Fast Times At Ridgemont High Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Fast Cars, Fast Girls, Fast Carrots...Fast Carrots?
Hey Bud, Let's Party! [DVD]
It's Awesome! Totally Awesome!
At Ridgemont High Only the Rules get Busted!
Follows a group of high school students growing up in southern California, based on the real-life adventures chronicled by Cameron Crowe. Stacy Hamilton and Mark Ratner are looking for a love interest, and are helped along by their older classmates, Linda Barrett and Mike Damone, respectively. The center of the film is held by Jeff Spicoli, a perpetually stoned surfer dude who faces off with the resolute Mr. Hand, who is convinced that everyone is on dope.
| Sean Penn | Jeff Spicoli |
| Judge Reinhold | Brad Hamilton |
| Robert Romanus | Mike Damone |
| Brian Backer | Mark 'Rat' Ratner |
| Ray Walston | Mr. Hand |
| Scott Thomson | Arnold |
| Vincent Schiavelli | Mr. Vargas |
| D.W. Brown | Ron Johnson |
| Forest Whitaker | Charles Jefferson |
| Tom Nolan | Dennis Taylor |
| Eric Stoltz | Stoner Bud |
| Stanley Davis Jr. | Jefferson's Brother |
| James Russo | Convenience Store Robber |
| James Bolt | Greg |
| Nicolas Cage | Brad's Bud |
7.10 out of 10 (22141 votes)
Visitor Reviews
I pity and fear the mentality that can create such a film.
posted on 31 Jul 2009This movie is truly horrible. An entire generation of innocent teenagers believed that this movie portrayed what love was supposed to be like between teenage boys and girls. The girls in the movie were all portrayed as sexual objects to be lusted after and used for the pleasure of boys. The boys only had one thing on their minds and that was getting laid. You know, before this movie came out, boys were actually able to go on dates with girls without constantly trying to contrive a way to get into their pants. It sickens me that some perverted man would put out a movie like this and basically ruin the dating life of all the generations that came after. Had I only seen this movie as a teenage girl, I would have understood the intentions of boys. Of course, boys didn't always think this way. There was a time when a boy was ecstatic if he simply got to hold a girl's hand. This movie convinced boys that if they weren't trying to get laid, they were doing something wrong. Sex was treated very casually in "Fast Times". One of the girls was a virgin and the other girls pressured her to go ahead and have sex. They acted like they had been doing it for years already. It just sickens me that teenagers were portrayed this way. What kind of a monster produces a movie like this and then puts it out there for the world to see? The ignorance in this movie was astounding. The kids were so stupid.I'm aware that most older folks have very fond memories of "Fast Times" but I can assure you that by today's standards, this movie would be less than a B-movie. The script was as bad as an x-rated movie. It was just so stupid. And I'm angry that my teenage years were spent fighting off the sexual advances of boys who all felt like they had to try to screw me because some stupid movie taught them to act that way towards girls.Cameron Crowe, I hope you are ashamed of yourself. Please warn your daughters that they need to be on the defense against horny boys all the time thanks to your movie.And, in case you thought you should watch this movie for the humor, trust me when I tell you that only an old fart would think this movie was funny. By today's standards it is extremely asinine and I didn't laugh one time during the whole movie. Society's standards for movies are just so much higher than they used to be. It's amazing that anyone EVER thought that this was funny, but sadly enough, they did. It just goes to show the kind of mentality that people used to have.It saddens me to think that we still have these same old farts running the world. Old people, your time is over. Young people are so much smarter, more compassionate, and have much more wisdom than you ever dreamed of having. Move aside, and let us run things now. Then, our government can finally stop destroying everything and actually begin healing the world.Do not watch this movie.
The original "American Pie", not a film for teenagers.
posted on 04 Jun 2009Even though the film is 20 years old, only now have I had the chance to see "Fast Times" from beginning to end. Because of the language, situations, and teen nudity, the network TV versions must cut quite a bit out. For 1982 this must have been a raunchy film, and one which overall gives a very dangerous message to teenagers. I'd love to be able to discuss this with a group of men and women now 35 to 40, who would have been teenagers in 1982, and find out how "Fast Times" may have influenced their sexual morals, both positively and negatively. Of course, Sean Penn as Jeff Spicoli is the standout star of this film. Now, 20 years later and many other fine performances behind him, we can fully appreciate what a fine actor he is. And Phoebe Cates (Mrs Kevin Cline now), water sprinkling over her, made her famous 13-second topless appearance at 52:20 into the film (but who's counting?), and in slow motion it lasts quite a bit longer, her 18-year-old breast gently swaying as she reaches out to mythically hug her admirer who is really in the bathroom jerking off. Then at 58:58 into the film, Jennifer Jason Leigh for 12 seconds in a nude reclining pose on a couch, her 19-year-old breasts and soft, rounded figure looking classically Greek. Beautiful filming. The current release DVD is very well done, and the picture is first-rate.So, what's wrong with this movie? The whole film treats sex and abortion with the same gravity as holding hands and kissing did in the 60s. After her first sex experience, playing a 15-year-old, Leigh complains that "it hurt." Her friend (Cates), obviously more world-wise says, "just keep doing it, you'll get used to it." The whole film has a cold, calloused, amoral tone to it. A fun movie to watch and enjoy if you are adult enough to dismiss it simply as "entertainment", but a very dangerous film for impressionable teens who may want to use these characters as role models.
