Planes: Fire and Rescue (11/4/2014)

Rated PG for action and some peril.

Starring the voices of Dane Cook,
Julie Bowen, Ed Harris, Jerry Stiller, Wes Studi and Stacy Keach

Directed by Bob Gannaway

Even if you have young kids, you should still wait for it on DVD.

Planes: Fire & Rescue is a new comedy-adventure about second chances, fea-turing a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. When world famous air racer Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous team, including spirited super scooper Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.

Last year Disney gave us the animated direct-to-video sequel Planes…ok it wasn’t direct-to-video, but it felt like it. The Dane Cook-voiced little plane that could, Dusty Crophopper, had big dreams of becoming an international racing plane. And sure enough he won the big tournament against all odds. This film opens with Dusty the hero of the airfield.

I actually think I just made that sound better than it is. This paper-thin plot involving a corrupt hotel owner, a visit from the secretary of the interior and a forest fire leads to the inevitable acts of heroism.

Among the supporting “vehicles” are Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, who add a little hu-mor as Harvey and Winnie, the retired RVs who are visiting the spot where they fell in love.

Fire & Rescue is surprisingly dull and feels even more like a low budget, direct-to-video that the first Planes film was. It’s hard to get excited when the charac-ters are mostly just hanging around the park, training to put out fires.

This one may play well with the 10 and under crowd, but the eye roll inducing puns will drive most parents crazy. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the 3D ticket upcharge is a big rip-off — it’s completely unnecessary.

If you have young children it may be worth it, otherwise you should “skip it.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This one is fine for the whole family.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would you describe Piston Peak Park’s supervisor, Cad?


2. How does a selfish choice and up hurting others?


3. Have you ever met someone who is conceited? Do you like hanging around them?

Read James 4:6

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”


4. Are there areas in your life where pride has crept in?


5. What can you do this week to root out pride in your life?