Planes:
Fire and Rescue
Stars:
(voices of) Dane Cook, Ed Harris, Teri Hatcher, Stacy Keach, Cedric the Entertainer, Julie Bowen, Hal Holbrook, Patrick Warburton, Lil’ Dipper, Curtis Armstrong, John Michael Higgins, Wes Studi, Brad Garrett
Director:
Roberts Gannaway
It’s not difficult to fathom how old age and its attendant ills can be debilitating. In this 3D computer-animated comedy-adventure sequel to the 2013 film Planes, world-famous air racer Dusty (Dane Cook) Crophopper is heartbroken to learn that his engine is damaged and he may never race again when efforts to find a spare part come to naught. But that doesn’t mean he’s headed for the retirement home, sorry, junkyard.
Like Begin Again, this movie is about second chances. But it is also, should we say more importantly, about bravery, courage, heroism and teamwork. Dusty enlists as an aerial fire-fighter mentored by crusty veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his elite team comprising super scooper Dipper, helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a motley crew of all-terrain vehicles called The Smokejumpers which is devoted to protecting the historic Piston Peak National Park. Together, they conduct a host of rescue operations, culminating in fighting a raging wildfire, and Dusty shows the stuff he is made of.
Planes: Fire and Rescue has the customary ingredients to satisfy its target audience. Accomplished limning, a good music score and a talented voice cast of thespians. Where it excels is in its use of chiaroscuro and tenebrism to capture the quietude of nocturnal workplaces in fine contrast to the crimson inferno incinerating large tracts of land. The US Dept of Interior which protects America’s Great Outdoors and natural resources is among those thanked in the end credits.
ronitatorcato@gmail.com
Ronita Torcato
