Take to the skies with Disney's Planes

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(Daddy reviews)

I can’t remember exactly when I first heard about Disney's Planes, just that I knew both Ash and Ayd would love it. Like how they adore playing with their remote-controlled flying crafts. Which served as a pretty good premise in preparation for them to catch the newest animation from Disney, or so the official synopsis tells us.

From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes", an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing - and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. 

So when the chance came along for me to pack the entire family off to the cinema for a sneak preview, we took off immediately. And if you are wondering if you should do so too, read on.

The first half of “Planes” is rather derivative - it feels like I am watching “Cars” with “Planes”. There’s the lowly crop duster - "You're built for seed, not speed" - Dusty, who wants to be in a big race. He has got a best friend truck, Chug, and eventually finds guidance under a retired old plane, Skipper, who has his own little sob story. And there is the bad plane, Ripslinger, who is full of himself and determined to stop Dusty at all costs. Sounds familiar? But it is not necessary a bad thing though. After all, "Cars" is a classic in most kids' eyes and this keeps the young audience on familiar ground.

The movie does pick up somewhere around the halfway mark. Dusty flies into some serious trouble that sends him on an unexpected course, complete with high flying action, humor and even a few heartfelt moments. 

Photo Credit: Disney Studios Singapore

Admittedly though, 'Planes" isn't the sort of movie that is in any danger of making my must-see movie of the year list, but it is a tried and tested formula that works on kids. Case in point - both Ash and Ayd declared that they liked the movie.

And I realised something. Kids like "Planes" because it is precisely like that - it lacks any dramatic tension, something that makes a movie interesting to an adult but 'scary' to a child. It is a movie made solely for kids as there are no pop-culture references, no double-meaning denotations, no radio-friendly songs. 

For once, kids will be able to watch a movie, understand most of the jokes thrown around - including puns based on idioms familiar to them (“For flying out loud!”) - and enjoy the movie without having to curl up at the edge of their seat during certain parts of it. Oh, and it helped that Dusty the scrappy thing is a really nice guy to boot too, which makes him easy to root for.

For what it's worth, I have to say that kids - especially those who love planes or vehicles of any kind - will definitely love "Planes" and I encourage any families who are yearning for a worthwhile animation in the theatres this coming September School Holidays to catch it! Even Ale requested for a Dusty toy after the show. 

So it does seem like I have to participate in Disney’s “Say It With Planes” contest in order to win some exclusive movie premiums like T-shirts, holographic stickers and notebooks then. Just visit the Disney's "Say It With Planes" Facebook contest page, send a friend a personalised message in the sky and you can also stand a chance to win fantastic prizes, including movie passes to watch "Planes"!

Something like this.

Hurry though, as the contest ends on 15 September 2013! To stay up-to-date with more promotions and news, LIKE the Disney Studios Singapore Facebook Page, FOLLOW @disneystudiosSG's Twitter account, and SUBSCRIBE to Disney Studios Singapore YouTube Channel.

And remember, Disney’s "Planes” is showing in theaters NOW so fly down with your kids this September School Holidays!

Here's a final tip - stick around until after the end credits to catch a first glimpse of the sequel, Planes: Fire & Rescue, to be released in 2014.