Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) User Reviews

Don't Take The Basic Cable Version Seriously

[Calaboss · 8/10 · 30 July 2011]

I graduated a southern California high school in 1977, which is essentially the location and time period of this movie. It's incredibly on the mark. But your mileage may vary, and I'll let the other reviews cover that. My purpose here is to reveal the horror which I just witnessed on a basic cable showing of Fast Times.

This movie earned an initial 'X' rating from the MPAA when first submitted, and after a few cuts garnered an 'R' for its release. The movie I saw on basic cable this morning would barely rate PG. Massive cuts and edits were evident all through the film. Entire scenes were removed. The dialog was edited so that you'd think it was made in the 1950's. The hilarious masturbation scene was edited in such a way that it appeared Linda walked in on Brad while he was peeing. (They actually ran the film backwards during this scene.) Even some of the musical soundtrack had changed, due to rights issues I'd guess.

My point is, if you've only seen this movie on basic cable, you really haven't seen this movie. The version I saw today was on A&E, and they just butchered it. Things like that should be illegal.

Awesome! Totally awesome! All right, Hamilton!

[snow0r · 7/10 · 15 March 2006]

Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a quality film. It's over 20 years old and has become one of those iconic teen movies and it's pretty easy to see why. It has everything you would expect; the bad hair, the bad clothes, the bad music, teenage awkwardness...all the clichés and stereotypes that we've seen repeated in basically every teen movie since then. And it has Sean Penn playing a stoner surfer. Sean. Penn. I'm pretty sure this movie is funnier now just because Sean Penn has had a successful career as a proper dramatic actor, and he plays the ultimate surfer dude perfectly. The grudge between himself and Mr Hand (Ray Walston) is great and probably produces the best (or at least funniest) moments of the film.

All in all, Fast Times is fun. It might be because it's dated, cheesy, and clichéd, but it still does the job and it is entertaining.

Great High School Comedy Film

[mikayakatnt · 8/10 · 13 January 2020]

Watched this during one of those outdoor showings while I was in El Paso. Loved this more than expected. This movie is damn quotable.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a movie that keeps people laughing and wanting more. Plot and subplots covered every person's story. The ending tied everything together well.

Was surprised at the cast of this film and how well they did in their future careers. Good job, y'all.

4/5. This film is a relic and a must-watch of the 1980s American film era.

Damn, now I miss my high school years.

Required viewing for surviving the eighties

[fourque2 · 9 August 1998]

All throughout the decade of pencil-thin neckties and Pat Benatar look-alikes, various films came along that served to embody the times. "Valley Girl" (which introduced us to Nicholas Cage) and "Secret Admirer" were just a drop in the proverbial bucket. Amy Heckerling's "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" was the textbook definition of life as a teenager in the eighties and remains so to this day. The story was brought to life in a very unique way that hasn't been duplicated since:

There was no actual plot to speak of. This was just...High School.

It's a film about a group of kids looking for love, status, or a good buzz. The film was nothing more than that, and it didn't pretend to be more. In addition, Cameron Crowe's script made you *care* about what these kids went through as if their individual situations were happening to us (as they may very well have). It's almost a crime that a sequel was never made, although a mediocre TV series was spawned. Armed with a cast of characters that struck a chord with all of us (primarily because we knew someone in High School who acted just like them), and a soundtrack that reeked of the Mark Goodman-J.J. Jackson era of MTV, this film stands as a perfect portrait of a decade a lot of us say we'd like to forget....shortly before brushing the dust off an old Night Ranger cassette and indulging in a guilty pleasure.

Of the genre - could be worse

[davidholmesfr · 6/10 · 18 July 2010]

I'm not a fan of the teenage/high school genre, which seems to be a uniquely American thing. Thus I approached this with some trepidation and whilst my worst fears were not confirmed I remain unconvinced about the genre.

There is little by way of plot; just a few months in the lives of the characters who range across the usual types to be found in this type of film. As with teen movies the focus is firmly on the males - they are the only ones allowed any variation of character. The girls always seem to be the same one-dimensional cardboard cutouts whilst the males are allowed to range from crazy to lazy and nerdish to pervish. In particular, the scenes immediately before and after a visit to the abortion clinic suggest that undergoing such a process leaves no physical or mental scars and is about on a par with a visit to the dentist for a check-up. Thus it's fair to say that the film is sexist - surprising given that it's directed by a woman.

On the upside there are some good lines - particularly the comment about romance in Ridgemont: "In Ridgemont? It's not even easy to get cable TV in Ridgemont" (or something like that). And Sean Penn makes the whole thing tolerable.

Is age and generation something to do with appreciating this type of film? I am a great fan of "American Graffiti" - it's more or less my generation. And why did I find myself rooting for Mr Hand in his battle with Scipoli?! I tend to follow Roger Ebert's and James Berardinelli's reviews and it's interesting to compare them on this film as they usually tend to have similar reactions. Berardinelli was fine with it seeing it as a reflection of his own generation, whilst Ebert hated it. And, of course, Ebert is from a much earlier generation.

