In 1986 John Hughes changed comedies forever with one of the best coming-of-age stories of all time.
This movie came out long before I was born, and I only got to watch it like 20 years after it’s initial release. And it instantly became one of my all-time favourite movies. It’s one of those 80’s movies that redefined comedy. Think Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, The Blues Brothers, Airplane!, Back to the Future, Weekend at Bernie’s.
These movies inspired me and influenced my humour. So that’s why I’m doing this series – Retro Reviews. I want to review some of the best and worse movies from the past five decades, and I’m starting with what’s probably the best comedy of 80s, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
This movie is legendary, and simply a masterpiece. Matthew Broderick’s performance is simply brilliant. The character of Ferris is relatable, which makes the movie a story we all wish we could have been part of.
The rest of the performances are brilliant as well. Mia Sara as Sloane is amazing, but I really love Alan Ruck’s performance as Cameron Frye, Ferris’s best friend. He’s character growth over the course of the movie is phenomenal.
The fact that John Hughes wrote this movie in less than a week is evident of his talent, there really is no one else like him. It’s been said that the movie is basically a love letter to Chicago, and it is executed exceptionally well.
The Chicago setting is an integral part of the story. The city isn’t just a setting, it’s a character because we don’t only get to see it, but experience it as well. “The Sausage Kinf of Chicago?” “Yeah. That’s me.”
I can go on and on about how brilliant this movie is. The humour, the story, the tone, the setting, the performances are all simply brilliant. This movie is iconic, and you’re missing out on something beautiful if you haven’t seen it yet.
It’s again one of those movies that makes me passionate about film. In a way it inspires the way I write, the way I think and the way I want to live. So go check out Ferris Beuller’s Day Off.
