When a person thinks of the 1980's the first things that usually com to their mind are big hair and John Hughes movies. This movie does fit into John Hughes' realm of what he writes about, young people struggling to deal with the world around them. I find that Ferris Bueller's Day Off Stands out among his other movies because it truly is more entertaining than all his other movies. Although most of his movies don't really hold the test of time and are only found "great" by the group of people who grew up in the time period and are clouded with nostalgia.
This movie was acted well enough. I am not a huge fan of Matthew Broderick but he plays his character well enough. The women who plays his girl friend is pretty awful and it is pretty obvious that the only reason she is their is for eye candy. The most intriguing out of the three would have to be Ferris' friend Cameron played by Alan Ruck. He is the only one who really has any emotional depth. I guess the other actors can't be blamed for their lack of depth though. That blame lies on director/screenwriter John Hughes. I must say though that their is one terrific acting performance by Jeffery Jones, playing the tough dean. This performance has now become somewhat iconic and for good reason.
The humor of this movie is not something that takes multiple viewings to get, but alas that is a true John Hughes film. The targets are quite obvious(schools, living too fast, etc.) and there really is no hidden layers beyond the shell of this movie. It is a typical teen movie where they're fighting for recognition, individuality and independence. Not that I am saying this message is not a good one. We all could use a little break to slowdown and "smell the roses" but it fails under repeat viewings as their is no depth. There is quite a few few funny gags in this movie though. They of course mainly involved the Dean trying to catch Ferris' and really ruin his life. There are quite a few that are quite dull and tedious. Like the Dean getting his foot stuck in the mud(c'mon and people try to use movies like this to show teen movies now are stupid.) Overall though if it is your first time seeing this movie you will like it because it is entertaining and funny despite it's problems.
One major problem I have though with this film is the lack of emotional depth and character development. The only one that changes in this movie is Cameron. He has an epiphany near the end of the film that he must learn to stand up to his dad and to authority figures in general. That is truly the message of this film so it fits well into the story. The problem I have with it though is I don't know it just seems a little contrived and you only feel a little for Cameron. I for one though feel more for Cameron and his personal struggle than I do for Ferris Bueller though.
One absolutely iconic moment that will not be forgotten from this movie however is that epic race home between Ferris and his family. The music is perfect for the scene and it is really adrenalin packed and exciting. If there is any reason you have to see this movie, the chase scene is the reason. It must be part of your cultural lexicon so you can understand the numerous references and homages it has received.
A movie that will forever be part of the 1980's movie cannon. It is an entertaining one but one that does not hold strong under multiple viewings. It's a movie your parents will show you to display how "radical" the 80's were.
68/100 C+
-Hutz
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