guywhoacts
This is a FUN movie. Brings me back to the early 1980's. Sean Penn, what a performance.I see a lot of negative reviews. I think those people don't understand. This movie isn't trying to be anything other than it is. It's just meant to be a time capsule of high school in the 1980s.Does it have a great plot? Not really. Does it even have a plot? Not really, but that's not the point. The film is an adventure and takes you on a ride with the characters. It also captures a piece of the 1980s I haven't seen emulated since.Also, Nic Cage gives a wonderfully understated performance.
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 admire 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 members. 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 supporting 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.
Trenton Lazorchak
Fast Times at Ridgemont High takes place in a high school in California during the 80's. The movie is meant to show the lives of highschoolers that you don't see and just go into their lives. The movie is a very entertaining movie with many laughs in it. The story however is very minor and takes the backseat to the comedy. You can relate to the characters very well if you are in high school, even though they look at least 10 years older, and the film is definitely geared towards the younger teenage audience. In order to enjoy this film you can't take it seriously and just enjoy it. It is a quick movie and it is a very easy movie to watch and i would recommend it to any young person looking for a funny movie to watch.
Prismark10
Fast Times at Ridgemont High now boasts three Oscar winners with Sean Penn, Forest Whitaker and Nicolas Cage in a blink and you will miss him role.The sweetest and brightest performance is by Jennifer Jason Leigh who plays Stacy who works in the fast food restaurants in a LA shopping mall talking with friend and co-worker Linda (Phoebe Cates) about sex and men.Mark (Brian Backer) fancies Stacy but when he goes out with her gets nervous. His friend a ticket tout Mike (Robert Romanus) who gives Mark lots of advice on women does get an opportunity to have sex with Stacy and gets her pregnant. It results in Stacy having an abortion.Stacy's brother Brad (Judge Reinhold) is having problems with his own girlfriend and also fantasises about Linda that results in an embarrassing situation in the bathroom. Brad also works in fast food but becomes increasingly irritated by the uniforms he has to wear.However the film is not about high school kids hanging about in malls or working fast food. It is about Ridgemont High, where wall to wall MOR music is played and all the girls give that 'come on' smile to the boys. In fact the entire film is women giving that kind of smile to men which is rather unrealistic. With the tits and ass on show in this film it comes as a surprise that the film was actually directed by a woman.The plot is flimsy, Stacy wants to lose her virginity but realises that she just needs a good friend. Brad goes through a succession of fast food jobs because in this recession hit Reagan's early 1980s USA where jobs are easy to come by. Mark and Mike try to resolve their differences over Stacy.The most interesting character is surfer dude and prototype Bill & Ted slacker Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn) who has been permanently stoned for years and orders pizza while he is class. His relationship with Mr Hand brings some spark to the movie.The film bounces along because of the soundtrack, seeing some famous actors in early roles even though a few of them look too old to be still at high school. It is a fantasy version of a high school, I doubt even Hollywood High is like this.
