DVD Review: Fast Times At Ridgemont High (A-)

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)
Directed by Amy Heckerling
Starring Robert Romanus, Brian Backer, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Phoebe Cates, Sean Penn, Judge Reinhold, Forest Whitaker and Ray Walston
MPAA: R
Grade: A-

Review by Scott Standish

Aloha, Mr. Hand.

It's amazing how many people of my age relate to this film, often remarking that their teen years were just like the characters of Fast Times at Ridgemont High. My years were a lot like Fast Times (I worked at a mall) and like everyone in the movie, was preoccupied with sex. But hey, isn't that what every teenager is preoccupied with?

"Fast Times" was based on writer Cameron Crowe's book detailing his year undercover as a Los Angeles High School student. He documented the dress, the slang, the hip places to hang and really got all the nuances right. Director Amy Heckerling (Clueless) has a knack for honing right in on teenager's mindsets. They like being goofy (the surfer scenes with Jeff Spicoli are hilarious) and yet at times they take themselves way too seriously (Judge Reinhold rehearsing a break up speech in front of the All American Burger bathroom mirror). Almost every scene in this comedy is a classic.

The stars cast in the major roles of Fast Times were all virtually unknown (except Ray Walston, who was known for his role in My Favorite Martian). Of course all of them have gone on to become stars, especially Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Phoebe Cates. Eric Stoltz, Anthony Edwards and Nicolas Cage (then Nicolas Coppola) have very tiny roles in this one, keep your eyes peeled for them.

The beauty to Fast Times At Ridgemont High is in the manner in which the kids are framed. They are really adults but they are trapped in teenage bodies and still trying to figure out the rules of being adults. Dating, love, responsibility all need to be managed in perspective at some time. But for now, why not continue to enjoy the fast times at Ridgemont High?

Buy Fast Times At Ridgemont High On DVD