Craziness ensues when Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) decides to play hooky from school and take his best friend and girlfriend with him.
Acting: 10
Broderick owns the role of Bueller, mastering his charm and wit. To put it simply: He makes you want to be Ferris. Everytime he breaks the fourth wall, it's almost like he's sharing a moment with just you.
His supporting cast gives you a lot of choices to pick a favorite from, but I have to give the nod to Alan Ruck in his role as Cameron, Bueller's best friend. His portrayal of Cameron makes you sympathize with the character and love him at the same time.
Beginning: 10
I came in knowing the plot, but it's fun to see how Bueller's plan kicks off initially. He's duping not only his parents, but his teachers at school. They're buying his crap, all of them except for his sister Jeanie (Jennifer Grey) who knows he's up to something. Ten minutes is all you need to quickly get introduced to all of the characters.
Characters: 10
While Cameron's character was the only one that had real depth, each character had their own respective importance in the film. I can't imagine the film working the same unless all of these roles had been included, right down to the snappy School Secretary (Edie McClurg) who had quite a few one-liners that made me crack up.
It's hilarious watching how different Cameron are and how they operate together. In one scene you have Ferris lounging by the pool enjoying his day while Cameron is in bed sick singing "Let My People Go". Ferris is crafty and fun doing sneaky things like remotely changing his absent days from his own computer. Meanwhile, Cameron is tightly wound, frustrated with just about every situation. I couldn't stop laughing as I watched him sit in his car debating back and forth whether or not he would go hang out with Ferris.
While Cameron was my favorite, a close second for me would have to be Principal Rooney, the clutzy villiain of the film. Watching him try repeatedly to foil Ferris only to fail time after time is a treat. The man goes through the worst and you know he absolutely deserves it.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Genre: 10
When you think of 80's classics, what films come to mind? I can guarantee you Ferris Bueller's Day Off is going to be on 99 out of 100 lists, if not all of them. It's a film that not only holds up in its genre of 80's comedies, but it's probably one of the greatest comedies ever done. Period.
Memorability: 10
Does Ferris Bueller stand the test of time 32 years later? Absolutely. It's a film that's funny with a number of memorable scenes (the float scene, the car through the window scene, just to name a couple) that have had a lasting impact on film over the years.
I appreciated the introspective moments as well. At one point Ferris mulls on Cameron's future and why his best friend needed the day just as much as he did. The conversation between Jeanie and the Boy In the Police Station (Charlie Sheen) was another strong moment. It's not just another fun movie. The whole idea of the film revolves around remembering to enjoy life or you'll miss it.
Pace: 10
You're never bored. Not once. That's what pace is all about, right? Maintaining the interest of the viewer. The film keeps you engaged from beginning to end and keeps you laughing throughout. It just doesn't let up, yet another thing that separates it as an all-time classic.
Plot: 10
The plot is pretty straightforward on paper. It's ultimately how everything is handled that lifts it over the top. Ferris plans to take on all of Chicago and he wants you along for the ride.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 10
There have been a number of films that have helped cinema. I could argue that Ferris Bueller's Day Off is one of those. It's a film that you can watch repeatedly and find something new each time. All-time classic.
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