Classic
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High review by CP Customer
This is one of the funniest films i've ever seen, the orginal american pie which includes many faces which can be seen today in A grade movies "Sean Penn" to name one. This is a film which is well worth seeing.
3 out of 3 members found this review helpful.
Good old 80s High School Movie
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High review by EP
I grew up in the 80s watching films like this...and loved them! I was too young to watch this one at the time.
This is all good, cast has lots of familiar faces Sean Penn, Eric Stoltz the lovely Phoebe Cates (worth watching for her alone).
Sean Penn's character is a bit overacted and Judge Reinhold's is just a bit slow and odd, all works though in this old 80s film.
I never knew the music video Stacey's Mom was based on a scene from this film!
There's not huge story line, mostly about some characters from a school, relationships, weekend jobs etc. It's all quite light watching and overall a great slightly daft, slightly raunchy over the top American High School comedy flick, sit back with a cold beer and enjoy!
Ed
2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Predictable and cheesy
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High review by CP Customer
If you are after a predictable and cheesy American High School film, this is for you. It lacks any substance and the poor acting is at times cringeworthy- very 80's. I think there are much better and funnier films out there.
0 out of 3 members found this review helpful.
Like Woah!
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High review by Steve
This is where the 1980s cycle of US High School comedies begins. Though it still feels like the '70s- with the dated fashions, long hair and white-bread radio rock- as there was no mainstream punk/new wave movement to sweep them away. So this may feel alien to UK viewers, and not just because the kids drive to class.
This was made for teenagers, but is now a period piece for nostalgics. Maybe it's my age... but many years on, the teachers seem more relatable; and Ray Walston steals his scenes as Mr. Hands. Back then, Sean Penn made an impact as a stoner/slacker/surfer. As did Phoebe Cates sunbathing by the pool in her red bikini...
...The dvd extras claim VHS rental copies were damaged by freeze framing. It's fun to see all the future stars as gen-xers doing low wage weekend work in the mall. Jennifer Jason Leigh is appealing as the good-girl who gets pregnant by the main scuzzball. It has a rep for being hard hitting, but isn't, by modern standards.
It's adapted by Cameron Crowe from his book which was acclaimed for authenticity! Though it's really more of a glossy jukebox comedy made under the influence of early Woody Allen, except for teens. If this is realism, it's only in comparison with Animal House (1978). Still, few films have been ripped off as comprehensively.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.