Classic Review: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

The majority of my movie reviews are written directly after I see the film in the theater. My roommates and I recently decided to watch a series of classic eighties films, which gave me the idea to do some classic movie reviews. They will not necessarily be limited to my eighties tour, but both are starting at the same place: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

In the conversation of eighties comedies, I would have to think that Mr.Bueller’s name must come up nearly every time. Even those who have never actually seen it the whole way through have probably heard about it. Those who have seen the film use the name Ferris Bueller interchangeably with Matthew Broderick, a phenomenon I have observed more than once.

The reason that the film is so popular is simple: identity. Ferris Bueller lives a life that everyone in high school would have loved to have for themselves. He is adored by students of all grades, and respected throughout the entire city…somehow. The movie’s depiction of Ferris Bueller’s abilities and social circumstance can remain fun because it hovers above reality while remaining identifiable. Were Ferris the popular quarterback, a situation employed by nearly every other high school comedy, there is no way he would be so beloved by viewers.

Ferris is calm, quick-thinking, and undeniably cool even twenty-plus years later. The fact that the movie is loved among my generation illustrates the timeless essence of cool employed by the film. It may sound like I am making a big deal out of nothing in a simple comedy, but ponder this for a moment: how often does a character who faces nearly no adversity and has absolutely everything work out for him capture an audience? It is impressive that we even tolerate a guy like this. I credit quality writing and a personal (breaking the fourth wall) and endearing performance by Matthew Broderick as the basis for this achievement.

The movie is hilarious, and a lot of fun for almost the entire time. In the brief moments of gravity the audience gets a standard serving of “parents just don’t understand,” courtesy every eighties teenage film. What makes it above-average is the likable characters that are doing the delivery. For a film that almost never takes itself too serious, Ferris manages to nail the high school angst near perfectly.

I may be overanalyzing the film, but I think that there is a lot of subtext that makes it timeless while being so overtly eighties at the same time. The main thing you need to know is that the film is funny, and a great trip to a decade that myself and most of my readers were only briefly involved in. If you have not experienced the sick day to end all sick days, I recommend checking Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Even if you have already dined with Abe Frohman at Chez Luis, maybe it is time to make another reservation.

8/10

Other Notes:
I did not remember the language being as rough as it was. Maybe I only remembered the TV versions I have caught glimpses of over the years, but I think a PG-13 film today is much tamer.

The time in this film makes absolutely no sense, and I love it. As you watch just think of all the things they do during what would be a normal school day. I think several hours got misplaced.

Also, what happened to Mia Sara (Sloane in the film)? If I would have seen this movie in 1986 I would have proclaimed her the next cute girl-next-door for many movies to come. I hope she fired her agent.