Airplane! (1980)
Also known as "Flying High"
What's slower than a speeding bullet, and able to hit tall buildings at a single bound?
Starring: Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Lloyd Bridges, Leslie Nielsen, Robert Stack, Peter Graves, Lorna Patterson, Stephen Stucker, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Otto, Jim Abrahams, Frank Ashmore, Jonathan Banks, Craig Berenson, Barbara Billingsley
Director: Jim Abrahams, David Zucker & Jerry Zucker
Running Time: 88 minutes
US MPAA rating: PGUK BBFC rating: 15
Comedy
On DVD Watching 'Airplane!' in 2005 - 25 years after its release - the first thing that springs to mind is that there's nothing particularly original about it. We're spoiled for choice in the spoof department nowadays, and the only thing that makes this one stand out is that it's feels dated and ever-so-slightly racist.
But, for those watching it in cinemas in 1980, this was like manna from heaven. Theatre punters were sick to the back teeth of the seemingly endless stream of disaster movies (most notably the insipid 'Airport' franchise), and this was the Michael-extraction they'd all been waiting for. Debutant writer-directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker may since have surpassed this in the chortle stakes with 'Police Squad!' and the '
DVD Extras: A trailer, and a group commentary from Abrahams, the Zuckers and co-producer Jon Davison.
It's Got: An emergency call on line 5 from a Mr Ham.
It Needs: Ham on 5, hold the mayo.
Alternatives: Airplane II: The Sequel, The Naked Gun, The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell Of Fear, Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult, Top Secret!, The Kentucky Fried Movie
Summary: It might be a bit too old and creaky to consider leaving the ground in nowadays, but there are still plenty of belly-laughs to be had in this early one from the 'Naked Gun' blokes.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 17th August 2005
External Links
Airplane! at the IMDB
Comments1 Comment |
| Honestly, This has to be one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Frankly I think that David Zucker is really David Zuckerman from Family Guy but he just changed his name. The jokes are perfect and timeless. After seeing this movie one I kept one quoting it for weeks. Come on! This was rated #10 on AFI's all time best comedies and #1 on Entertainment Weekly's Best Comedies. Sure it's a little silly, but give it at least a 4 1/2 stars instead of that crummy 3 1/2! |
| Comment by:- Parter | | 25 November 2005 | ip: logged |
