(2012-04-30 01:26:07)

Good, classic movie!

This review is from: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Full Screen Special Edition) (DVD) Fast Times has always been a classic comedy. Who could ever forget the name Jeff Spiccoli?? Good movie to see if you haven't already, but don't watch it with your younger children.

wnterstar

(2012-04-29 03:52:39)

Silliness at it's best

This is one of those movies that really don't have a plot to speak of.It's more a series of peaks into the lives of the Senior class ofRidgemont High.These peaks are hysterically funny, and, surprisingly enough, original.This is the quintessential 80s movie. It is filled with funnylines...lines that people are still quoting almost 25 years later.Yet there is also a heart to this movie that makes you care about thesepeople...you want them to succeed. The soundtrack is absolutely 80'stoo.I really don't feel right giving this movie a 10 because it's reallynot great cinema, but it is a great movie, so it gets a good solid 8.

tieman64

(2012-04-29 15:28:04)

Some tasty waves, some cool buds, and I'm fine.

Changes in audience demographics and increases in disposable income ledto a "golden age of teen movies" in the late 70s and early 80s. Film'slike "Animal House", "Over The Edge" and "Porkies" kicked things off,but outside the work of a few auteur directors (Cameron Crowe, JohnHughes, Savage Holland, Robert Zemeckis, Rob Reiner etc), most of thesefilms are unwatchable today."Fast Times At Ridgemont High" is no different. But though the film isnothing but a collection of now worn out sex jokes and dumb gagsperformed by one dimensional characters, one nevertheless sees why it,like many of its siblings, captured the zeitgeist and appealed to youngaudience members. These were films that homed in on the anxieties ofaffluent white teens (growing pains, the need for independence, sexualeducation, money woes, working at the mall, dating, bullying, theboredom of highschool etc) and offered young viewers their first looksat profanity, smut, nudity and sex. In short, these films connectedwith horny, dumb and goofy Western kids.What's unique about "Fast Times", though, is the way it came intofruition. Today, most of these teen comedies are slapped together frombits and pieces of other films, a bunch of jokes and archetypalcharacters thrown together with little purpose. But "Fast Times" beganas a piece of gonzo journalism, writer Cameron Crowe going undercoverin a high school, using the material he gathered to write a book andthen turning his book into a screen play (which was then directed byAmy Heckerling). So "Fast Times" is really a slice of investigativereporting. Can you imagine a modern teen movie being born this way?6.9/10 - This beast made waves back in the days, but its ripples havetravelled so far and wide that riding even its crests have now become atotal bummer. Yes, the film is grittier and more frank than most of itsspawn, but today only Sean Penn's inspired (and influential) role as aCalifornia surfer and Judge Reinhold's endearingly optimisticperformance as a fast food worker, resonate in any way.

(2012-04-28 22:47:28)

Where's the deleted Scenes???

Personally I have this DVD. My parents had me watch it one day and I enjoyed watching it so much that I had to go out and buy it. However, comparing this with the version that was released in the 80s and the version I usually see on TV...it lacks some much needed (and yet, hilarious) deleted scenes....To be honest, I think Universal should really try harder to release a DVD with these scenes restored into the film. Also, would it hurt to at least give us 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround? I also know that Universal has a habit of cutting scenes out of other VHS and DVD releases of films such as Weird Science. If anyone agrees that there Universal should put these scenes restored in their DVDs and VHS tapes, please contact them ASAP.

backseatproductions

(2012-04-28 06:44:54)

The best parts of this movie are between the lines

This movie is a classic. it is such a classic, that when people use theword 'classic' to describe a movie, the benchmark for that distinctionshould be something which stems from this movie. ironically, 'classic'is a slang term i would expect to come right out of the mouth ofSPICOLI, the movie's lovable surfer/stoner whose performance was onlygrazed 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 numberof years since i've seen it, is what lies between the lines. CROWE isan awesome writer. the character DAMONE spouts one liners about chicksand broads like he's been getting' it on since kindergarten. but anacute eye will notice a new swagger to his walk the day after his poolhouse romp with STACY, which anyone who's ever lost their virginitywill tell you can only mean one thing. Did anyone catch this was hisfirst time?and then there's LINDA BARRETT, who is allegedly dating a 40 year oldpilot or something and pedantically informs STACY that theirlove-making sessions typically last about 45 minutes and they alwaysclimax together. am i the only person who recognizes that she has neverhad sex and has learned everything she thinks she knows from the pagesof COSMOPOLITAN?If it's been a while since you've indulged, you should watch this movieagain. hell, I should watch this movie again -- if only to find otherbrilliant subtle aspects which permeate what is possibly the mostquintessential high school movie of all times. how cool would it be tohave the distinction of having been a part of such a thing? my hat isoff to you CAMERON, and AMY HECKERLING as well (along with all theon-screen talent). Perhaps it requires the sensitivity of a femaledirector to convey the discreet nuances of what appears on the surfaceto be an otherwise obvious movie, giving it depth, and vaulting it tothe esteemed level of a CLASSIC everyone should see.