If you have 90 minutes and time is hanging heavy then you could do worse (unless, I suspect, you are an American at high school in the eighties in which case you'll probably appreciate it much more).

Pass the zimmer frame, nurse.

The American Graffiti of the 80s

[super marauder · 9/10 · 1 January 2003]

I was a few years out of high school when this came out, and really hit close to home for me. After I saw it, I looked up some of my old friends, most of them also saw it too, and we said to each other, "that's us!"

Many of the characters were a lot like the people I went to school with. I knew my share of stoners, studs, and girls who getting guys wasn't the biggest hang up in their life. Even today, I can sit, and watch this and I get fond memories of my old friends, and the fun we used to have.

This was made during the post-disco, pre-greed era of the 80s that was far too short. I'm surprised to find out this movie is still popular considering it is far from being politically correct. I'll admit, I wouldn't want my kids to some of the things these high school kids did, but it is a reminder how much fun the era was.

A nostalgic view of a bygone era I love to reminisce about but would never return to.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 30 January 2019]

Everybody's teens and early twenties are fraught with wonder, worry and waking up to the realities of life. For a group of California high school students, life is one big long party that they hope will never end. Their senior year comes together in this enjoyable collection of individual stories where different personalities have different perspectives, and their situations are ones that teenagers of practically any generation can relate to. It's bittersweet, funny, touching and hopefully promising.

There are big stars, minor celebrities, familiar character actors, flashes in the pan and a few surprises cast in smaller parts here, so this is a film that has nostalgia for many reasons. Is best known as the film that put Sean Penn on the map, and his role of Spicoli is certainly one of cult interest. In fact, he gets the best scenes in the film with an actor not even have his own generation, but a beloved TV star and stage actor from the 50's and 60's: Ray Walston. "Are you people on dope?", He exclaims in one of the film's funniest sequences, but his character of history teacher Mr. Hand is not your typical sour old man. He is a man of purpose and even if he doesn't always show it, he intends to make a dent in the life of Sean Penn's pot-smoking potential failure.

it's a shame that Judge Reinhold never went on to great things in films because he is perfectly charming and likable, and next to Penn, the nearly most remember actor in the film. I felt his pain in dealing with a rude customer at the burger place where he explains to one trainee that the secret sauce is actually thousand island dressing, something I can relate to from a fast food restaurant that I worked at in Los Angeles in my early twenties.

While Penn and Reinhold are the most familiar of the young male stars in leading parts, they do not really have romantic interest here. The two young women in the film are Jennifer Jason Leigh and Phoebe Cates who went on to success but never became by their own choice a-listers. Reinhold deals with his lust for Cates in a very funny scene that has been often-repeated or ripped off. Leigh becomes torn between supposed friends Richard Romanus and Brian Backer, respectively playing a con artist in the making and his virginal innocent protege, ultimately with Romanus betraying Backer. it all culminates of course with the high school dance at the end of the school year where are all these situations dealt with are resolved comfortably in a short period of time.

Of course, there's the great 80's atmosphere and that fabulous music that still hits the dance floors on retro nights today. You can Glimpse such future stars as Anthony Edwards, Nicolas Cage and Forest Whitaker in smaller roles, but my favorite minor part is soap actress Kelli Maroney as the peppy cheerleader who has to go off on the student body when they show no enthusiasm for her spirit.

This really has no linear plot but a series of vignettes that are a combination of various emotions and gives modern young generations the opportunity to see the type of activities that their parents were involved in oh, something that teenagers of the early 80's hoped that their parents had lived and related to after the success of "Grease" just a few years before this. I can watch this and feel comfortable in the knowledge that teenagers don't change be on new trends and new styles, and perhaps it will help older generations continue to try and relate to the generations coming up.

"No Shirt , No Shoes , NO DICE"

[XFA · 10/10 · 1 September 2003]

This movie is one of my all time 80s favorites. All kinds of stars in this one. Totally depicts high school teens in the early 80s Fur Shure! Lots of comedy - little bit of drama - whole lot of sex. Sean Penn as the stoner surfer dude is the funniest role in his career. Phoebe Cates , was just becoming a known star. Jennifer Jason Leigh totally looks her part as a teen virgin and you can also see Nancy Wilson (guitarist of the band HEART) here in her tiny cameo role. Love this early 80s classic.Own it.Learn it. Live it...

The DVD was like sitting on the shelf saying, "Hey bud, lets party"

[flingebunt · 7/10 · 21 February 2005]

This teen movie set in the 1980s and sending up the 1980s was actually made in the 1980s. Well as teen movies goes it has the following

Hooters Virgin who loose their virginity Teenage sex Slightly crazy teacher Hooters A stoner Virgins who remain virgins And of course more hooters.

But like Saturday night fever it also has a story that has true elements and characters that you really care about.

The crazy teacher is someone you like as much as you like to make fun of. The virgins don't delve don't go into a long self analysis before having or not having sex, they just do or do not have sex. There are no horrible jocks to be destroyed, only one jock hero who is fooled into being an even greater hero.

And except one scene with bare breasts the nudity is integral to the story.

Why is this, because Cameron Crowe wrote a book based on his time in school as a young looking 25 year old journalist.

