Thursday, February 25, 2010

Airplane!

Airplane! is a 1980 satirical comedy. Once again, I am embarassed to admit that I have never seen this 80s classic. Several pop-culture references have been derived from this film, such as "and don't call me Shirley."

The film takes place in an airliner travelling to Chicago in which several passengers, including the navigator, pilot, and co-pilot, have been striken ill by food poisoning. Ex-fighter pilot Ted Striker, who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is then forced to fly and safely land the aircraft, but due to his war time experience he has developed a fear of flying and a "drinking problem" (which is actually him missing his mouth and splashing liquid on himself). His intent was to board the plan and win back the love of Elaine, a stewardess onboard.

Once the navigator, pilot, and co-pilot sucumb to their illness Elaine is forced to activate the auto-pilot which is an inflatible captain who, sometimes, comes alive and makes obscene jestures. The plane continues to face impossible situations but, naturally, Striker lands the plane safely, wins back the girl, and the auto-pilot takes off with the plane and an inflatible stewardess.

This film is considered classically 80s because of it's cheesy content, costumes, sound effects, and special effects. It's one of the great 80s classics; it's hilarious and witty. Anyone who considers themself an expert on the 80s must watch this film.

1 comment:

Vladigogo said...

The success of this film led to the Police Squad films and then later the Hot Shots films and Scary Movies films.

So if you like those flicks, thank this movie. If you hate them, then hate this movie.