" Save Ferris "

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) is a popular student who just wants to take it easy. Bueller hatches a well thought out plan to get a day off school, fooling his parents that he is sick whilst arousing the suspicion of his jealous sister and the dean of students Ed Rooney (Jeffrey Jones). Bueller manages to get his girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) out of school and together with his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) they set out for a memorable day off.


This 80's classic from writer/director John Hughes is a movie that you can watch again and again. It has gained something of a cult following due to its unforgettable characters, memorable quotes, and time less appeal. I had never seen the film before and was worried, as cult favourites often never live up to your expectations. Ferris Bueller on the other hand exceeded all of my expectations. The films of John Hughes such as Home Alone and The Breakfast Club have a certain nostalgic feel to them as he transports you back to your time at high school capturing the feeling adolescence angst, boredom and rebellion. The concept for this film is so simple; a self assured student takes a day off school and makes the most of it, yet the film is so effective earning its reputation as one of the best comedies of all time.

Broderick is an integral part of the movies success, his animated performance brings life to Ferris Bueller in what has become a truly memorable character.  Broderick showed so much potential back then yet he never really became a consistent actor, he will always be remembered for Ferris Bueller which is probably his finest performance. Jeffrey Jones is excellent as the stereotypically stern dean of students, who is adamant that Bueller is skipping school. Jones has excellent comic timing and embraces every scenario playing a similar character to Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern in Home Alone as he tries to catch Ferris in the act. There is also a very funny cameo like performance from Charlie Sheen as a drugged up criminal.

The film is as much about Cameron played by Alan Ruck as it is Ferris. Ruck provides the perfect portrayal of a teenager stuck in a miserable home life where his only stability comes from his rebellious and fearless best friend. Cameron's character transforms from a hypochondriac who is unable to prevent Ferris from taking his fathers priceless car, to a confident and determined character that is ready to face life. Cameron's character adds a meaningful element to the film making the film that more successful than if Ferris' best friend was a rebel like himself.

The film's plot runs on the same joke with Ferris and his friends nearly getting caught by Ed Rooney, his father, mother and sister. The joke is a good one though and allows for clever comedy. Perhaps one of the most pleasing aspects of the film is that they never do get caught. Despite the trio going too far (unless you live by Ferris Bueller's philosophy that one can never go too far)  the film ends the way the viewer wants it to, with Ferris having to face no consequences for his actions.

The film is memorable for so many reasons whether its Ferris Bueller's fashion sense consisting of leopard print vests and Hawaiian t-shirts, the Ferrari 250, the running joke of save Ferris that lives on in t-shirts and bumper stickers even today or the scene stealing parade with the performance of 'Twist and shout'.  For whatever reason you remember Ferris Bueller the memory is a good one. Ferris Bueller is rightfully a comedy classic that has been enjoyed by many for years and will be for years to come.