The movie hasn't aged because it takes the characters journey's very seriously and many of these themes still exist today. In addition it does not take the 1980s seriously. In fact as I watched it I had to check the release date to make sure it wasn't a late 1990s movie sending up the 1980s.

Some disappointments come from some of the characters and their relationship never really developing but this is a result of an author documenting what he sees around him rather than projecting himself into the characters.

Certainly one of the more interesting teen movies to be made, real in an unpretentious way..."It is like if Crowe didn't write it as he saw it, it would be bogus and then the movie would be bogus too."

I think they wish now that this time was slower (web)

[leplatypus · 10/10 · 15 November 2017]

Just by the 1st scene, I knew I will be thrilled by this movie: the 80s, a mall (for me a place of constant happiness, even without buying), teens and their n° 1 care: relationships! Frankly, compared to my french experience, those high scholars had everything to be happy, enjoy every moment of this time and maybe later feel deeply nostalgic about it…

Maybe the movie is not accurate for every one, but i see that those teens had their personal room in family houses > in France, we lived all together in old, decaying buildings! Their study seems light (MCQ) > in France, we are in high school for 40 hours by week, almost like a job, with a lot of studies, papers, exercises to learn after the bell! Students come to schools in car, even if they are wreck > In France, we take fully loaded public transports! So at the end, in America, people have space and intimacy while in France it's hard to have such control… In addition, the movies happens in the 80s so that means that there were exciting music (ever heard about melodies?), cool clothes (there is something else than G-string for girls and sportswear for boys)… Finally, the cast is awesome because it's a class of future Hollywood big names and with what they do here, you can understand: Jenny is particularly moving in her discovery path, Penn is unrecognizable in the dunce, the Rat embodies that at the end good heart wins over good look, etc…

So instead of being the usual crazy comedy involving teens, this one is really focused about realistic slices of life and that's why it's so interesting and gripping. It's a sort of American Graffiti, 20 years later!

Not As Funny as Expected

[truemythmedia · 6/10 · 16 September 2019]

This is another of those movies that, if I had seen it at the time it came out and at the right age, I think I would have loved. As it stands, I do like it, but with a whole host of qualifiers.

The first qualifier is that I don't think it is very funny at all. I imagine that some of the antics and characters in this movie made people bust a gut the first time they saw it but humor can really suffer the ravages of time and this film is no exception to that common complaint of older movies. On top of that, some of the scenes that were probably the funniest have been spoiled by countless top ten lists and updated versions in more contemporary films (Phoebe Cates sequence and BJ practice.)

The second is that this film has some depictions of underage sex that are disturbing, though tame in their execution. It is hard to watch Stacy, a girl who is supposed to be 15, lose her virginity to a guy in his 20s. The actress isn't 15 and the scene is not romanticized or idealized but it also isn't presented for the sad thing that I would hope anyone would consider it to be.

So why do I like this film? Several reasons, the first of which is that in high school, I felt a lot like Mark Ratner. I was small, had crushes on girls that were out of my league, and never actually worked up the courage to ask them out. I was embarrassed of my inexperience and didn't think anything could ever change that (in fact nothing ever did but that is another story). Watching his struggle for female attention and his friendship with a guy who ultimately betrays him rings really true for me as does Stacy's story of wanting to find out what this whole 'sex thing' is all about. For many kids who never really get a great understanding of what these relationships are like, the mystery of it, as it is presented in Fast Times, feels very authentic.

Another thing I like about the film is the variety of things in the film that are presented accurately. The drudgery of having a job while in high school, the pain in the butt that having a teacher that doesn't like you can be, and the constant obsession over a girl are all very reminiscent of how I view my own high school experiences.

Unfortunately, this film has simply not aged well. It is a bit of a time capsule which some may find enjoyable but I wonder how much of it would be relatable to a modern high schooler. Would they find the antics of Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn, "Tree of Life") too tame? The worst he does is order a pizza in class. Other than that, the worst he does is show up late for class.

In the end, I find myself wishing for more from this film. I want to like it. I want to say that this is a movie that I will revisit many times over my life but the fact of the matter is that I probably won't ever watch it again. It may remind me of high school but other movies do that better and too much of this film is spent wallowing in the parts of that experience that I have come to grips with and moved on from.

As a person in my late thirties now, I just don't relate anymore to the angst and hormone driven characters, even if I find them to be well conceived and the film, well executed.

that was my skull.

[triple8 · 10/10 · 23 December 2003]

If I was so depressed I needed to watch a good funny movie to get me out of it and I could choose one movie in all the world it very might be be this one. Fast Times is such a darn great classic that I've almost not wanted to comment because what could I possibly say to do it justice?

Anybody growing up in the early 80's has probebly heard of this and most have seen it(though I actually know some who HAVEN'T!!). In fact most people in the world have probebly heard of it, its pretty legendary. Fast times is the ultimate, the ULTIMATE and alltime best high school movie.And many of the "child stars" in this have gone on to become superstars, particularly Sean Penn and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

I've probebly viewed this movie more often then almost any other and as I've grown up my enthusiasm hasn't dimmed-even at parties-many times its-"lets watch FAST TIMES AT RICHMOND HIGH". It's the ultimate fun movie.

