An unusually sprawling, giddy production from John Hughes's most fruitful period as a director. Where his preceding efforts like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles were rich, moody tales set almost unanimously in small high schools, Ferris is a plucky, enthusiastic fantasy that breaks free from the confines of an institutional setting and celebrates life outside the walls. Matthew Broderick brings the brash, popular title character to life with an energy that's so infectious it's easy to overlook a few ridiculous twists and turns, and the plot takes full advantage, pushing the envelope as far as it can feasibly get away with. Great comedic timing, an astoundingly deep, versatile cast of characters and the rocketing pace of an out-of-control avalanche help make this a timeless comedy that's aged extremely gracefully. The only sticking point, really, is the totally '80s wardrobe.