By Barnetty Kusher
In “Planes: Fire & Rescue,” Dusty Crophopper (Dane Cook), the former dust cropper turned racing plane, has become one of the top racing competitors. Unfortunately, his racing days are over when he damages his gearbox, a discontinued model that cannot be replaced, rendering him unable to push himself to top speeds.
In attempt to keep Propwash Junction, the beloved airport that Dusty calls home, from being shut down due to a lack of fire trucks and planes, Dusty volunteers to train to become a fire fighter. Dusty travels to Piston Peak National Forest to learn how to fight fires from Blade Ranger (Ed Harris) and his brigade of firefighters.
The sequel to Disneytoons Studio, “Planes” movie is far superior than its predecessor. I must admit I was very disappointed in the first installment due to its lack of connection to the characters and an unengaging storyline. It’s easier to connect with these heroes. In this film, we get a glimpse of the life of firefighters and how they risk their lives every day putting out fires to save people, wildlife, and nature. There are several perilous firefighting rescue scenes which keeps you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed every second.
4 out 5 stars
by Jennifer Fiduccia
In a sequel to the movie ‘Planes’, Dusty Crophopper ( voiced by Dane Cook ) takes on new challenges as a fire fighting plane, after a broken gear box puts him out of racing.
Hoping to help his town, Prop Wash Junction, Dusty travels to Piston Peak National Park, to be trained as a fire / rescue plane.
His training is conducted by veteran rescue helicopter Blade Ranger (voice of Ed Harris) and his team, which includes super scooper Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen) and heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter (voice of Wes Studi).
While in the midst of training, Dusty must join the team in saving the park from a huge wildfire.
Dusty learns what it means to be a true hero instead of a celebrity.
This movie had the children watching it entranced, and held them in complete SILENCE because it drew them in so deeply to the fire fighting scenes.
We watched in 3D, and I got mildly nauseous at the very beginning in the flight scenes, but overall, I would recommend seeing it in 3D, as the effects were amazing. I actually felt like I WAS flying at more than one point!
Scenes with fire, water from fire fighting, and the red flame retardant were especially realistic, and felt as if we were ‘really there’.
The movie sends a great message of teamwork, and hard work & selflessness.
It is definitely geared towards kids, but there are some jokes that fly right over their heads, that are clearly aimed at the adults.
3.75 out of 5 stars.