The only other teen movie that I think is as good as this is "Clerks" but Fast Times to me still kind of beats it, because its so much a part of history I can't even remember where I was when I first saw it-it's sort of always been there and personifes the good time high school party movie-even if high school wasn't exactly like that much of the time-well this IS the movies...LOL.

But who HASN'T known a "spicoli" in their time? Or a "stasy"? Or even A Mr Hand??!! I sure have-I think possibly my favorite was Stasy's brother Brad, he was so QUIETLY comedic he made the movie!!

I would love to see a part two of this-the fast times kids as adults-in the business world!!! Married with kids! Oh man what a trip that would be and I'm sure it would sell a few million tickets at least-why haven't they done it yet?

Seriously, even though the kids look younger and younger to me each time I view this, (which only shows how much OLDER I'm getting!)Fast Times remains an ultimate favorite of myself and just about everyone else I know who's seen it. Hey Mike got any blue oyster cult tickets??!!

Sean Penn's Magnum Opus

[amexspam · 7/10 · 18 April 2020]

The movie is fine and a decent example of teen sexplotation films of the era. The true star of the film is Sean Penn. In every other film Penn has been in his overacting, overemoting, and general lack of talent is crystal clear and usually wrecks the movie. However, in Fast Times Penn was able to play himself - a not very bright teenager that never matured. The performance was brilliant.

Ultimate 80s teen movie...but how good, really?

[slokes · 5/10 · 15 December 2003]

People talk about 'Fast Times At Ridgemont High' being the representative slice-of-life teen comedy for the early 1980s in the same way 'American Graffiti' depicts the early 1960s and 'Dazed And Confused' the mid-70s. 'Fast Times' deserves special kudos because it came out when the times in question were still taking place - in fact 'Fast Times' would go on to define its era as the must-see comedy for those who made up the movie's subject matter back in late '82 and early '83.

Here's my problem: It's not much of a comedy. Sure, it has funny moments, but it's very downbeat too much of the time. The two main female characters, played by Jennifer Jason-Leigh (Stacy) and Phoebe Cates (Linda), give solid performances but have hardly a true laugh between them, other than Cates' simple action of opening a door. The male characters have their funny scenes, too, but in-between acts of such casual cruelty and harshness that it really doesn't compensate. Here's something to ponder: The funniest performance in this film is by a guy whose only other comedies were 'Shanghai Surprise' and 'We're No Angels.' Sean Penn is very good as Spicoli, but he's got the one character you are encouraged to laugh at, him and Ray Walston's Mr. Hand, of course, both hilarious. 'Jefferson was saying if we don't get some cool rules pronto, we'll be bogus, too!' When they aren't in the film, my attention drifts. As a comedy, it's alternately funny and flailing. As a drama, this is an afterschool special with swear words and nudity.

'Fast Times' is fun to watch simply for the time-capsule elements. Writer Cameron Crowe really had his ear to the ground as he took measure of a LA-area high school in the guise of a student, and director Amy Heckerling has a clearly sympathetic understanding for the tribal rites of the young. The score is warmed-over '70s mellow guitar rock already past its prime, but offers great songs, none better than Jackson Browne's last great hit, 'Somebody's Baby,' which had its first release on the 'Fast Times' soundtrack (and might be subtitled 'Stacey's Sex Theme' as it shows up whenever she gets it on.) Heckerling doesn't gloss up the sex (the first such scene takes place in a grimy concrete bunker with the memorable graffito 'Surf Nazis' over Stacy's head), and that's to her credit. The film's grittiness works in this way for me because the early '80s seem on retrospect a less innocent time than the earlier eras depicted in the other teen films, the first time in which sex between young people could be truly casual while traditional religious and social strictures seemed to fall mute. In that way, she hits the right notes.

But Heckerling accepts this casualness to the point of promulgating it. We see Stacy unabashedly learning about oral sex with a carrot and getting an abortion in which her main source of pain seems to be about getting a ride and money from the guy who knocked her up. With AIDS just around the corner, and a host of moral issues surrounding unbridled sex among minors, I find myself wanting to scream at the screen like Mr. Hand: 'What are you people, on dope?'

That's a personal issue a lot of 'Fast Times' viewers won't join me in feeling. What I think is a broader problem is the shallowness of the story lines and the characters, how lacking in deeper resonance they are. As Heckerling points out in her joint DVD commentary with Crowe, Mark (Rat) Ratner is someone who finds sex as difficult as others find trigonometry. He's a nerd, and I can relate, so how is it the attractive, sexually active Stacey chooses him and seeks a relationship with him? Hot girls don't chase nerds, simple as that. The film might have tried to flesh out this relationship and offer some explanation why else she likes him other than his awkward smile, his obvious desire, and his willingness to offer her some encouragement after Mr. Vargas' morgue demonstration, but you are left with a couple of half-finished, awkward conversations and the sense that they had to wind up together because they are the lead actors.

