Helllins It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.
Ogosmith Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.
Bessie Smyth Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.
ericrnolan "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982) is a pop-culture scared cow that needs to be skewered. I'd rate it a 2 out of 10 for being a surprisingly inept and poorly scripted 1980's "classic."I just don't understand the fervent popular reverence for this movie among people in my age bracket. It was a minor legend when I was growing up. I was a fourth grader in 1982, and gradeschool boys could be divided into two groups: 1) those who had seen the "Phoebe Cates pool scene" and 2) those who had not, but wished they had. When I mentioned on social media a couple of months ago this year that I'd never actually gotten around to seeing this movie, my friends were roundly astonished.Why do they think this film is indispensable viewing? Maybe there's something I'm missing. I'm tempted to group "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" together with other beloved 80's films that just don't resonate with me -- like the understandably campy "Tron" (1982) or the unexpectedly sleep-inducing "The Big Chill" (1983). (I couldn't even finish the latter.) But I can't compare, because I know those movies are objectively good in a lot of ways, even if they weren't to my taste.Nor am I squeamish about raunchy sex comedies. (C'mon.) I pretty fondly "Porky's" (1981), "Porky's II: The Next Day" (1983), and "Revenge of the Nerds" (1984). I mentioned "Porky's" to the friend with whom I watched "Fast Times" -- I told her that it wasn't highbrow entertainment, but I still it being crudely, blasphemously funny.This movie was just a thinly scripted small collection of vignettes, with no overall plot outside of teenagers having sexual encounters that are ... awkward and bluntly sad, for the most part. (Sean Penn's character does drugs.) The dialogue is terrible. None of the characters are likable -- even the story's nerdy, well-meaning protagonist is grating.I didn't really laugh once at anything the director intended -- I only laughed at the haircuts and the clothes. I just can't believe that the screenwriter here was Cameron Crowe, who also wrote what is possibly my favorite movie of all time -- the widely but unfairly maligned "Vanilla Sky" (2001). (Crowe apparently adapted the screenplay from a novel he wrote.)There is some enjoyment to be had in watching Penn's stoner character. It was fun seeing a well known serious actor in an early comedic role. Penn is a decent character actor, and it looks like he was having fun. I do get why kids in the 80's found him funny.It's also fun seeing the handful of other young actors who would go on to great careers (Judge Reinhold is always funny) but, again, this is something that the filmmakers can't take credit for.Hey, if you want a slice-of-life dramatic comedy about teenagers in the 1980's, then go rent "The Breakfast Club" (1985). It wasn't perfect, but it was damn good movie that tackled many of the same issues as this movie, but with intelligence and effective humor. Or, try the oddball "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986). Both movies portray teenagers in the 80's who are smart, likable and emphathetic, in varying degrees. I myself went to high school in the 1980's, and I assure you they were around.
framptonhollis Dealing with teen sexuality in a scandalously frank fashion, "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" has become something of a cult classic legend, a film that is considered to be (depending on who you ask) raunchy, funny, disgusting, obscene, brilliant, entertaining, graphic, etc. From my point of view, the hype surrounding the film's sexual elements overshadows what a sensitive and genuine little movie it really is. This is not some stupid teen sex comedy despite what Roger Ebert's 1 star review may have you believe (seriously Roger?!? and don't get me wrong, I love and ire Mr. Ebert's work!); this is not an exploitation flick, this is not a pornographic movie, this is a poignant comedy-drama about the most confusing and complex years of life, the years of teen-hood. "Fast Times" refuses to ignore strongly mature and dark themes despite its target audience. It is a realistic film (despite some characters and scenes being obviously over the top), and it has genuine heart. There are moments and jokes of a juvenile nature, there is a great deal of bawdiness, scenes that can easily be considered ribald or "dirty", and those scenes are essential for the movie to present to the viewer. The goal of the film is NOT to exploit teenage sexuality, but to observe and comment on it, and, in the end, the movie's message is not about sex, but about love and life in general and this is all depicted in a fashion both humorous and heartfelt. Sean Penn's performance has lived on to become something of a legend, and it continues to be laugh out loud funny to this very day. Every time Penn is on screen, all eyes are on him. Everything from his tone of voice to his facial expression to his body movements is done to a level of pure hilarity; he adds a comedic level to the film unmatched by any other cast . And the rest of the cast is also splendid! Jennifer Jason Leigh is charming and utterly believable as the film's center heroine, Judge Reinhold is funny and charismatic as her somewhat rebellious older brother, Robert Romanus is cool as hell as the close friend and mentor of the socially awkward Mark Ratner, played with all the nervousness and quirks necessary by Brian Backer, and Vincent Schiavelli is wonderful in one of his many ing roles as one of Ridgemont High's most interesting teachers. Many other memorable roles and performances are sprinkled all throughout the film that would take forever to mention, so I just suggest anyone reading this just go watch (or re-watch) this beautiful comedy to embrace the full, essential experience.The script is possibly among the finest in film history, as Cameron Crowe further proves that he is one of the finest men working in movies today as he adapts his own book (based on his own experiences) in a manner that only the creator of a film like "Say Anything..." could. And Amy Heckerling transfers his script to the screen in a manner that makes me wish she made more movies (not only of this quality, but just in general, because this and "Clueless" are two of the most intelligent, entertaining, and funny teen movies ever made). All in all, this is a magical movie, the type of movie that will entertain, provoke, amuse, and inspire no matter what its prudent critics may have you believe about the highly taboo topic of (*gasp*) SEX (!) and even worse the way a TEEN (!) may experience and be concerned with such HIDEOUS (!) matters.
LessThanPadraig This is the kind of movie that makes me regret not growing up during the 1980s. Truly, it was a decade I wish I'd experienced. I love this movie, I can't really explain why, I just do. It gives me a sense of nostalgia, even though I wasn't born until the 1990s, so I don't quite know why, perhaps its nostalgia for a better era of 'coming of age' films or perhaps it's not nostalgia at all but rather a feeling that I can't explain.I've heard some people say it's not acted well. Well, it may not be the highest calibre but that doesn't take very much away from the unique plot of so many stories running into one another. You learn to feel for the characters, sympathise with some while laughing at others (anyone who has watched this will know which characters I'm referring to here). No, it isn't a dramatic masterpiece, but it's not lazy. It's easy watching and is a great underrated ambassador for an interesting decade.P.S. I had no idea that this is where 'Staceys Mom' comes from. Another aspect that links back to my nostalgic youth.
Realrockerhalloween The movie that defined the 80s, Fast Times At Ridgemont High follows the lives of several high school students as they overcome personal trials, school and having fun along the way. Following Linda being a mentor to her friend about love and her real or imaginary boyfriend Doug. Stacy taking the advice by sleeping around until an unexpected pregnancy occurs. Damone scalper extraordinaire showing what a real cheese ball he is and last but not least the narly Spicoli who may force his teacher into retirement.The story can be a little extravagated at times from Spicoli doing drugs moments before his teacher comes waltzing in or Linda walking in on Brad during a private moment in the bathroom to never bringing it up again. But the subject matter listed above happens to millions of teens across this country every day.Music is fabulous as it fits the fast paced carnival like atmosphere of the film. I went out to buy it so I could listen to the great tunes anytime of my choosing. An alternative for anyone wanting a break from the fuzzy warmly feelings from John Huges, Fast Times will not let you down while still presenting substance so you care about the characters. You'll laugh, cry and wish your high school could be just as fun.10/10
