If you're looking for an astute and scholarly appraisal of the social significance of Fast Times at Ridgemont High please look for another review. This isn't it. As those of you who know me can attest, I don't write intellectual reviews - probably because I'm not an intellectual. I approach my reviews on the basis of very simple rating criteria. 1. Was the movie entertaining? 2. Was it worth the cost of watching (whether rental of purchase)? 3. Would I be tempted to cut my wrists if forced to watch it again? These criteria appy to all genres, from the subject FTARH (Fast Times At Ridgemont High in case you hadn't figured it out) to Dr. Zhivago, to Fahrenheit 9/11 to The Passion of The Christ, to any of the Three Stooges masterpieces.

FTARH, contrary to popular druthers, isn't really a social commentary on specific types as featured in the film. The story on which it is based was written by Cameron Crowe from his personal research in Southern California high schools. I was not only alive at the time, but mature enough to appreciate his accuracy, and can attest that the film is a form of synopsis of highschoolers and their problems. Hey, what would teens be if it wasn't for having problems?

To really appreciate this outstandingly entertaining film, you need only kick back in your recliner, a bowl of popcorn in your lap, DVD in the player and the remote in your hand (either hand, as long as you have either a soda or a beer in the other), start the movie and turn your critical lobes completely OFF! Watch and enjoy as Jeff Spicoli duels (you decide whether it's with or without a mental handicap going in) with History Teacher Mr. Hand. Watch and enjoy as Linda gives Stacy a lesson in oral sex (using a carrot as the flight simulator) to the rapt attention and appreciation of other male students in the cafeteria.

Watch and enjoy as straight-arrow Mark receives pick-up training from sleaze-ball Mike. Watch and enjoy as industrious Brad shows off his cherry 1959 Buick Invicta ("Just four more payments and this gorgeous luxury machine is all mine!") to his fellow students, and even while he fantasizes while masturbating over Linda. Watch with mixed feelings as Stacy (largely due to Linda's incitement) wastes her virginity to an older uninvolved (and typically horny) male, and then wonders if that's all there is. Watch and enjoy as Spicoli and his stoner "Buds" tumble out of his pot-smoky VW van on the way to class, and marvel that he even makes it!

There is no overweening social commentary here, just a remarkably uncritical - that's right, UNcritical - observation of everything that makes teen-age such a difficult (and entertainingly funny, when you recall your own experiences) time to survive. The key element here, however, is ENTERTAINING. Not only is it entertaining, but when it's all over and done, you can pull it out of the DVD player amid chuckles - without having to wonder if you were also that crazy. Trust me, you were - just as I was.

The DVD also contains some interesting special material, but I seldom watch it because in too many instances it takes away from the reasons I had enjoyed the film in the first place. I don't need the author's and director's commentary during the movie - I'm smart enough (I hope) that the movie speaks for itself. There are, however some elements of trivia that being aware of might enhance your enjoyment when you watch this movie. Admit it, you ARE going to watch it, aren't you? OK, here goes.

This was the absolute FIRST movie job for Eric Stoltz (before his big hit in Mask), James Russo, Anthony Edwards (yes, of TV's "ER" fame but with more hair), and Nicolas Coppola. Mr. Coppola, who was only 17 at the time, which cost him being cast in the role of Brad, later changed his name to Nicolas Cage. Despite his later fame, you'll have to look closely to see him here, and listen extra hard for his one major line. That ought to keep you on your toes. Anthony Edwards and Eric Stoltz were already established friends when these roles came along, the two of them having appeared in both little theater and ballet. The leading "stars" of this wonderful film all had prior movie roles, with Sean Penn already attracting notice for his heavy duty role in Taps (which was also the breakthrough 2nd film for Tom Cruise).

There is too much to enjoy here for me to even attempt descriptions. The high school scenes were mostly at Van Nuys High School - possibly because they had the same mascot os Ridgemont. The mall scenes were shot at the Sherman Oaks Galleria - state of the art at the time, but subsequently remodeled, and Jennifer Jason Leigh (who was supposed to work at Perry's Pizza) actually DID work for Perry's Pizza for a month after getting the role - while waiting for filming to begin. Even cuties like Jennifer have to eat, don't they?

But, enough of the kind of information that anyone with the time and determination can uncover. What matters is that Fast Times At Ridgemont High is first class entertainment, with plenty of laughs and a tasty garnish of nudity and sex - as long as you don't waste your time trying to read things into it! Just enjoy your popcorn, beer (or pop) and the movie. You'll be glad you did.



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older