'Fast Times' is a fun film to watch, but thin as the soles on a pair of checkered loafers. It's the definitive teen film of its time, but 'Valley Girl' and 'Sixteen Candles' have better narratives, 'The Breakfast Club' more interesting characters, and 'Last American Virgin' a stronger ending. If it was just Sean Penn and Ray Walston sitting at Perry's Pizza for ninety minutes, in a sort of 'My Dinner With Spicoli,' I think 'Fast Times' would have been more fun.

I wish I'd gone to Ridgemont High

[Criz · 26 February 1999]

A fast-paced film with its share of laughs, Fast Times also takes time to sensitively handle many of the tough issues teens face. Abortion, trust, abandonment and sexual fears are all dealt with fairly and believably. An interesting snapshot into the world of teenagers--the great thing about this film is that it's not too stereotypically Californian. It could have been set anywhere in Canada or USA and still have been just as accurate. In addition, there are many scenes that will just have you doubled over with laughter--the carrot scene, as well as the interaction between rebel Sean Penn and angry Mr.Hand are just fantastic.

It's a Drive-In classic. Not a great and memorable comedy but a coming of age for a few future Hollywood heavyweights

[Ed-Shullivan · 6/10 · 29 June 2022]

Now that this film is forty (40) years old and we the original audience are mostly senior citizens (as is the cast) we obviously expect a bit more for our entertainment dollar(s). Don't expect a deep story line from Fast Times at Ridgemont High or any Academy Award acting. This film was delivered to compete with the camp comedies of the era such as (1978) Animal House, (1979) Meatballs, (1979) Rock 'n' Roll High School, and (1981) Porky's.

It will not disappoint if the aforementioned films are in your film library favorites. But as for this senior citizen, it wasn't memorable the first couple of times that I watched the film when it was first released in 1982, and some forty (40) years later I am actually very surprised it achieved recognition by being released via the Criterion Collection.

I give it an okay but nothing special IMDb rating of 6 out of 10.

The best parts of this movie are between the lines

[backseatproductions · 10/10 · 27 August 2007]

This movie is a classic. it is such a classic, that when people use the word 'classic' to describe a movie, the benchmark for that distinction should be something which stems from this movie. ironically, 'classic' is a slang term i would expect to come right out of the mouth of SPICOLI, the movie's lovable surfer/stoner whose performance was only grazed and approximated by BRAD PITT in TRUE ROMANCE. but i digress.

the most important thing about this movie to me, and it's been a number of years since i've seen it, is what lies between the lines. CROWE is an awesome writer. the character DAMONE spouts one liners about chicks and broads like he's been getting' it on since kindergarten. but an acute eye will notice a new swagger to his walk the day after his pool house romp with STACY, which anyone who's ever lost their virginity will tell you can only mean one thing. Did anyone catch this was his first time?

and then there's LINDA BARRETT, who is allegedly dating a 40 year old pilot or something and pedantically informs STACY that their love-making sessions typically last about 45 minutes and they always climax together. am i the only person who recognizes that she has never had sex and has learned everything she thinks she knows from the pages of COSMOPOLITAN?

If it's been a while since you've indulged, you should watch this movie again. hell, I should watch this movie again -- if only to find other brilliant subtle aspects which permeate what is possibly the most quintessential high school movie of all times. how cool would it be to have the distinction of having been a part of such a thing? my hat is off to you CAMERON, and AMY HECKERLING as well (along with all the on-screen talent). Perhaps it requires the sensitivity of a female director to convey the discreet nuances of what appears on the surface to be an otherwise obvious movie, giving it depth, and vaulting it to the esteemed level of a CLASSIC everyone should see.

The Phoebe Cates Swimming Pool Movie!

[damianphelps · 7/10 · 5 March 2021]

This is a cult classic and a well deserved one. Lots of laughs and highlight moments.

But to be honest I think of this movie as I was as a young teenager, watching what I at the time, considered the greatest scene in movie history.

Phoebe Cates climbing out of a swimming pool!

They've got the beat!

[ShadySovereign · 10/10 · 23 January 2006]

"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" is a very special film to me. It's the first high school movie that actually portrayed what REALLY went on inside the schools of the 1980's. What is seen in the movie is not only true and slightly disturbing, but also really funny in ironic ways.

The movie shows the interactions of a bunch of high school students, all of which are unforgettable. I was especially very fond of Jennifer Jason Leigh, since she gave a very realistic performance as a 15-year-old high school student who finally gets laid at the beginning of the movie (but later decides that she wanted a real relationship instead of just sex). Sean Penn's performance was arguably the least realistic, but he was hilarious as the doped-out high school dude. And Judge Reinhold (who later on co-starred in the "Beverly Hills Cop" films) was funny and likable as Jennifer Jason Leigh's older brother.

There are many great 80's songs featured in the soundtrack. The very first song, called "We Got the Beat", jump-starts the beginning of the film with a blast. Then later on we hear the song "Somebody's Baby" twice, when Jennifer's character has sex two times with different men. Although the song is a happy song, it can make the sex scenes awkward since Jennifer looked very young for her age. I always had to look away from the screen whenever Jennifer was naked, because she looked too cute! It was disturbing to see at first, but I got over it.

