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Planes: Fire & Rescue attempts to change the model of Disney’s Cars franchise and reconnect with audiences after 2013’s critically panned Planes. I really liked that, unlike the previous franchise films, this one wasn’t about glorifying racers. Instead it’s built on a worthwhile premise of showcasing the important and heroic work of rescue workers. Unfortunately, it fails to connect with a varied audience opting to narrow its appeal to young children. It offers a simple story with some excitement and good animation, but nothing ground-breaking – which is a shame because the idea had a lot of potential.
The film (re)introduces audiences to the now world-renowned air-racing champ, Dusty Crophopper (voiced by Dane Cook.) After winning the around-the-world race in Planes, Dusty continued crushing it on the racing circuit. Now home for a rest, Dusty and his trusty team (coach and mentor, navy jet Skipper, fuel truck Chug, and forklift Sparky) are getting ready for a local festival which is making worldwide headlines since Dusty will be the main attraction. However, while doing some routine training with Skipper, Dusty’s engine gives out and he almost crashes – thankfully he makes it to ground safe. After a close inspection from mechanic Dottie, Dusty discovers that his out of production gear box is too damaged to go at full speed and until his engine is fixed he won’t be able to race.
Discouraged, Dusty goes on an ill-advised solo night flight to reflect on his diagnosis where – against Dottie’s warning – he pushes the throttle one last time and crashes into the airport control tower causing a fire. While Dusty is unscathed the airport isn’t and the not so quick response of the town’s aging fire truck, Mayday, gets the airport temporarily closed by safety inspectors – effectively shutting down the festival the town is so looking forward to. Mayday must get some much needed upgrades and a fire fighting partner if the airport is to re-open in time. Feeling guilty and inspired by Mayday’s heroic past, Dusty volunteers to become a fire fighter and is sent to get certified with former actor turned distinguished fire-and-rescue helicopter Blade Ranger (Ed Harris) at Piston Peak National Park.
At Piston Peak Dusty must shed his superstar status and focus on becoming an effective member of the fire and rescue team. The tasks are a little daunting for the crop duster especially since Dusty can’t fly at full throttle. But cue the montages of devastating fires set against classic rock anthems and it looks like Dusty and the Piston Peak Fire & Rescue team are all in incredible shape. While it’s all a bit cheesy at times, the simple story and thrilling action sequences will undoubtedly speak to the kids, who are bound to fall for the spunky all-terrain group of thrill seeking parachutists, the Smokejumppers. And while I found Julie Bowen’s Lil Skipper to be a bit too odd to enjoy (she’s an underused character with dual purpose but no realization, part offbeat sidekick part romantic interest), I did enjoy the cameo appearance from real life couple and comedic duo, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara who voice aging RVs celebrating their anniversary at the Park.
The feature film directorial debut of Bobs Gannaway pitfalls into the temperament of his previous credits, most of which were straight to video children’s movies. Planes: Fire & Rescue offers a thrilling ride the kids are sure to love, but doesn’t deliver for the rest of the family. The high octane action sequences, paired with a few one liners and overly quirky 2D characters (figuratively speaking that is, the movie is in 3D) all fall short of a family classic.
Is Planes: Fire & Rescue a film for the whole family? No – you’ll want to drop your tykes off and head to a more engaging screening (you can’t, but you’ll want to). But will they walk out with a renewed respect for fire & safety personnel? Here’s hoping.
Reviewed by Vithiya Murugadas.
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