Critics writing about Disney's Planes this week let their aviation puns soar into the wild blue yawn-der. ---

As tends to happen any time a movie involves motorized transport as a theme, lazy writers couldn't restrain themselves from nudging readers with jokey allusions, metaphors and other hijinks.

“If it had been made of stronger stuff, more like Dusty, Planes might have soared.” – Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times

“… may fly at the box office, but it does not soar to the heavens.” – Bruce Kirkland, Jam! Movies

“When Planes really takes flight, it can be boldly transporting. Other times, though, it feels like it’s running low on jet fuel.” – Drew Taylor, IndieWire

“If this first outing is any guide, the sky is the limit.” – Mike Scott, Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

“… undoubtedly will keep the little fliers amused—even while their parents put their brains on autopilot.” – Cathy Jakicic, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Planes shifts into autopilot early on, and rushes through a checklist of underdog self-actualisation in a manner more dutiful than inspired. All but the youngest viewers may leave feeling they’ve overpaid for this flight.” – Brent Simon, Screen Daily

“It makes for a boring flight during which passengers young and old will inevitably get restless.” – Frank Swietek, One Guy’s Opinion

“After a little turbulence, Planes comes in for a nice landing.” – Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle

“The hero of Planes has trouble getting off the ground. So does the movie.” – Chris Hewitt, St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Planes, ... like Dusty, stays close to the ground and fears soaring into the heights of imagination. And because of that, it nearly crashes and burns." –Bob Bloom, Journal & Courier

“…a trip to the theater? Don’t waste your fuel.” –Rebecca Cusey, Patheos.com

As a bonus this week: Here are a few thoughtfully "deep" takes on the biopic Lovelace:

“Lovelace is a respectable job, but it never goes deep.” – David Edelstein, New York Magazine

“Lovelace goes down easy. But it's difficult not to wish for something deeper.” – Geoff Berkshir, Zap2It.com

“Apparently, the filmmakers think Lovelace’s story is good enough to be exploited, again, but identifying with her would be too much to swallow.” – Radheyan Simonpillai, NOW Toronto

Okay, that last one was kind of funny.