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Planes: Fire & Rescue

18 July 2014English1h 24mPart 2 of the Planes series
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 9 scored reviews · 1 not rated

Colorful fire sequences can't mask a script running on empty.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: colorful animation and visuals
  • Criticised: weak predictable script

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Critic consensus

What 10 critics are saying

Critical consensus on Planes: Fire & Rescue is largely negative to mixed, with most reviewers giving it middling scores. The animation and visual rendering, particularly of fire sequences, is the most consistently acknowledged positive, with several critics noting the colorful and technically competent visuals. However, reviewers widely criticized the weak, predictable script and the film's apparent commercial motivations over creative ambition, with multiple critics noting it lacks the wit and storytelling depth of better-regarded animated films. It is generally considered passable viewing for young children but offers little of substance for adult audiences.

How the 9 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 10 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (10)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Unlike the flat Planes, Fire and Rescue has more of a storyline, even if it's largely predictable and packs in unnecessary details such as an old RUV couple on their second honeymoon. The fires are as fierce as any in a real film about real people, and Fire and Rescue appears serious about portraying the heroics of the men its planes represent.
  2. Top critic

    Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    The one good thing about the film is that it doesn't run too long. In 80 minutes the film zooms by, and the animation isn't bad at all – seeing as the film uses the same animation engine as Cars. It's pure eye candy, with a lame environmental message thrown in. Some kids might dig the visuals and the zooming planes. But most kids are smarter than that nowadays, even the very young ones. It's certainly not for the big kids, though I suspect part three would make its way next year regardless of this one's box office collections.
  3. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    A colorful entertainer for kids, this film can be your weekend movie date with your little ones. Despite being a tale of steel and chrome characters, the hidden moral messages touches the soul. A tribute to people who risk their lives for others, preaching virtues and impressive animation are good enough reasons to watch Planes: Fire & Rescue.
  4. DNA India

    Film review ·

    'Planes: Fire & Rescue' sequel feels like a rushed job. Go fly a paper plane, instead. Oh wait, it's still raining!
  5. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Although I would like to think otherwise, Planes: Fire and Rescue was made in order to keep the franchise alive. It was clearly not a labour of love and it doesn't really care where the script is headed to, as long as it fulfills its target audiences' need for instant gratification. Planes: Fire and Rescue seems to be too high on fuel to be able to walk the straight line of consistent storytelling.
  6. The Navhind Times

    Film review ·

    Since the story is anyway on thin ice, it just meanders initially before settling in for a decent climax. While the colorful animation looks good, there isn't enough to back it as far as the plot is concerned. This Plane is certainly on auto-pilot.
  7. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    While the film is pretty to look at (the rendering of forest fires are pretty realistic), it's not in the same league as a *Frozen*, *Shrek* or *Toy Story.* While the script is full of obvious and easy aircraft metaphors which are funny, it lacks the kind of witticisms and wisecracks that elevate other contemporary animated films so that they can be enjoyed by a much wider audience.
  8. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    There's actually nothing wrong with the film but it does very little that feels right either. Go for it if you want to hide from torrential rains or if the power cut at home is driving you nuts.
  9. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    ... with its 3D effect is a mediocre fare that you'd want to watch on a rainy day if you have nothing better to do.
  10. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Does the film work for adults? Not really, unless you are talking about a few good dialogues and some throwbacks. But before you accompany your kid to the films, here's a fair warning: this is no Toy Story, this is just about them.

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