Review of Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) by James S — 20 Aug 2013

Comedy is arguably the most difficult movie genre to get right. Finding a character or brand of humour that is going to mass appeal , and last an hour and a half, is no easy thing to do. But occaisonally the stars align and a film, and character, is born that will forever remain a timeless treat. Step forward Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Ferris Bueller is arguably the greatest creation of writer/director John Hughes, the man who ruled the roost of '80s teen movies. Personified by Matthew Broderick, Beuller was the "righteous dude" whom everybody in high school loves and it's easy to see why. The character is such a likeable slacker that even though we ought to tut disapprovingly at him for fooling his parents into thinking he's ill so he can bunk off school, he does this so he can help out his best friend Cameron who's having a rough time. We all want a friend like Ferris.

Out to catch Ferris is Mr Rooney, devious and slimy high school teacher. It's basically a rip off of Tom and Jerry with Ferris in the mouse role, continuously outsmarting Rooney. It doesn't descend to the cartoon violence levels of Hughes' Home Alone but the animation influence is felt.

Hughes has put together a flawless script for Ferris Bueller. It's full of proper characters, even those who only get a few lines you feel that you could paint a rich back history too. The dialogue is some of the best ever committed to celluloid and at times is extremely funny. The interplay between Ferris and Cameron, and the two with Ferris' girlfriend Sloane is pitch perfect.

To top it all off there's a street parade, dance sequence to The Beatles Twist and Shout, that is even better than it sounds.

Ferris Bueller is the crowning comedy moments of the 1980s.