(2012-04-27 17:45:35)

I love this Movie... But something missing

You can watch this Movie on VH1. Jeff Spicoli Mick Jagger story is missing.Stacey seeing Ron's car in the parking lot and she telling Linda her plan to try to win Ron back. Even Hallie Todd scene was cut out. If network going to put it on Tv they should play the DVD version.So people won't go out and buy this movie and feel they were rip off.

jbels

(2012-04-26 19:03:02)

Still packs a punch

This is a great movie, even twenty-some-odd years later and it still prettyshocking in parts. All of this has aged really well, which is a truetestament to a film that is so completely 1980's. Judge Reinhold's rolereally stands out, as it has not been copied as much as Sean Penn's surferdude. And it is very clear that Jennifer Jason Leigh should have beennominated for her role as Stacy. Chocked with tons of great dialogue. Aloha!

(2012-04-26 10:36:43)

80's Cult Classic Leaves Something to be Desired on DVD

"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" is truly one of the funniest films to come from the so-called "me" decade. The fact that this picture has such a cult following is a testament to its staying power and relevancy in 2000. I predict that in 2010 it will still be a good snapshot at high school kids in that era.It's clear to me that amazon.com reviewer Marshall Fine doesn't have a clue about movies when he refers to Cameron Crowe, who scripted this picture, as an "overrated filmmaker". To the contrary, Crowe has established himself as one of the brightest of the most recent crop of filmmakers. His script as well as Amy Heckerling's direction in "Fast Times", show that they really have tapped into what makes high school kids of the 80's tick. Sean Penn turns in the performance of his career as Jeff Spicoli, a stoner with no direction and little ambition (other than to have Van Halen play at his birthday party, of course). This movie also marks the acting debuts of Judge Rheinhold, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Forest Whitaker, Anthony Edwards, and Eric Stolz. Ray Walston's brief performance as a crusty teacher is also noteworthy.My only complaint about this motion picture is that certain scenes which were added to the television edit of the movie were deleted for the DVD. They helped give some direction to the plot and will be missed. That aside, "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" is to 80's high school students what "Porky's" was to 50's high school students and "The Hollywood Knights" was to 60's high school students. I'm still waiting for the definitive comedy film on 70's high schoolers.

(2012-04-21 00:33:20)

It Takes Me Back to the Eighties

I just watched the "20th" anniversary of "Fast Times" on TV. Apparently they are counting 20 years from the time the movie was finished shooting since it wasn't released until 1982. Just before I saw it in 1982 (when I was 15), a local movie critic said it basically was to the 80's what "Porky's" was to the 50's, but I think "Fast Times" is a much better movie in just about every way, especially in taste.I really don't agree with some of the other reviewers who say that it was very realistic. But what movie is? Don't get me wrong, it was a really good movie, but most high school students don't fall into those strict catagories depicted in the movie.I saw high school as a student in the 80's and as a teacher today. Despite popular sentiment, most schools are safer now than they were then, and at least in the suburbs, there are less drugs.But back to the subject. The basic storylines are a bit shallow, but they are developed well and the acting is great. Why didn't Phoebe Cates ever make it bigger?!? One reviewer mentioned that kids who see this movie (especially boys) will wish they got as much action as many of the characters!Enjoy the movie, but don't include the children. Besides all the drugs, there is plenty of foul language and one nude scene.

smatysia

(2012-04-20 07:35:37)

Dude!

