A beautifully animated tribute {Disney's Planes: Fire & Rescue}

Last year, we watched a handful of racing movies about the underdog who overcame all odds and emerged as a world champion. Think Planes and Turbo. It was all starting to get a overly predictable and I would say, a little cliché. For me at least.

So when we were invited to the gala premiere of Disney's Planes: Fire & Rescue, I was half-hearted about going as I was skeptical if it would turn out to be another stereotypical movie with no element of surprise. Of course, a quick check with the girls showed that they had far more enthusiasm than me about the show and seeing how we always enjoy a movie date and a girly evening, we decided to check out the movie. And boy, I was glad we did.

It turned out that I enjoyed this sequel far more than its predecessor and putting the sexual and racist references aside, we were blown away by the thrilling action sequences, 3D animation, simple but heartfelt plot which even had a surprising emotional dimension to it.   


Planes: Fire and Rescue is not just a movie about racing and the journey to success. In fact, it takes an unexpected twist from the expected and is a film that pays tribute to firefighters around the world. It talks about true heroism, second chances and how you can choose to deal with life when it throws you a curveball. A departure from the usual starting pistol, racing flags and cheerleaders, it was refreshing to see more epic and perilous moments which involve forest fires, rapid rivers and burning flames.


Synopsis

When world famous air racer Dusty learns that his gearbox is damaged, he finds himself facing the possibility that he may never race again. In his search for his next chapter in life after his initial denial, Dusty decides to shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Along the way, he discovers that his second career is just as rewarding, and definitely more fulfilling, than being a world-class racer. 

In his heroic, often life-threatening efforts to save the world, he joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous team, including spirited super scooper Dipper, heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.

I was really glad to see that more than talking about trophies and glory, this movie encourages us to discover the brave, self-giving side that lies in every one of us. It also teaches the little ones to value and be thankful for courageous firefighters who put their lives on the line to ensure a safer world. For me, the show is a timely reminder that life doesn't always go the way we expect it. But if we give up today, imagine all the joy and rewards we will not get to reap tomorrow.

If you are keen to find out more about the show, here's the official trailer.

“Life doesn’t always go the way you expect it. But you came here to become a firefighter. If you give up today, think of all the lives you won’t save tomorrow.” 

~ Blade Ranger, Planes: Fire & Rescue

Planes: Fire & Rescue is now showing in cinemas and is available in 3D. The show is rated PG and lasts 84 minutes. For more information, visit Disney's Facebook page here.  

Disclosure: We were invited to the gala premiere of Disney's Planes: Fire & Rescue. All opinions are our own.