The only bad thing about the movie is that it's very short. But it can also be a good thing, since a shorter film means that people can watch it more times in a row. When I first got the DVD, I watched the movie 3 times in one day! It's one of the only movies that I can actually watch many times in a row.

Overall, this was a great high-school movie with lots of laughs and memorable moments. And despite the fact that some may get offended by the nudity and the short film duration, the movie will still remain as a cult classic in my book.

I give this film a 10/10.

P.S: Look out for early roles & cameos by Forest Whitaker and Nicholas Cage in this movie!)

Dated but OK

[preppy-3 · 7/10 · 24 October 2001]

A look at teenage life and love (and sex) circa 1980 in California. I loved this film back when it came out. I graduated from high school in 1980, so I knew these characters and the movie treated teenagers realistically and was well-acted and funny. It was a rare Hollywood film that showed true-to-life teenagers. 20 years later I still like it's honesty but I don't find it funny anymore and it's actually kind of boring. Also the approach to sex is very naive (the pre AIDS talk is very uncomfortable to sit through). There are some sex scenes but not many. Supposedly there were a lot more shot but they were cut before the movie was released.

What saves this film is the great soundtrack (starts right off with the Go-Gos "We Got the Beat") and some very nice, natural performances from Jennifer Jason Leigh, Phoebe Cates and Judge Reinhold. However, Robert Romanus (playing the school scalper) is ugly and gives out a horrible performance. The best scenes in the film belong to Sean Penn (as Jeff Spicoli, a constantly stoned teenager) and Ray Walston (as Mr. Hand a very tough teacher). Their verbal battles are hilarious and definitely worth catching.

So, it's an OK film on late 70s/early 80s teen life.

A classic film of the 1980's.

[jeffman52001 · 10/10 · 28 December 2004]

"Fast Times At Ridgemont High"is an all time classic look at high school in the 1980's. The cast is awesome.

The lives of the characters are really awesome, in school, we all have those times in our lives where we do a lot of crazy things in and out of school. The story starts out in the mall, seeing some of the kids who work there like Linda Barrett,played super by the beautiful Phoebe Cates (Gremlins 1 and 2, Private School, and Lace 1 and 2) and Linda's friend, Stacy Hamilton, played by another beauty, Jennifer Jason-Leigh (Single White Female, Deloris Claibourne, and Grandview U.S.A.) who is a girl who is easy,they both work at the pizza place in the mall. Across form the pizza place is where Mark Ratner a.k.a. "Rat", played by Brian Backer (Police Academy 4 and Meatballs)who has the hots for Stacy but is shy. Rat works at the movie theatre across from the pizza place. Mark Ratner gets some advice about how to get Stacy from his friend, Mike Damone, played by Robert Romanus (Bad Medicine, Fame, and Booker)who is a scalper, sells a lot of concert tickets. Mike Damone is the type who can get women easily.

The other characters in this movie are great, Jeff Spicoli, played superbly by Sean Penn, he is the ultimate character in this film. Jeff Spicoli is a stoner who is into surfing. Spicoli has to deal with the history teacher, Mr. Hand, played by an awesome actor, Ray Walston (Johnny Dangerously, The Stand, and Picket Fences). Mr. Hand thinks that everyone of his students is on dope, he is so talkative about his "Time",,lol.

Brad Hamilton, Stacy's brother, played super by Judge Reinhold (Beverly Hills Cop 1, 2, and 3, Gremlins, and Vice Versa). Brad has had 3 jobs in this movie, first job is at "All American Burger", gets fired for telling a customer off, A seafood restaurant, and his final job and a convenient store. Brad's senior year at Ridgemont has be somewhat good and bad, his girl friend,Lisa,played by Amanda Wyss(Better Off Dead,A Nightmare on Elm Street)breaks up with him.

Charles Jefferson, played by Forest Whitaker (Good Morning Vietnam, Platoon, and Species)is a football player who owns a 1970's Firebird,which gets wrecked by Jeff Spicoli, who was driving it with Jefferson's younger brother, played by Stanley Davis Jr., on their way to a party. Spicoli has the car towed in front of the school and writes "Lincoln Rules" and other stuff, making it look like the rival high school,Lincoln's football team trashed it. Charles Jefferson pounds the crap out of Lincoln's team in the football game.

Mike Damone makes a move on Stacy, and they have sex.Later on,Rat finds out and is mad and Mike for doing that, they nearly get into a fight. Stacy is pregnant and goes to get an abortion. Jeff Spicoli gets a visit from Mr. Hand and quizzes him on some history, they both get to like each other. The dance at the school went good, Mike Damone and Mark Ratner make up and are friends again. Brad is at work at the Mi-T-Mart, Jeff Spicoli is there getting a few things and has to go to the bathroom, a robber comes in and tries to hold up the place, but Jeff Spicoli distracts the robber and gets hot coffee thrown in his face, things work out for the better for everyone.

The movie really has some many funny moments in it, the cast is really super. One of the great films that came out in 1982.