Have owned it for 4 days & watched it SEVEN times!!
posted on 29 May 2009Must see! Must see!! I can't believe this movie has been out for 24 years, and I just now viewed it! I am a big fan of John Hughes--and now Cameron Crowe is a close second. Great soundtrack, great nostalgia (even if you were in grade school when it came out!)--I forked over $35 for the paperback on eBay and even bought the soundtrack! Some of the highlights include: first-time roles for many future stars, sexual instruction with a carrot in the cafeteria, and "cultivating the Pat Benetar look"!If you love Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club, St. Elmo's Fire, Pretty in Pink, Weird Science, Some Kind of Wonderful, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Little Darlings, Foxes...see this!
that was my skull.
posted on 08 Apr 2009If 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??!!
Essential eighties teen sex comedy
posted on 05 Apr 2009One of the funniest things about FTARH is that there are so many critically respected actors in early roles all bundled in to the same film. Sean Penn is by far the funniest as the stoned out surfie, you would almost swear that Keanu Reeves used the same character for the Bill & Ted films. This film is also interesting as it was written by Cameron Crowe pre Singles and Jerry Maguire and directed by Amy heckerling pre Clueless. So much talent went in to making this film, and as a teenage comedy about High Schools go it is certainly one of the best, if not the best that I have seen. As it was the early eighties, the music, not to mention the fashions have to be seen to be believed. Everyone did a really good job, but Reinhold and Penn have most of the real comic moments.
Another classic teen movie from the 80's
posted on 09 Mar 2009I was really lucky to see this film. I put it on for background noise while I read a book. Somehow, I found myself regularly looking up from the book and then putting it down to concentrate on the movie. I wish I had seen it when I was a teenager. I know I would have loved it. The thing I like about this movie is that it's set in the 80's when I was a teenager, and it was fun to be transported back to a time I strongly identify with (love those space-invaders), it's got some great characters, it looks great, it's funny and it's true. If you rent the DVD there are some cool extras as well. I watched them all, then listened to the commentary! I am a fan. What amazes me about these early movies is how many went on to mega-stardom (Sean Pen) and how many should have - but didn't (Romano). If you like this I recommend you check out Mat Dillon in "Over the Edge" as well. Cult Classic!
Thoughts of a SoCal kid, digging the scene...
posted on 06 Mar 2009This movie was all the rage when it came out. Showing issues that were happening all around us in Sounthern California. The cast is great, and is a movie you won't have to worry about not getting your monies worth. You can probably catch it on Satelite, and for sure on VHS.
It had the making of a classic
posted on 13 Feb 2009Fast Times at Ridgemont High was a good movie, but the first time I saw it I didn't like it as much as I do now because a lot of the jokes I could not understand at the time, but later on I did. I liked this movie but I wanna like it even more but I can't. This movie had the making of a classic because the movie went deep into the personality of the people in this movie. I love movies like that. But this movie could've been better. Don't get me wrong this movie is entertaining, and funny. I just wish it was more entertaining and funny because of the so many plots of a soon to be bored fast work worker, a young freshman girl that wants to have sex or later have a relationship, a guy that's always stoned, and doesn't think about the future, a nice, shy, and nerdy guy that likes a girl, his best and only friend that sells tickets, and gives pep talk about how to meet girls to his best friend, and a girl who is always giving tips about sex to her lady friend. Once again it has the making of a classic but isn't a classic, but it is a good movie. I give this movie *** out of ****
One thing that has always bugged me (Song Reference)
posted on 14 Jan 2009One thing that has always bugged me is when Damone is advising Rat on his version of date etiquette. Damone states to Rat, "And five, now this is the most important, Rat. When it comes down to making out, whenever possible, put on side one of Led Zeppelin IV." Although Rat and Stacy are not making out in the scene, the Led Zeppelin song playing is Kashmir from Physical Graffiti (i.e., Led Zeppelin VI). Due to the reference to Led Zeppelin IV, I expected to hear a song from that album. It's not that the song was not appropriate for the scene, just that Damone's reference to the source of the song is incorrect and the reference to Led Zeppelin IV is incorrect, although it is the fourth release, the album is untitled and known as Untitled. Just something that has always bothered me. On second thought, this may be an effort to show that Damone knows nothing about good make out music and Rat knows nothing about Led Zeppelin.That is the only negative thing I can say, otherwise I have always loved this movie and it's an accurate representation of high school life at the time, brings back memories for me.
