Fans of Planes and especially Dusty Crophopper are excited to see Dusty soar through the skies once again in Planes: Fire and Rescue. My little Dusty fan was especially excited to see the movie premiere, as Dusty is his favorite character in all of planes.

The movie begins with a tribute that is very fitting. “Dedicated to the courageous firefighters throughout the world who risk their lives to save the lives of others.” Since we live in Arizona and have wildfires, images in the movie bring back memories of the real heroes who risk their lives. Several places in the movie are especially difficult for me to watch knowing that last year we lost 17 courageous firefighters battling one of Arizona’s wildfires.

Disney’s attention to detail in every movie they make carries on with Planes: Fire and Rescue.

The story begins with Dusty’s return to Propwash Junction after the racing season ended but not all is right with Dusty. After pushing himself hard in the races he discovers his gear box is failing after almost crashing and starting a fire that threatens to close Propwash Junction.

Dusty is faced with a choice to either see Propwash Junction close or to train with the Aerial Fire Fighters at Piston Peak Air Attack Base. He becomes what is known as a Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT).

When Dusty arrives at Piston Peak Air Attack Base he meets many new characters. Blade Ranger is the leader of the team who commands a strong presence, voiced by Ed Harris. Lil’ Dipper, voiced by Julie Bowen, is the adorable and likable plane who borders slightly on the creepy stalker side when she realizes the newest plane is THE Dusty Crophopper.

Perhaps the funniest scene for parents is when all of the planes are huddled together watching another forbidden episode of CHoPS. Nick “Loopin’” Lopez, voiced by Erik Estrada, was a great addition and nod to the parents who grew up watching CHiPS.

One of the favorite parts of seeing a Disney Pixar movie is to see what character John Ratzenberger will play. Although this movie is not by Pixar, he plays Brodi.

The Grand Fusel Lodge was inspired by Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn and it is hilarious to see cars watching for Old Faithful, just like humans do as they go camping and explore the National Forest.

Planes’ Fire and Rescue will leave you falling in love with Dusty all over again, even if he is no longer orange and sporting a new red color.

Parental Advisory

Planes: Fire and Rescue has scenes that may be frightening to young children with an immense amount of fire, including those where cars are trapped. Viewing the movie in 3D intensifies these scenes.

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[quote]Planes: Fire & Rescue” is a new adventure-comedy about second chances, featuring a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. When world famous air racer Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire-and-rescue helicopter Blade Ranger (voice of Ed Harris) and his courageous team, including spirited air tanker Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter (voice of Wes Studi), ex-military transport Cabbie (voice of Captain Dale Dye) 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. Directed by Bobs Gannaway (“Secret of the Wings”) and produced by Ferrell Barron (“The Fox and the Hound 2”), “Planes: Fire & Rescue” hits theaters in 3D on July 18, 2014.[/quote]

Planes: Fire and Rescue is rated PG for some action and peril.

Images courtesy Walt Disney Animation. Used with permission.

Media tickets to an advanced screening were provided to facilitate the Planes: Fire and Rescue review.