atlasmb

This Hallmark story has an endearing cast and features some wonderful photography of South America, sometimes standing in for Antarctica.

Emma (Rhiannon Fish) is an illustrator whose father studies penguins in Antarctica. When he calls her about an emergency, their connection is terminated, so she becomes worried. She immediately hops a plane and tries to find a boat ride into the southern waters. Along the way, she meets an engineer named Andy (Markian Tarasiuk) who is on a mission to the southernmost continent.

The always-wonderful Ms. Fish is surrounded by a strong cast. The story is about more than romancing, and the narrative feels like a real adventure. The most surprising thing about the film is how they managed to capture the story, including animal behaviors, beautiful scenery, and some effects that feel totally natural. It must have been an experience to film.

The original television show played up the photogenic images of its three stars. This version is almost a parody of the original, but it is also a cartoonish romp with a focus on fun.

The Angels do solve cases, but that is only an excuse for the tongue-in-cheek antics of Dylan (Drew Barrymore), Natalie (Cameron Diaz), and Alex (Lucy Liu). Included are martial arts displays that are quite enjoyable.

But my favorite part is the dancing of Cameron Diaz, who is very competent on the dance floor. She has a strong presence in front of the camera, making her the best part of most of the films in which she appears.

This is not "Mission Impossible" or James Bond, but it certainly entertains.

John Hughes is the premier writer/director when it comes to voicing the thoughts and dreams of American teens. In "Ferris Bueller" he gives us his best work: a comedy with an iconic character; a story that represents the ultimate teenage fantasy; a tale of salvation; and an allegory that provides a useful life lesson.

Ferris (Matthew Broderick) is the ultimate teen hero. He is universally admired as a good guy who always knows what to do. He is a high school senior who the underclassmen generally think can walk on water. He is a friend to all, a combination of Robin Hood and Superman. Or more precisely, they all think he is a "righteous dude". Much of the humor in the film is provided by the canny way he sidesteps calamity, and how he handles himself in a pinch.

He is also an anti-hero, representing those who oppose authority. He makes his own rules without hurting his parents, and of course he skips school when he chooses. On the particular day in question, one cannot help but notice that while the dutiful students sit quietly in classrooms and listen to the drone of boring teachers, he is on an adventure learning real life lessons.

The pervading lesson of "Ferris Bueller" is that one should experience life fully in every moment. As Ferris and his friends tour Chicago on their day off, they fully experience sensations that stimulate all the senses, like viewing fine art, eating in a fine restaurant, listening to music, for example.

It should be mentioned that not everyone is a fan. Principal Rooney, played by the talented Jeffrey Jones, views Ferris as a fly in the ointment that is his perfectly-run school. He is the funniest part of the film, as he tries to catch Ferris at every turn. His secretary Grace (Edie McClurg) does his bidding, though she seems to secretly admire Ferris. The two of them are hilarious together.

The other person who is not drinking the Ferris Kool-Aid is his sister, Jeanie (Jennifer Grey), who envies how Ferris gets by with a smirk and a wink in her direction.

Though the film is about Ferris, his friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) is the main recipient of Ferris's attentions on their day off. At first Cameron resists his friend's exhortations to get up and meet the day, but eventually he breaks out of his bubble of hypochondria and malaise, and demonstrates the most significant character arc.

The third participant in their day of freedom is Sloane (Mia Sara), who is Ferris's girlfriend. Her role is more passive, but we see subtle changes in their relationship throughout the day. She is co-conspirator and cheerleader, the one who bests understands the Ferris methodology, though she also learns more about his feelings and plans. As seniors, they share a common concern about their futures after high school.

In the end, the film is a series of vignettes that add up to a very enjoyable experience. I have watched the film many times, always finding more to appreciate.

I hope you enjoyed this review. I never had one lesson.