The supporting cast also in the film are Scott Thomson (Police Academy 1, 3, and 4, and Ghoulies) as Brad's friend, Arnold. The late Vincent Schiavelli (Ghost, Night Shift, and Better Off Dead) as the biology teacher, Mr. Vargas. Zoe Kelli Simon, who's stage name is Kelli Maroney (Night Of The Comet and Chopping Mall), plays a cheerleader. The late Lana Clarkson(Amazon Women On The Moon,and Scarface)plays Mrs. Vargas.

You will also see a younger Nicolas Cage (Valley Girl, Con Air, and Face Off)as Brad's other friend. A younger Anthony Edwards (Revenge Of The Nerds 1 and 2,ER,and Gotcha) as Jeff Spicoli's friend. Eric Stoltz (Mask, Pulp Fiction, and Some Kind Of Wonderful) as Jeff Spicoli's other friend. James Russo(Beverly Hills Cop, The Postman, and Extremities) as the robber of the convenient store.

The soundtrack to this movie is awesome. Songs like "Speeding" by The Go Go's, "Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne, "Love Rules" by Don Henley. "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" by Sammy Hagar. "I Don't Know" by Jimmy Buffett. "Goodbye, Goodbye" by Oingo Boingo, "Fast Times (The Best Years Of Our Lives)" by Billy Squier, "Raised On The Radio" by The Ravyns. I have the soundtrack at home, it is awesome, I recommend getting it.

I give this movie 2 thumbs up and 10/10 stars.

About the embarrassments of being a teenager

[moonspinner55 · 6/10 · 15 March 2003]

What began life as an undercover writing assignment for enfant terrible Cameron Crowe (a baby-faced 20-something who went back to high school impersonating a student) becomes a surprisingly observant comedy about modern-day Southern California high schoolers, their after-class jobs and boy-girl relations. Early shot at the Sherman Oaks Galleria, with the camera scanning the rear-ends of the video-playing kids in their designer jeans, shows an almost-documentary feel for teen life. Director Amy Heckerling relishes these little throwaway moments, excelling with her attentive eyes and ears, but eventually the 'plot' kicks in...and the movie's satiric juice leaks out. The characters, while not stereotypes, are fairly one-dimensional. Heckerling keeps most of the talented young cast low-keyed, blasé, with only Sean Penn able to carve out a colorful impersonation of a perpetually-high surfer dude named Spicoli. These kids and their sexual foibles are almost made to look like bad examples until the celebratory finale, when everything ends happily. Phoebe Cates and Jennifer Jason Leigh create a relaxed, lived-in friendship that seems to go back a ways, and Judge Reinhold does fine work as a teenage veteran of fast food jobs. As the one adult we spend the most time with, Ray Walston acquits himself nicely as incredulous teacher Mr. Hand, who allows a pizza into his classroom but won't let the buyer, Spicoli, have a piece. Ah, the poetic justice of the oldster set!

Fast Girls, Fast Cars, Fast Carrots?

[PCT1970 · 8/10 · 5 May 2019]

Heckerling helms the quintessential coming of age teen movie of the 80's. It helped that Crowe, who went undercover in highschool at the time, penned the screenplay. This film has superlative direction, cinematography, screenplay, setting, costume, soundtrack and acting. All the artists involved deliver unequivocal portrayals of life during the 80's. In particular Penn, Leigh, Reinhold, Cates and Walston are superb. Penn created one of the most memorable characters, Jeff Spicoli, to ever appear on film. Spicoli became a lifestyle for many fans. This viewer owned his first pair of black and white checkered Vans soon after the film. The plot revolves around two precocious teenage girls named Stacy and Linda. Stacy takes advice from her supposedly experienced best friend Linda and soon finds herself in a love triangle with a nice guy and his not so nice guy best friend. While this is all going down Spicoli, who lives to surf and get high, unwittingly starts to do battle with the strict teacher every highschool in the 80's had, Mr. Hand. Mr. Hand despises Spicoli's lifestyle and antics but eventually comes to enjoy the company of the loveable and somewhat oblivious stoner. The plot is clever, funny, offbeat, heartfelt, insightful and has a hilarious ending. The film has flaws and is not perfect but it's exemplary depiction of teenage life in the 80's makes up for it. There are so many memorable scenes and famous quotes in this film. One of the most unforgettable scenes is Linda's exiting the pool and heading to the bathroom. It's quite uncomfortable for one of the characters. To this day you'll hear fans utter such lines as Spicoli's, "All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine". This is a timeless classic film in it's genre. It's a stellar homage to the 80's.

It's Alright.

[Mbradds · 6/10 · 1 October 2023]

This film offers a decent viewing experience, particularly if you're a fan of Phoebe Cates; otherwise, it falls into the category of entirely passable cinema. In all honesty, the movie follows the typical tropes of high school films from its era, neither aiming to be groundbreaking nor requiring such aspirations. It finds its place as a lighthearted watch, particularly enjoyable with friends, but it doesn't leave a lasting impression.

While some moments of the cinematography offer intriguing visuals, it's challenging to lavish excessive praise on this film. In summary, it falls into the "alright" category, a movie that provides a casual and entertaining viewing experience without venturing into memorable territory.

