Review of Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) by Jay R — 06 Apr 2010

High school is a world where standards are created, dreams are crushed and humour is found. Fast Times at Ridgemont high has all of the necessary laughs and maturity to be entertaining, but it fails to create any sort of character development or dramatic depth. These are simply stereotypes put onto the screen. Are they funny? Yes, but we can't take anything from these characters? We recognize the situations and enjoy them, but there is no plot of any kind that exists. Director Amy Heckering and writer Cameron Crowe have chosen to dive right into the thick of puberty without any hesitations. This manages to work for them given the talented cast at hand, but to what end? As accurate and as memorable as this time period was, some more background is needed. That being said, this movie is surprisingly truthful, graphic and most importantly funny. I wouldn't put this up there with some of the other authentic high school comedies I've seen, but some scenes are huge and I was really caught off guard by the graphic nature of Fast Times. You are aware that this is just going to be of entertainment value, but you cannot help but wishing that Fast Times was much more than just fast times.

The problem in this film lies within the ability to dig deeper. This ability is abolished because of the lack of character development and non-existent plot. We relate to the situations and characters no problem. But we are missing that connection. Instead of being immersed in this high school world, we are merely watching it. In order to learn or be left with something, connection is important. But Fast Times chooses depiction over connection. It is entertaining, but you can't help but wish there was more food for thought after it ends. The characters are also very two dimensional. The stereotypes are very funny and sincere, but their motivations are never explained and their actions never justified. They are just thrown into mature situations we understand but don't bond with.

That being said, the movie is hilarious and mature. Maturity goes through the roof with Fast Times, with real reactions and some very good acting on everyones part. Given the script at hand of course. There is a particularly good scene where one of the teenage girls Stacy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) comes to a man named Mike (Robert Romanus) and tells him that he knocked her up. Instead of acting all dramatic, without any hesitation he asks "Well did you take care of it?" and then the abortion money is settled. This slaps you in the face with a big sense of realism. Fast Times depicts the brutal outcome of some fast times. There is also a classic scene of genius comedy. The most memorable scene in the movie comes when the infamous Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn) orders a pizza to his own classroom in the middle of class. The teacher takes the pizza and shares it with everyone else in the class, right in front of Jeff. Jeff is crushed and so are we, as we roll on the floor laughing. The reactions among the characters elevate Fast Times past its shortcomings. The cast doesn't falter here. The absurdity and honesty mix very well together.

The cast of characters are memorable, even if they are blatant stereotypes. We have the biggest stoner Jeff, played memorably by Sean Penn. You can really understand why this performance put him on the map. He plays his label to the hilt, I only wish it dug more into why he became a stoner in the first place. Then we have Jennifer Jason Leigh in a breakout role as Stacy. She is 15, but she wants it really bad. Her sexual confusion and disturbing events that she goes through really set the graphic tone for this movie. We also have great supporting performances from Forest Whitaker and also Ray Walston as the teacher from hell Mr. Hand. There is also Judge Reinhold as Stacy's older brother, Phoebe Cates as Linda, and Vincent Schiavelli as the perversely funny biology teacher. What Crowe manages to succeed with in his writing is that no one is the star in this movie. There are just situations that come about at random. Much like life.

But life has deeper meaning and that is what Fast Times fails to explore. Superbad had an ample amount of laughs, but it digs deeper finding reason and meaning behind actions. Why get drunk? Why smoke pot? Why do you want sex? Fast Times just says it like it is without explanation. When puberty hits, look out because it is the most awkward time in life. Amy Heckering does a great job of capturing the teen psyche with experimentation, randomness and confusion. All of these are vital to the film powering past the insight it is missing. So what can you take from Fast Times? Unfortunately not much. However, just because this is a teenage movie does not mean you need a message. You need some entertainment and Fast Times delivers. With a great cast and high maturity, Fast Times is a very fun movie to watch. However you will feel like Jeff Spicoli as his pizza is taken away. You spent all this time and money, you can't help but wish there was more.