Not Much Plot, But I Am Always Compelled to Watch It
posted on 05 Jan 2009If you are looking for a great plot in Fast Times at Ridemount High, you will be disappointed because there is very little. It is more about the "Fast Times" (pun intended) of high schoolers who are interested in hanging out at the malls and having sex.But what makes the film work very well is the ensemble of very talented young actors who do amazing work with the weak storyline. The character stereotypes are very strong and well played. But it are the stand out performances of Sean Penn as stoned surfer-dude Jeff Spicoli and the absolutely BRILLIANT performance of Ray Walston as strict history teacher, Mr. Hand, that make this film unforgettable.Viewers are drawn to the performances of Jeff Spicoli and Mr. Hand so well, that incredibly, their scenes make the movie better than what otherwise would have been a typical teen, sex-obsessed exploitation flick.There are some great one-liners throughout the film that die-hards know by heart. Critics have discussed the superficial role of some of the other characters. However, an important point is that many high school students are often immature, superficial, and sex-obsessed. Perhaps not to the extent that this film shows. But if the film DIDN'T show the extreme attitudes of the students, you would have a fairly ordinary movie. "Fast Times" is positively reflected in fun times and the exciting escapades of high school kids. This movie shows that it can be fun without a major plot or seriousness attached to it, and not many movies can say that.The downside is that due to conflicts between the director and the scriptwriter, there will not be a full extended version of FTARH. The network TV print omits or dubs the bad language and removes all nudity. However, the TV version also has several scenes of added (and interesting) dialogs between the characters, that are not present in commercial home video versions, and probably never will be unless an agreement is reached between director Amy Heckerling and screenwriter Cameron Crowe, which is very unlikely.However, the performances of Sean Penn and Ray Walston push this film near the top. Focus on the fun and you won't be disappointed. This is a highly recommended film!
Dude!
posted on 02 Jan 2009This film really takes me back. A lot of it rang so true, even to my high school in Texas in the mid '70's. The basis seems to be that these children are facing too many adult pressures, trying to grow up too fast. I was that way, too. Although I didn't realize it at the time, it was a wonderful time to grow up. The war was over, as was the draft. It was a great time for sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. It was before the twin scourges of AIDS and crack that turned society away from the personal freedoms (more or less) that were won earlier. The film is quite comedic, but also dips into rather edgy territory. It was great seeing all these talented and (now) famous actors at the dawn of their careers. Enough has been said about Penn. There was Anthony Edwards with hair! Could be Judge Reinhold's best work. Ray Walston was perfect as Mr. Hand, very poignant in light of his recent death. Best of all, though, were the girls. Jennifer Jason Leigh was awesome. Her sweet, young, innocent look was perfect for Stacy. (She looked great naked, too!) And Pheobe Cates. She was, and actually still is, so beautiful. And her red bikini scene in Brad's fantasy will live forever. She has more than just beauty, though, tons of sweetness and charm. I'm sure most everyone has seen this film. It is the quintessential high school film of the time.
These girls didn't go to my high school
posted on 24 Dec 2008After hearing about this film for 20 years I finally decided to sit down and watch it. Although I enjoyed it, I consider it to be the least entertaining of all the "high school" movies I've seen. My favorite character was the super cool dude who scalped tickets and wooed the ladies, but was a mess inside. Funny show....maybe these girls did go to my school and I just didn't notice.