Rating: Weak 6.

disturbing depiction of teens as numb & dumb

[crispy_comments · 1/10 · 22 January 2007]

Reviewers who call this a great comedy, must be kidding. This is one of the most depressing movies I've ever seen. I can't tell if the filmmakers intended to make a social commentary on disaffected youth. But surely we're not meant to laugh at the sight of emotionally detached, morally empty teens?

Oh, I'm aware that teenagers do stupid things, and I'm not appalled by the portrayal of drug use, sex, etc. These things happen. I *am* appalled by the notion that life-changing events such as losing one's virginity, getting pregnant, or having an abortion can be considered "no big deal". These characters don't think before they act, and they don't seem to *feel* anything afterward. This is what disturbs me about "Fast Times", and this is what I (thankfully) can't relate to.

It's interesting that TV shows like "Dawson's Creek" were criticized for their supposedly unrealistic depiction of teens with large vocabularies, who made a "big deal" out of everything, and discussed their feelings. However, at least those kids *had* thoughts and feelings! As an intelligent, sensitive kid, so did I. Guess I didn't have the universal teen experience. But personally I'd rather read or watch a story about adolescents who overanalyze and feel deeply, than one where kids act like unthinking zombies. Shouldn't storytellers encourage growth and depth, rather than perpetuating a shallow way of life?

Apparently Cameron Crowe went undercover in a high school and based his story on real events, which, frankly, scares me. Was this truly the '80s generation? Is this the current generation? And when making a film, is it enough to hold up a mirror to reflect society? Or shouldn't the filmmaker go a step further to comment on what he sees? Maybe even try to make the world a better place? True, many viewers are turned off by films that seem "preachy", but if writers/directors are skilled enough, I believe they can get a message across effectively. The best stories have a *point*, a lesson to be learned. I cannot figure out what "Fast Times" is trying to achieve.

Other than to gross me out. For instance:

A 15 year old girl loses her virginity to an older man she barely knows (who *must* be able to tell she's inexperienced and underage, but doesn't seem to care), outside, while staring at graffiti. Is this supposed to be a comment on how degrading and meaningless sex can be? On the fact that first times are rarely enjoyable, especially if you don't feel anything for the other person? A warning to choose your partner wisely? Perhaps, but it's certainly unpleasant to witness. And difficult to understand why she goes through with it. Stacy moves on to her next sexual partner like she's changing shoes, then casually asks the boy to pay for her abortion, as if she's asking him to buy her a soda. Is this meant to be *humourous* or is it just bad acting? The aftermath of the abortion is also treated like it's "no big deal", when in fact it would be a painful process, both emotionally and physically. Should I ignore that and simply praise the film for being brave enough to let a character go through with an abortion when movies/TV tend to push the pro-life agenda? I'm pro-choice, but I still find it unsettling that "Fast Times" seems to be sending the message that making this choice, and going through the actual physical ordeal, is as easy as pie.

Is this movie condoning/glorifying casual sex, casual...everything? Or just...showing it...without taking a moral stance? If so, the filmmakers might be as emotionally detached and ethically bereft as the characters! I have to wonder whether they didn't make their message (if there is one) clear, out of a desire to appeal to the masses, to avoid possibly alienating their target audience with anything too "preachy". Could be no noble intent here, merely the use of controversial topics/scenes for shock value, and to get attention/make money.

Was the ending a feel-good finale because the "nice guy/geek" gets the girl? The problem with that is, we never see her grow a brain or have an emotional epiphany about what/who she wants. Stacy just seems to let things happen to her. The conclusion feels as random, empty and pointless as the film in general.

I want to praise Phoebe Cates though. She took what could've been a clichéd, one-dimensional role (sexually-experienced, bad-influence best friend) and gave it depth. You can sense that she figured out her character's motivations, and it comes through in her performance. I was most impressed by her scenes, and don't know why Jennifer Jason Leigh gets more critical acclaim - there's nothing going on behind her eyes, and such a blank void/"innocence"/childlike mental state, only makes her sex scenes seem more exploitative. Unfortunately the film treats Phoebe as a sex object too, with that gratuitous fantasy scene. Phoebe was insecure and sought reassurance about her acting, only to be treated like a bimbo-model. I can understand why she quit the movie business, with all the degrading trash she had to do. Shame she wasn't given more opportunities to prove that she really could act! The other actors made no impression. I didn't find Sean Penn's stoner dude act amusing as it's reputed to be.

For the life of me I can't understand why "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" is hailed as hilarious or the ultimate teen movie. Ironically it evoked reactions in me that were lacking in the film itself, namely it made me THINK and FEEL (despair!) But if you want to laugh and feel good, I'd recommend these truly funny films:

good-natured goofy fun: ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING (1987), CAN'T HARDLY WAIT (1998)

clever, satirical, dark humour: HEATHERS (1989), THE CRAFT (1996), SAVED! (2004)

great blend of realism & wish-fulfillment, relatable characters and psychological/sociological truth: THE BREAKFAST CLUB (1985), SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL (1987)