Review of Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) by Matthew D — 22 Nov 2018

A fun afternoon joy ride.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) is director John Hughes slacker anthem on the big screen. It's highly relatable to teenagers that just want out of school and to hang out with their friends. Every time I revisit this film, it always provides laughter and enjoyment. It's a blast of fourth wall breaks, Chicago sight seeing, and gallivanting with your pals.

John Hughes wrote and directed this pleasant trip with a nod to films like womanizing romance comedy films like Alfie (1966), which also broke the 4th wall to coming of age risque movies such as Risky Business (1983). It takes the romancing teenager with clever wit and poignant commentary on the social lives of suburban Americans. I found Cameron's monologue about his father's love to be even more biting than ever. Hughes had a knack for realistic dialogue from kids, while always trying to find the humor in odd situations. His direction goes from nice slow panning shots to blistering tracking shots and neat jump cuts between faces. This is Hughes on full steam ahead to nonsense and silly entertainment.

Matthew Broderick was the man after this film. His effortless charm and easy going attitude as Ferris Bueller taught us all to relax and appreciate the finer things in life a bit more. He is cool personified, even while being a truant miscreant of the highest caliber.

His friends Cameron and Sloane are really interesting unto themselves. Alan Ruck is hilarious as the dour and sickly Cameron. His nervous gasps and incessant hollering about his father's demands is so charming and relatable that Ruck may often steal the show from Broderick, especially towards the second half of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. His big monologue ranting about his father's expectations, wishes, and car is something to behold. He demonstrates not only a comedic talent, but convincing dramatic appeal as well.

On the other hand, Mia Sara is pretty generic and dull as Sloane. She is certainly pretty, but seems so lifeless compared to the two main boys. While her acting is flat, Jennifer Grey's is so dynamic! Grey is very funny and sympathetic as Ferris' sister Jean. She gives passionate speeches and underhanded comments throughout that always make me smile. Her indignant moaning about Ferris getting away with everything is so funny to me still.

Even Charlie Sheen makes a cameo in the police station putting on his best James Dean from Rebel Without a Cause to funny results. His snark and causal matter of fact delivery to Grey's character remains as funny and strange as ever.

Lastly, Jeffrey Jones is great as the stuffy principal, chasing down Ferris, with goofy results. While he is over the top, you could argue the whole movie takes on a life of its own with ridiculous bits that you will just have to go along with and believe. It's more about the adventure of spending time with your friends than just buying into the nihilism of caring that Ferris spews at you.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off is one of John Hughes' finest achievements, regardless of how well its themes, cast, and situations have aged. I think this will always be a fun movie despite the campy tone and too silly slap stick bits. It is great for an afternoon watch, so long as you are not rooting for Ferris to fail. Just go along with the ride and you'll have a good time.