This film really takes me back. A lot of it rang so true, even to my highschool in Texas in the mid '70's. The basis seems to be that these childrenare facing too many adult pressures, trying to grow up too fast. I was thatway, too. Although I didn't realize it at the time, it was a wonderful timeto 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 crackthat turned society away from the personal freedoms (more or less) that werewon earlier. The film is quite comedic, but also dips into rather edgyterritory. It was great seeing all these talented and (now) famous actors at the dawnof their careers. Enough has been said about Penn. There was Anthony Edwardswith hair! Could be Judge Reinhold's best work. Ray Walston was perfect asMr. Hand, very poignant in light of his recent death. Best of all, though,were the girls. Jennifer Jason Leigh was awesome. Her sweet, young, innocentlook 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 inBrad'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 highschool film of the time.

Peter Hayes

(2012-04-19 07:24:50)

Funny, truthful and very much the best of breed 80's high school picture.

Teenagers start becoming aware of sex, relationships and the need toearn extra cash in this slice-of-life high-school tale.A film that will probably not be done any justice by me or any betterreviewer for the simple reason that so much of what goes on has beendone so many times since. But I still believe this is the bestschoolyard melodrama around and it still makes me laugh with its hometruths and clever one lines.("You want romance, we can't even get cable TV!")Sean Penn is a standout as the stoned surfer who, sadly, lives nowherenear the sea. I don't believe any teacher would take time to go aroundanyone's house (as here) to continue the lessons, but it is a funnyscene! What was presented here was taken as a model for other filmsthat tried to boost up the sex, comedy or drama - but this film is alesson in balance and stepping lightly that others missed. Nothing istoo big a deal - not even abortion.Fast Times was a lot of fun when I saw it twenty years ago and is stillfun today. True many of the actors went on to do even better work, soit is great to see them when they still had their own front teeth andeven a bit of puppy fat.This is especially true of the great Jennifer Jason Leigh - one of thebest American actresses of her generation. Not great here, simply verygood.

hattiehathat

(2012-04-18 10:45:55)

Excellent movie

I grew up in the 80's and I feel that this movie is just a Classic. Irecently purchased it on DVD and have been extremely satisfied with it.Thecast is great, with so many big names. The casting director did anexcellentjob. It's not unusual for me and my significant other to go to bed atnightwith the DVD on and fall asleep watching it, then wake up in the middle ofthe night to find myself playing it again. My DVD has probably had moreplays than a rental one. It just puts me back into the 80's with the musicand environment and so on. If you haven't seen this movie it's a MUST.

Clara B.

(2012-04-10 13:11:34)

Only historical

I'm a huge fan of 80's comedies because they are so silly and light-heartedand strange. This is why I decided to view "Fast times at Ridgemont High"one night. I was expecting pure fluff, and that's not what I got.I wasn't born in 1982. I'll be honest, I graduated high school not too longago, yet there was something so familiar in this movie that I wanted to runaway from it. If you're a teenager or a young adult, you'll probably haveseen extremely dumb movies such as "American pie". You'll probably also havewatched series made for teenagers in order to preach to them about "seriousmatters" like pregnancy. After watching this, I realized that it was thefirst movie of these two categories. I wasn't born in 1982, and what was inthis movie doesn't seem outrageous or innovative to me, but I'm aware thatit was at the time and that it created a genre. This is why I'm calling thismovie historical.This movie is like many series and movies of the 80's and 90's that I'veseen. A very silly and stupid cover hiding something that brings up "deep"topics. In that way, it's not a honest movie. It's so dishonest that it canlead us to believe that it's an exploitation movie. I'm still not sure if itis or not at this point. There was nothing funny about it in my opinion. Idisliked American Pie, but I thought it was much funnier than this. The onlyreason I think a young person today would want to watch this is thenudity.I don't know how life in the 80's was and I'll never know. But I know whatlife in the 90's and the 2000's is, and I can tell you that many TV seriesaimed at teenagers used the same formula that's easy to notice in "Fasttimes.."

Mitch

(2012-04-10 07:54:08)

Hilarious Comedy

I thought this film was full of heart and memorable characters, and even though it takes place in the eighties it is relevant to what goes on in high school and college today. Judge Rienhold character Brad was my favorite and I thought Sean Penn was excellent as Spicolli. The direction and story are both average but the mood and tone of the piece is so good that I gave it an A+ I would recommend this for anyone who loves a good comedy!!

