Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune: A film that doesn't seem to know what it's about until the end. Read more

Patrick Goldstein, Los Angeles Times: What should've been a joyful romp turns into a stale, sour-edged celebration of the New Conformist, an affluent, technology-addled cherub without a rebellious whim in his brain. Read more

Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel: It is most curious that Hughes, who is obviously clever and talented, has failed to develop the intriguing situation he has set in motion. Read more

Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer: [While Risky Business] suggested that money isn't everything, Ferris Bueller insists just the opposite. Read more

Nina Darnton, New York Times: In this film [Hughes] has created a character who is every teen-ager's fantasy, but in the process he has lost some of the authenticity of his other films. Read more

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader: The overriding impression is one of utter nihilism, of a world divided into bored, crassly materialistic teenagers and doltish, unfeeling adults. Read more

Hollywood Reporter: Chalk up a summer sleeper hit for John Hughes and Paramount. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: The film's heart is in the right place, and Ferris Bueller is slight, whimsical and sweet. Read more

Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine: Here is a dream as old as adolescence, and it is fun to be reminded of its ageless potency, especially in a movie as good-hearted as this one. Read more

Time Out: Ferris is an admittedly entertaining, at times delightful fellow. How unfortunate that no one got to wring the little bastard's neck. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: Ferris Bueller exhibits John Hughes on an off day. Paucity of invention here lays bare the total absence of plot or involving situations. Read more