Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
-
80% of critics liked it
(46 reviews) -
76% of users liked it
(148,389 ratings)
Amy Heckerling's adaptation of Cameron Crowe's Fast Times at Ridgemont High is often considered one of the finest films of a disreputable genre (the teen sex comedy), and kick-started the careers of many future stars. The center of this ensemble film is Jennifer Jason Leigh as Stacy… More Amy Heckerling's adaptation of Cameron Crowe's Fast Times at Ridgemont High is often considered one of the finest films of a disreputable genre (the teen sex comedy), and kick-started the careers of many future stars. The center of this ensemble film is Jennifer Jason Leigh as Stacy Hamilton. She is a young, innocent high-school student who, as the film opens, is asking for advice from her friend, the sexually outspoken Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates). Stacy takes a liking to nebbish Mark Ratner (Brian Backer), but he is too afraid to make a move even after Stacy all but throws herself at him. She eventually hooks up with Mark's more confident best friend, Mike Damone (Robert Romanus). When not concerning itself with these four characters, the film spends time with stoned surfer dude Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn) and his ongoing feud with history teacher Mr. Hand (Ray Walston). The film includes brief appearances by such future stars as Nicolas Cage, Eric Stoltz, and Forest Whitaker. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Directed By
- Amy Heckerling
- Written By
- Cameron Crowe, Jonathan Roberts
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Aug 13, 1982 Wide
- Studio
- Universal Pictures
Critic Reviews
-
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
Director Amy Heckerling has failed to provide the raunch or poignancy that would interest young moviegoers, all of whom have seen American Graffiti and its 467 imitators. Ridgemont High? A nice place to visit, but who would want to transfer there?
-
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Fast Times will always be remembered for one thing: showing respect for and insight into the members of its core audience, something that was as rare in the 1980s as it is today.
-
Variety Staff, Variety
The nice thing is that Crowe and director Amy Heckerling have provided something pleasant to observe in all of these characters though they really are sadly lacking in anything gripping.
-
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Was never all it was cracked up to be.
-
, Time Out
Lacks the frenzied energy which allowed Porky's to beat all competitors in its field.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Also available on
UltraViolet Retailers
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Cast
-
Sean Penn
as Jeff Spicoli
-
Jennifer Jason Leigh
as Stacy Hamilton
-
Judge Reinhold
as Brad Hamilton
-
Robert Romanus
as Mike Damone
-
Brian Backer
as Mark Ratner
-
Phoebe Cates
as Linda Barrett
-
Ray Walston
as Mr. Hand
-
Scott Thomson
as Arnold
-
Vincent Schiavelli
as Vargas
-
Amanda Wyss
as Lisa
-
James Bershad
as Greg
-
D.W. Brown
as Ron Johnson
-
Nicolas Cage
as Bit Part
-
Lana Clarkson
as Mrs. Vargas
-
Sonny Carl Davis
as Businessman
-
Anthony Edwards
as Stoner Bud
-
Ava Lazar
as Playmate
-
Kelli Maroney
as Cindy
-
Douglas Brian Martin
as Angry Twin
-
Stu Nahan
as Himself
-
Taylor Negron
as Himself
-
Tom Nolan
as Dennis Taylor
-
Virginia Peters
as Waitress
-
James Russo
as Robber
-
Pamela Springsteen
as Dina Phillips
-
Eric Stoltz
as Stoner Bud
-
Lori Sutton
as Playmate
-
Michael Wyle
as Brad's Bud
-
Martin Brest
as Dr. Miller
-
Stuart Cornfield
as Pirate King
-
David F. Price
as Desmond
-
Forest Whitaker
as Charles Jefferson
-
Patrick Brennan
as Curtis Spicoli
-
Duane Tucker
as Dr. Brandt
-
Reginald H. Farmer
as Vice Principal
-
Steven M. Martin
as Twin
-
Nancy Wilson
as Girl in Car