(2012-04-02 09:41:57)

The Ultimate High School Classic

Fast Times At Ridgemont High is a monumental film for a lot of people. I was 3 or 4 when it came out, but this film would still work and ring true to people my age in this modern day and time. That's why this film is completely timeless. The premise is pretty simple. It's about a bunch of high school kids in the early 80's dealing with everyday life, which includes girls, boys, sex, drugs, sex, and, oh, did I mention sex?. After watching this hilarious and downright touching film, you wonder why Phoebe Cates isn't a bigger star. Her famous scene(not for children)is classic and the fantasy of every red blooded American male in the country. Sean Penn gives one of comedy's most memorable characters as stoner Jeff Spicolli. He is brilliant in this film. There has not been another teen/school movie like this that is as special or classic. There have been a few that came close. The rest of the cast is great: Judge Reinhold, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Forrest Whitaker, Ray Walston. This is a great film. A true comedy classic!.

gcd70

(2012-04-02 01:21:32)

Who are we kidding?

Very typical high school sex-comedy which may pretend to be about morethan one thing, but really, who are we kidding? Writer Cameron Crowe("Say Anything") and director Amy Heckerling ("Look Who's Talking") domanage to throw a few side issues in, but their target audience wantssex, and so that is what they get. If this pic is an accuratereflection of youth today, then it's a wonder that every second fifteenyear old girl isn't pregnant. Even if it isn't accurate, it's no wonderkids are so promiscuous."Fast Times at Ridgemont High" isn't any better or worse than otherfilms of this style though. The young cast (including Jennifer JasonLeigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates and Sean Penn) go through theirpaces, being typical teens - always curious about sex. Aside from thatthere is little else on their minds. It takes young Stacey (Leigh) allof the 89 minute running time to decide that anybody can have sex, butshe just wants a relationship and romance. This of course is not beforeshe loses her virginity (at 15) to some 26 year old jock, and then hasanother brief encounter with her prospective boyfriend's 'best friend'.Kids huh!Wednesday, February 28, 1996 - Video

sajeeva sinniah

(2012-03-23 20:49:46)

Quite the time

Almost 22 years after it's release – this movie still remains to begreat. Amy Heckerling gave us another hit in the 90's – Clueless – soit's no doubt that this too has become a cult classic.This movie being a high school movie evolving around teenagers, thoughmade in the 80's, contained all the elements that a horny teenage moviewould have – topless women, pot smoking, masturbation, cheating ontests, virginity losing and all that sex talk and quite obviously teenpregnancy!!! However they were not extensively used unnecessarily withthe intention to make people laugh – they were used at the right timeand were very funny.Sean Penn was excellent – that was quite the performance as JeffSpicoli – especially now considering he is an Oscar winner – that'squite the long road he has traveled.This was a great teenager movie – and for people who just love highschool movies – this movie should next on their lit.

(2012-03-23 17:04:46)

DVD has scenes changed

This review is from: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Collector's Edition) (DVD) I was disappointed with the DVD of this movie, mainly because it was missing scenes I expected to see. I could not find Eric Stoltz' scenes, for example. Apparently they were cut. Surely they could have included cut scenes as a menu option. Other DVD's have this feature. Also the sound is monaural and my SONY player experienced its infamous lipsync problem in parts of this DVD.

(2012-03-21 01:49:08)

Spicoli man

Sean Penn is the standout in this classic involving teens and their troubles and fanstasys. Ray Walston is great as the teacher who babbles on to Penn about life. great cast include, Judge Reinhold, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nicolas Cage(Nicolas Coppola), Forest Whitaker, Phoebe Cates, Anthony Edwards, Eric Stoltz and other great people. favorite scene is when Penn orders a pizza to the classroom and dont forget that famous scene with Phoebe Cates and the red bikini

Monika-5

(2012-03-20 12:30:49)

Totally awesome!

Believe it or not, I just saw Fast Times At Ridgemont High for the firsttime. I thought it was really good! The movie is definitely at its best whenJeff Spicoli is on screen. I laughed out loud at the scene in the morgue andall the other students are completely grossed out, and Spicoli goes,"Gnarly!"I have a friend who looks just like Spicoli and he loves this movie. RayWalston is also very funny as Mr. Hand. (ironically, my last history teacherwas just like him. How creepy is that?) The whole cast is terrific, and it'scertainly worth watching just to see some future superstars. Watch with agroup of friends every time!