Following the success of Disney Pixar’s “Cars” franchise, the affiliated studio Disney Toon set out to make “Planes,” an aerial adventure following Dusty the Cropduster as he becomes a worldwide racing sensation. On July 18, 2014, young audiences flocked to theaters to see “Planes: Fire & Rescue,” the highly anticipated sequel. This time, Dusty must deal with the fact that he may never race again, turning his attention toward saving lives as part of the local fire and rescue team. Offering beautiful animation, a fast-paced story and surprisingly complex characters, this film is a must-watch for kids everywhere.
After the events of the first film, Dusty is now internationally known as one of the top aerial racers, and his confidence is going through the roof. However, when showing off some of his tricks during the annual Corn Fest, something goes terribly wrong. He is told that his gear box is broken, and because his parts are no longer made, there is no way to fix it. Since Dusty can never again achieve his top speeds, his racing days are apparently over. Not knowing what to do next, the poor little cropduster becomes plagued with melancholy.
He comes to his senses when an accident occurs at Propwash Junction that reveals some major flaws in the area’s response team. To help keep the place open, Dusty volunteers to become a firefighter. He is then whisked off to Piston Peak National Park, where he must complete his training and become a certified firefighter. There, he meets the local fire and rescue team led by Blade Ranger, a brave helicopter with a troubled past. Lil’ Dipper is a peppy super scooper who is a big fan of Dusty, and Windlifter is a stern, powerful heavy-lift helicopter. The Smokejumpers are some of the most vital members of the team, venturing into growing fires to smother them before they can spread.
At first, Blade Ranger is annoyed with his task of training Dusty, whose depressed state and constant need to disobey orders makes the task incredibly difficult. However, they soon form a close bond, and Blade Ranger helps Dusty unlock his potential and discover the hero inside. When a fire threatens a lodge full of tourists, Dusty and the team have their chance to rescue their friends and find out if they have what it takes to eliminate one of the greatest dangers they have ever faced.
Although “Planes: Fire & Rescue” is clearly geared toward the younger crowd, it includes some jokes and one-liners that parents can easily appreciate. The story is a straightforward tale of a small plane discovering that he can be a hero, a plot seen many times before in children’s films. However, the predictable plot still works, delivering plenty of inspiration and excitement for younger viewers. The film is fairly fast-paced, giving kids plenty of fun dialog and dazzling animation to enjoy, but some of Dusty’s sadder moments may only be appreciated by older kids with longer attention spans. This film also pays homage to firefighters with commendable acts of heroism and the realistic portrayal of firefighting duties and equipment.
Just like the “Cars” films and the first “Planes,” the world in which the story takes placed is inhabited almost exclusively by planes, trains and automobiles of all makes and models, creating a fun if unbelievable universe that engine-loving kids are sure to enjoy. This world is created using stunning animation, with each machine sporting both realistic parts and cartoonish features. The sweeping landscapes are given plenty of screen time for the enjoyment of viewers, and the wildfires are particularly realistic. Parents should be aware that some of the fire-fighting scenes can be intense for younger kids.
Dane Cook does a great job as the voice of Dusty, giving life and emotion to the character without seeming over-the-top. Hollywood veteran Ed Harris is perfect as the wise, spirited Blade Ranger, and Julie Bowen gives an infectious performance as the voice of Lil’ Dipper. The rest of the talented voice cast, which includes actors like Hal Holbrook, Wes Studi and Curtis Armstrong, are equally impressive. The characters they portray are just as interesting, with both Blade Ranger and Dusty coming to terms with difficult pasts while making way for the future.
“Planes: Fire & Rescue” is rated PG for action and some peril. Although the numerous action sequences are sure to please older kids, the dangerous situations involving realistic wildfires may disturb younger viewers. In any case, however, this film is a worthwhile adventure for kids and parents to watch together in theaters or at home.
