Retro Review | “Airplane!” Is My Favorite Comedy Ever
Spoilers beware.
Plot synopsis
This spoof comedy sees a flight towards Chicago turns to utter mayhem as the turbulent love between Vietnam vet Ted Striker (Robert Hays) and flight stewardess Elaine (Julie Hagerty) are caught in the middle of a rampant food poisoning sickness. As Dr. Rumack (Leslie Nielsen) does his best to aid the passengers, this seemingly normal flight becomes a race against time to land in Chicago.
The Good
My favorite comedy of all time was 2007’s Superbad, a story of two childhood friends learning to make the most out of their senior year as they realize that they’re on different paths. Superbad’s comedy was down-to-earth, relatable, and reminiscent of the trials and tribulations of youth.
Airplane! is a completely different breed of comedy.
A deeply intentional spoof of 1957’s Zero Hour, Airplane! was directed by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker. Since it’s release in 1980, it has become a comedy classic and one of the most quotable films to come out of the comedy genre. The story of the making of this movie is fascinating, and I recommend you all check it out for yourselves.
As for the film itself…I mean it wholeheartedly when I say that I have never laughed this…
