifelong Chicago resident and child of the ’80s, I will watch any John Hughes film they show on cable, no matter how many times I've seen it before. But Planes, Trains and Automobiles holds a special place in my heart. Every Thanksgiving my family sits down to watch it after we've stuffed ourselves with traditional holiday treats. It's the perfect odd couple buddy comedy, with John Candy cast as a sloppy salesman and Steve Martin as an uptight marketing executive who are just trying to get home for the holiday.
So many hilarious scenes come to mind, like John Candy singing "The Mess Around" while driving or Steve Martin going ape on a perky, unhelpful clerk at the rental car counter. Another chuckle-worthy scene finds the duo driving the wrong way on the highway.
But the movie also has a sincere heart. Like any classic holiday film, Steve Martin learns a few important lessons along the way. He realizes that he has been taking the most precious people in his life for granted.
If you've never seen it, get your hands on a copy right now. Until then, here's my favorite scene. All I have to say is, "Those aren't pillows!!!"
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