Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

My Review

One of the biggest surprises of this summer’s large batch of movies the comedy romp “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Definitely youth-oriented fare, this film transcends that genre to become a well-paced motion picture that audiences of all ages can enjoy.

Matthew Broderick excellently fits the bill as the conniving and charming Ferris Bueller, who uses his computer skills to engineer a “day off” for himself and his girl friend (Mia Sara), aided by his best friend (Alan Ruck). The three then embark on a tour of Chicago that includes an art gallery, lunch at a fancy restaurant, and Ferris lip-sinking “Twist and Shout” in a German-American parade. Chicago icons like the Sears Tower, Wrigley Field, and the Art Institute of Chicago are also stars of the show.

The three are pursued by the high school principal who discovers their plans; Jeffrey Jones turns in a hilarious performance here. There is a run-in with a drug addict played by Charlie Sheen (Martin’s son) in his film debut. The cast also includes Jennifer Grey, Cindy Pickett, Lyman Ward, Del Close, Virginia Capers, Kristy Swanson, Louie Anderson, and the inimitable Ben Stein as the economics teacher. “Bueller?…Bueller?…Bueller?” at roll call in Stein’s monotone voice entered pop culture forever.

Writer-director-producer John Hughes (“Weird Science” 1985) is to be credited with keeping the picture balanced: The perfect blend of comedy, action, and drama. The screenplay is well written, and does not short change the audience by detouring into excessive silliness. The very watchable “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” was the tenth highest grossing movie of 1986 for Paramount Pictures. It was primarily filmed in Chicago, except for scenes of the Bueller residence in Pasadena and Long Beach, California.