Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Directed By: John Hughes

Written By: John Hughes

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Grey

Rating: PG-13

My rating: 1829054309 out of 5 stars (again, my blog)

Forgive my blatant disregard for the five star rating system. I can't help it, really. This movie tops Nick Hogan's list of the "Greatest Movies of All Time". There are two others atop that list, but we shall cross that bridge when we come to it. I actually may be bored enough/persuaded to write a blog entry on my top 10 favorite movies of all time...thus far, of course. We'll save that for another time :)

This is not my first review of a film written and directed by John Hughes. You can find the first one here.

I got this movie on DVD for Christmas when I was in high school. Because I was obsessed with movies on DVD, and this was my favorite. I've had the same disc all this time and it's in good condition, because it's my favorite. You might read "it's my favorite" a lot during this post.

My most recent viewing was a couple of weekends ago with my brothers, fiancee, and future sister-in-law, who was watching it for the first time. I feel it's always more magical when you are with someone who has never seen it.

Basically, I look down on you if you have yet to see this movie. Want to make eye contact? Watch it. You won't regret it.

Brief Synopsis:

Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick; Tower Heist) is an incredibly popular high school student brimming with confidence (Nowadays, he sounds like a huge jerk but he's very lovable in this role because, well, he makes school the "dark side" and that's awesome). He decides he wants to take a day off so he fakes out his parents, but his sister, Jeanie (Jennifer Grey; Dirty Dancing) isn't fooled. His parents leave for work and Jeanie leaves for school. Edward Rooney (Jeffrey Jones; Sleepy Hollow), Dean of Students, also isn't fooled and wants to nail Ferris for skipping school. Ferris, meanwhile, gets his hypochondriac best friend Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck; I Love You, Beth Cooper) and his girlfriend, Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara; Legend) alongside him for an unforgettable day off.

Thoughts:

I love this movie. It's my favorite like smiling is to Buddy the Elf. I think that Matthew Broderick (despite having become a nerd in his old age) plays this character brilliantly. Most of his cast mates never had stellar careers, Jennifer Grey fading post-nose job and Alan Ruck being brilliant on Spin City, but he's (arguably) the second most famous cast member in present day. That being said, all of them were great in this movie. I could be biased because A) it's my favorite movie ever and B) I've loved it since I was a child, but I like to think I'm pretty objective about things like this. There are also some great cameo guest appearances by Charlie Sheen (Hot Shots) and Ben Stein (Expelled). Ben Stein's cameo could possibly be one of the most famous movie scenes of all time, quoted today by people who don't even know where it comes from. Charlie Sheen's set the stage for the rest of his life! (LOL, see what I did there?). It's the best John Hughes movie I've ever seen, and I've always admired the characters, and never not found this movie funny. The comedy is still relevant, and while the fashion and technology of the times fade, some classics like these never will (or at least, I pray that they don't). Hopefully, FBDO will continually be showed in schools on the day before Christmas, Thanksgiving, Spring, and Summer break for YEARS to come. 

What Can We Learn From This Movie?

Any life lesson that is important, you learn in this movie. When you say "All I really needed to know I learned in Kindergarten" you are wrong! It's "All I really needed to know I learned from watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off"!! 

..Seriously though. There are so many lessons in impressing girls, singing on parade floats, eating pancreas, faking illness, being friends, not taking school TOO seriously, and most importantly: not taking LIFE too seriously. 

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it"- Ferris Bueller

^^^ Words to live by, people. Words. (wait for it).....to live by.

I once wrote a paper using a nearly page long example from this movie and another from Accepted. AND...I got an A! Just another testament to the educational value of this, particular cinematic achievement. (Tired of saying "this movie":))

Ferris Bueller's Final Thought:

I realize that this movie is rated PG-13 and probably not appropriate for all ages. I honestly probably saw the film too early, but I taped the TV version to keep around the house so my brothers could enjoy it with me. As a teenager in America, everyone should have seen this. I feel like you are cheating yourself if you reach age 20 and have not seen it.

It's funny, and the message overall is great. 

Finally, I want to get serious for a moment.

This film is a reminder to all of us to live our short, earthly lives to the fullest because we know not when they'll end. I lost a friend this week. She was one of the kindest people I knew. She made an impact on so many people just by being friendly. The fact that she is gone so young is another testament to enjoy your life while you can, and cherish one another. Life moves pretty fast, (too fast for some) so please, stop and look around once in a while. I beg you not to miss the beauty of this life before it's gone.

Thanks for reading. Comments and Feedback are always appreciated. Thanks again! Even share with your friends if you deem necessary! Love you all!! And remember "Only the meek get pinched. The bold survive". 

God bless,

NAH