Vomit inducing
posted on 18 Dec 2008I don't know but this supposed teen comedy always made me a little sick to watch. It's fun to see some soon to be stars before they made it big but the content is not handled in a very fun way.Take the character of Stacy Hamilton. Either she is totally out of it or the screenplay didn't know how to service her character. She comes out looking pretty messed up by the end. I suspect that her character was merely meant to schock and break taboos. Like the director said: Hey, look what you can show on film that you couldn't before. It's quite amazing that the director is a woman.There is of course Sean Penn. He is the only character that goes through something that is both funny and oddly believable. It is definitely the most funny performance of his entire career and he plays well with Ray Walston as Mr. Hand.The rest, Brian Backer, Phoebe Cates and especially Judge Reinhold are pretty terrible. Phoebe Cates does have an exceptional nude scene (wonder if Kevin Kline ever saw it?) and she is pretty cute to look at. Judge Reinhold gets humiliated all through to the end. Who wants to see a realistic robbery in a teen comedy? Oh, well. It gave James Russo something to do.So, mixed genres doesn't always a good movie make. But see it and judge for yourself. It definitely leaves an impression.
Excellent!
posted on 12 Nov 2008This movie is excellent. I hate using American High-school colloquialisms but this film, is actually awesome!! It's successor Clueless, is much more recognized, but never nearly as good! Fast Times, like Clueless is a high-school story filled with a range of different characters who try and live out their fantasies and ambitions as the high school time barometer ticks away.To see Sean Penn in a doped out skater role is almost unsurpassed in terms of comic entertainment. To compare him then and now is amazing. Jennifer Jason Leigh is also amazing; Judge Reinhold is the main man on campus until he gets fired from the prestigious hamburger joint and loses his grip on life. This is a masterful touch. For the essence of a man's cool to be judged on his position in the fast food business is hilarious. In fact all these kids hang out at the mall, and they all have different jobs in that mall. But certain jobs have more cache to them than others. For example a waitress is not as important as a cinema usher, and so on!!These characters are so endearing because, much like with Clueless, they go through life embracing all the wrong beliefs and ideas. They strive to be top dog, and each persons bid to attain supremacy is as superficial as the next. Of course, today every teen film is full of these people who try to win the high school popularity contest and who ultimately gain enlightenment against the odds (She's All That, 10 Things I Hate About You, American Pie, Clueless), but Fast Times was the first to bring these teen issues to the foreground.Another unique aspect of Fast Times is that, unlike it's successors, it dares to be more direct and more crude in it's presentation. The sexual issues are more provocactive and the scenes are more racey. One might say that the film is much more realistic. This goes without saying because the characters are multi-faceted and their personalities never sway. The characters do not undergo some amazing metamorphosis by the end; they preserve their uniqueness and imperfection. This is why Fast Times is streets ahead of it's rivals.The soundtrack is fast and furious, full of cheesy yet appealing rock tunes. Jackson Browne's "Somebody's Baby" is a particulary good track.To conclude, I will say that fast Times at Ridgemont High is a fabulous film that has so many of today's big stars making fools of themselves in loveable roles. I loved it and those who have seen it would all vouch that it is the quintessential teen film.
Sean Penn shines
posted on 03 Nov 2008I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. Sean Penn plays the hilarious stereotypical surfer dude. He is the kind of character people impersonate for months after seeing the film. Sean Penn definitely makes the movie and without him it would be any other 80's teen movie.
Awesome, totally awesome!
posted on 03 Nov 2008Simply the greatest teen Movie ever made. Cameron Crowe did the research by going under cover in a high school and obviously got the real scoop on what high school life was all about in the mid eighties. I know cause I lived it. The actors were great choices as is evidenced by looking at the careers that followed for many of them.
you missed one important actor!!!
posted on 22 Oct 2008What about Lou Diamond Phillips?? he was the ticket scalper dude (can't remember the name they gave him , though I can't believe he was missed in the character list!I originally saw the movie as soon as it came out as I was 24 at the time it seemed as though I knew some one that matched each of the characters, even Ray Walston's character , Mr.Hand.I enjoyed seeing the movie in 1982 and a couple years later , but now 25 odd years later the only thing that drew me to watching it again was the list of stars that spawned from the original movie and the fact that in 25 years you forget not only the (weak) plot but how many really good actors were in it.
They've got the beat!
posted on 04 Oct 2008"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!)
awesome!
posted on 04 Oct 2008*POSSIBLE SPOILERS* Fast Times At Ridgemont High is definently the BEST teen flick ever made!
This is a movie that almost all of us can or could relate to. Now c'mon, we've all known someone like Mark Ratner or Jeff Spicoli, and we've all had a teacher like Mr. Hand. This movie makes school look like the ultimate party (not that it isn't). Even though the eighties style and appeal are long gone, the troubles, triumphs, and tragedies of the characters will never fade away. This is a film to be watched. So grab a few friends, a bowl of popcorn, and some old memories and get ready to relive highschool.
You'll wish you never graduated.
Awesome! Totally awesome! All right, Hamilton!
posted on 09 Aug 2009Fast 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.