 |
| Left (Robert Hays) Center (Julia Hagerty) Right (Auto-pilot, dubbed Otto) |
For those who don’t already know, Airplane! was a satirical film releases in 1980 that parodied disaster
movies. During its time the movie has proved to be very influential and many of
the jokes are ingrained in popular culture still today. Unlike most comedies, Airplane! forwent an engaging story,
instead using it as a framework from which they could pop off rapid fire jokes.
Most of which are misinterpretations of colloquialisms, which though it may not
seem funny are met with such dedication from the cast you can’t help but
chuckle. Also the use of slapstick is frequent throughout which adds to the
variety. Because of the quick pacing, if one joke doesn’t get to you another
gag comes quickly enough so you’re not left waiting.
 |
| To cheer up a sick girl a stewardess plays guitar, accidently knocking off her iv bag |
As is, the story consists of the
threat of a plane crash after the pilot and half the crew are incapacitated by
food poisoning and now ex war pilot, Ted Striker (played by Robert Hays) must
overcome his war memories and land the plane. Of course what kind of film would
it be without a love interest, this comes in the form of Julia Hagerty as a stewardess
who had previously been with Ted but split due to his mild PTS.
 |
| Leslie Nielson plays the role of Dr. Barry Rumack |
In itself the story isn’t that
important what really matters is the writing which delivers. All the cast seems
enthusiastic, but in particular Leslie Nielson stands out as Dr. Barry Rumack
who is extremely funny.
If
you haven’t already seen Airplane! I would highly recommend it. It’s crazy. It’s
random and the absurdity of the jokes are truly funny. Airplane! stands as one of if the funniest movies I have ever seen.
There's just something about older comedies that just makes you smile. I know they aren't totally innocent (by far), but I feel nowadays you can't watch a new comedy without worrying about really REALLY inappropriate jokes. And whatever happened to slapstick? I know it's kind of juvenile, but used properly it can still be really funny. I hadn't heard of this movie before, but now I really want to see it:) I love how your reviews make me interested in movies that I wouldn't normally choose. Plus you don't give away any endings, which makes me have to actually see the movie:) Thanks, and keep reviewing!
ReplyDeleteThis movie is a classic comedy. I grew up, since age two basically, watching the Looney Tunes and other slapstick tongue and cheek comedies. It is definatly a good movie to make you laugh till you wet your self. I don't think though that this is a movie you should show kids younger than 13 or 14 years of age. There is some pretty nasty sexual jokes in it.
ReplyDeleteI have never even heard of this movie but I guess I will have to check it out! I had to look up what slapstick meant because I am not familiar with that term,haha obviously I do not watch a lot of older movies. This movie lookes like it would be worth watching though.
ReplyDelete