John Hughes will always be a righteous dude

I was shocked to find out a few hours ago that the writer, director, and producer behind many of my favorite movies has passed away. John Hughes wrote the movies I have watched repeatedly without ever getting bored. He wrote the comedies that still make me laugh, even though I've seen them so many times. Even the wonderful little details in his films continue to delight me. 

He made you want to stay through the credits. In "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" the movie continued right through the credits, and then, after the credits, Ferris addressed the audience and said, "You're still here?" Then, he told us it's time to go.

We didn't care if the movie was realistic or not. In "Home Alone" we didn't question how realistic it was that young Kevin could pull off all that stuff. In "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" we didn't say "The whole town rooting for Ferris like that? Please! That would never happen!". In "Vacation" we didn't question how Clark could fall asleep driving, yet somehow manage to steer them right into a hotel parking space. This was all John Hughes' idea of comedy - the perfect blend of mixing the possible with the impossible. Who would dream of an idea of a nerdy guy spending a fun night with a beautiful girl in Target? John Hughes. The movie was "Career Opportunities". 

The music in his movies had a role that was just as important as the characters. Everybody thinks of "The Breakfast Club" to this day when they hear "Don't You Forget About Me" by Simple Minds. "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles became popular all over again in the 80's, thanks to Ferris Bueller.  Plus, John Hughes used music by alternative bands who weren't very well known, and those songs were just the right unique touch to his films.

He understood the class stereotypes in society and in school, and he understood the prejudices that went along with that. In "Pretty in Pink" Farmer Ted (also known as the geek) raises his social status as soon as he proves that he has Samantha's underpants (she was kind enough to give them to him just so he could impress his friends). In "Vacation" there is an obvious contrast between Clark Griswold's family and cousin Eddie's family, whom they visit on their trip (Eddie's daughter stirs fruit punch with her bare hand). In "Weird Science" the nerdy boys were suddenly more impressive when seen with Lisa (the robot woman they created). Of course, "The Breakfast Club" was all about different cliques in school, and who would accept whom. 

I could go on and on about how brilliant, funny, creative, and talented John Hughes was. I will never get tired of his films, even though there will never be another. John Hughes will be greatly missed. 

The 1991 tribute award video was posted to YouTube by olvidetango, who stated, "He was named Producer of the Year by the National Association of Movie Theater Owners in 1991 having just produced "Home Alone".