This is an early, rather inferior version of Dazed and Confused with a few amazing scenes that totally make up for any of its failings. Fast Times at Ridgemont High chronicles several teenagers in the '80s trying to make their ways through high school and through their sexual maturations. This movie is absolutely hilarious and ridiculous. Sean Penn plays an over-the-top stoner who makes Bill and Ted look like honor role students. He is perfect for this role; it almost makes you forget how frustratingly political he has become. It does display an immense amount of versatility though, and shows just how good of an actor he is. There are a few scenes in this movie that involve either Phoebe Cates or Jennifer Jason Leigh that, for my understanding, were landmark scenes for early teenage boys in the '80s, and I can see why. This movie is also noteworthy in that it was Nicolas Cage's first big screen appearance. His role is limited to I would say less than 5 seconds on screen, but it is something any film buff should be aware of. Forest Whitaker actually has a moderately significant role in Fast Times as well; the movie features three future Best Actor winners, which is at least a rare feat. Another great feature of this movie is the amazing soundtrack. It is no Forrest Gump, but the early '80s music in Fast Times is top drawer. In the middle of the film, it takes an oddly serious turn involving a teen pregnancy. It is completely unexpected, kind of non-sequiter and probably something that would not be taken as lightly now-a-days. This passes quickly though, and the ridiculous high school, mall humor retakes the film. My wife was interested, but did not mind that I watched it without her; I think she figured the main reason I wanted to see it was for the famous Phoebe Cates scene. I would definitely watch this movie again, but more for that than for the cinematic value. I give Fast Times at Ridgemont High 2 and a half stars.
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