Planes (11/18/2013)

Rated PG for some mild action and rude humor.

Starring the voices of Dane Cook, Val Kilmer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Brad Garrett, John Cleese, Teri Hatcher, Anthony Edwards, Sinbad and Cedric the Entertainer

Directed Klay Hall

Disney/Pixar and an all-star cast…it’s a no-brainer. Yep it’s a no-brainer.

From above the world of Cars comes Disney’s Planes, an action-packed animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar.

For years, Disney has made a fortune from low-budget, direct-to-dvd sequels. To list them all would take more time then they deserve but just about every character from Cinderella to the Lion King to Buzz Lightyear have had their “cash-cow” sequel.

I can’t be mad; it’s actually quite brilliant. Spend millions of dollars to get millions of kids to fall in love with a character and then a year later spend considerable less money to spit out a considerably inferior product that you know they will all buy (or beg their parents to buy)…It’s kinda like Disney has the two-for-one model down to a science.

I realize this is the first Planes movie. But it feels like a low-budget, direct-to-dvd sequel. There are plenty of familiar names in the cast, but none of them would be considered Hollywood A-listers. The animation is good, but nothing “wowed” me. And the story is…well very typical.

What the movie does have is a strong, positive message about following your dreams and finding help along the way. Unfortunately, it lacks that Disney magic.

In my opinion, Planes is just another Disney “cash-cow” and is really only worth watching if it’s free or if you have little children.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is nothing offensive in the film and is suitable for all ages.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. What is some of the advice Dusty receives in the movie?


2. What does he do with that advice?


3. Who gives you advice?


4. What are some of the things they tell you?


5. What do you do with that advice?


6. Read these three verses from the book of Proverbs:
   
   Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

   Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

   Proverbs 24:6 For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

   
   
7. Why do you think it is important to listen to advice and accept instruction?


8. What are some things you can do this week to put advice into action?