Disney Planes Movie Review

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Disney’s PLANES soars into theaters today,Β August 9th, 2013, with some high-flying family fun!! Thanks to Disney, I attended the World Premiere in Hollywood earlier this week and what an experience that was! I got to watch the film with Disney execs like John Lasseter and Ed Catmull, the voice talent of the film (with stars like Teri Hatcher, Dane Cook, Cedric the Entertainer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anthony Edwards, and John Ratzenburger), various other celebrities, Disney employees, and their families! Disney Planes Movie

About the movie:

From high above the world of Cars, Disney brings us Planes and the story of a little crop duster plane named Dusty (voiced by Dane Cook). Dusty has dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer, but he’s not exactly built for racing. Plus, he happens to have a rather ironic fear that doesn’t help his efforts any. But, Dusty is determined and isn’t going to let anything stand in his way. With the help of Skipper (a retired naval aviator voiced by Stacy Keach) and his friends from Propwash Junction, Dusty narrowly qualifies for the Wings Around the Globe competition.Β Disney Planes DustyOn the race circuit, Dusty is introduced to a number of other high-flying racers. Some will become his friends and some will stop at nothing to keep Dusty from having any chance of winning the race. 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.

My thoughts:

First up, let me say that sitting in the historic El Capitan theater, with the people and celebrities who did this movie was incredible! Pockets of the theater erupted in applause and cheers during various portions of the film (when their character came on the screen or a certain sequence occurred). That excitement was so special to be a part of and because of that Disney’s Planes will always have a special place in my heart. Disney's Planes

But, aside from all that sentiment, here’s a little more info and thoughts:

  • It is NOT a Cars sequel. While the movie is definitely set in the same “world”, it is indeed intended to be a world above “Cars”. So, there is a feeling of familiarity about it even though it’s a new movie.
  • Unlike Cars and Cars 2,Β this is NOT a Disneyβ€’Pixar film. The animation is still quite well-done, but it is NOT quite on the same level as what we saw in the Cars movies. (Keep in mind this was originally planned as a straight-to-DVD release).
  • There is NO cameo from the main Cars characters in the show at all (not even at the end). I think that was a miss on Disney’s part. But, not a huge deal.
  • Yet, even though there are no appearances from the Cars cast, many of their general personas show up in the Planes characters. I found myself thinking that Dusty even sounded like Lightning in parts. And, I think just about everyone would agree that the Skipper is just the Planes version of Doc Hudson; Ripslinger is Chick Hicks in every way right down to the color; and Chug definitely hints at Mater.
  • The plot of the movie is a mix of Cars, Cars 2 (with the world race, not the James Bond style stuff) and Turbo (even though that wasn’t a Disney film, the plots are shockingly similar). So, honestly, it’s rather predictable – your typical underdog story about living your dreams. However, there are a couple of twists that I wasn’t expecting (and one that might be briefly scary/sad for little ones).
  • Some of the new characters are quite fun, especially El Chupacabra. Just his name alone makes him a hilarious standout. He provides comic relief throughout the show, which is going to make him a popular character. I also really liked Ishani, the Indian racer. And, I loved how the writers/producers/etc. paid homage to Top Gun, right down to casting Val Kilmer and Anthony Edwards as the voices of the jets Echo & Bravo!
  • For my Nebraska friends, you’ll LOVE where one of the scenes takes place!! So fun! It’s not entirely accurate from a landscape point of view, but a few of the details are spot on. I’d love to know the Disney back story on this one!
  • The movie is rated PG. Honestly, after seeing the movie, I have no idea why it’s not rated G. I don’t think there is any more violence, rude humor, etc. than in any other normal G-rated animated film. So, don’t let the PG rating turn you away! Other than a couple of moments of some pretty intense peril for Dusty, there is nothing too scary or inappropriate for even the littlest movie goer!

Dusty in Disney's Planes

So, here’s the bottom line…

The animation is well-done; the characters are likable; there’s humor for adults but nothing hugely inappropriate for kids; it’s completely family friendly; and it’s marketing genius from Disney. Even though the movie is not nearly as charming as the original Cars and the plot is almost completely predictable, it is going to be a HUGE hit with little boys especially! So, the movie is going to be very well-received by its target audience. My boys already know the characters and had a couple of planes before I even hit the #DisneyPlanesPremiere red carpet. They are SO excited for this movie and, after seeing it, I can confidently say that they are going to LOVE it! For me, that’s what it’s all about.

I had an amazingly wonderful time at the premiere and really liked the movie. As a mom of boys, I’m thankful that Disney puts out movies like this that are geared a little bit more toward the boys and gives them some fun characters to really get excited about. I have a feeling our household is about to be soaring with all things Planes for a while! I can’t wait to take the boys to see it this weekend! Mom Endeavors at the Disney Planes Premiere

Are you excited for Planes?! Have you seen it already? What did you think?

Don’t forΒ­get that PLANES opens in theΒ­aters nationΒ­wide, THIS FRIDAY!!Β August 9th!! You can get more from Planes on TwitΒ­ter and on FaceΒ­book

DisΒ­cloΒ­sure: DisΒ­ney proΒ­vided me with an all expenses paid trip to the HolΒ­lyΒ­wood preΒ­miere for the purΒ­poses of this covΒ­erΒ­age. As always, all opinΒ­ions, expeΒ­riΒ­ences, and love of DisΒ­ney are entirely myΒ own!

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I’m Sara, a mom to three adorable boys living in the Arizona desert. As a former teacher, I love sharing my passions with others. So, have a look around for creative inspiration about cooking, creating, celebrating, traveling with kids, and more everyday mom endeavors!

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19 Responses

  1. I am really looking forward to this movie. I love a good family friendly picture! And will probably end up with it in our DVD collection for the Grandsons at some point.

  2. I am taking my boys at 11:00 this morning. We can’t wait! They both Bravo and Echo, love the voices, Ice Man and Goose, only Disney!

    1. Have fun! I know–LOVE that Disney used Ice Man and Goose! πŸ˜‰ So clever (as always)!

  3. My boys are excited to see this. I had no idea that this wasn’t a pixar film or that it was originally meant to be a straight to DVD movie. Props (no pun intended) to Disney for turning it into a feature film. This will be a great Saturday outing for my boys and I.

    1. For sure, kids won’t know the difference or care at all. Just thought it was something interesting to point out! πŸ˜‰

  4. I am looking forward to seeing this movie and I think that my son is too! When we see the ads for it he still thinks that it’s a Cars movie though.

  5. Love the photo of you posing with the Planes! Really great points you made – I was impressed with how frank they were in using the word “Death”, and you’re right, that mild twist might be a bit sad for little kids, depending on the personality – I was actually tearing up a little myself, lol.

  6. We LOVED it. Maybe its the pregnancy hormones but I got tears in my eyes when Dusty helped Bulldog. I didn’t go into it with any preconceived comparisons to Cars, that might have ruined it for me. Yes it was predictable, but most Disney movies are. The flying actions scenes were great too. Overall my boys and I really enjoyed it!

  7. I think kids will love it, but hope that Disney does not return to the days of just pumping out lower quality spinoffs and sequels to make a buck.

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