Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Based on the real-life adventures chronicled by Cameron Crowe, Fast Times follows a group of high school students growing up in Southern California. Stacy Hamilton and Mark Ratner are looking for love, and are helped along by their older classmates, Linda Barrett and Mike Damone. Jeff Spicoli, a perpetually stoned surfer faces-off with the resolute teacher, Mr. Hand. Hilarity and heartbreak ensue.
Critics Sentiment
Brad masturbates while fantasizing about Linda by the pool
Brad drives Stacy to abortion clinic for procedure
The film drops significantly from the comedic high of Brad's pool fantasy (8.5) to the more serious abortion storyline (5.5), a swing of 3 points as the tone shifts from pure comedy to drama.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High maintains strong audience sentiment throughout most of its runtime, particularly during Sean Penn's Spicoli scenes and comedic moments like Brad's pool fantasy. The film dips during its more serious dramatic elements around the abortion subplot but recovers for a satisfying finale. Critics consistently praised its authentic portrayal of '80s teen culture while noting some tonal inconsistencies between comedy and drama.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 57
Sean Penn
Jeff Spicoli
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Stacy Hamilton
Judge Reinhold
Brad Hamilton
Phoebe Cates
Linda Barrett
Brian Backer
Mark "Rat" Ratner
Robert Romanus
Mike Damone
Ray Walston
Mr. Hand
Scott Thomson
Arnold
Vincent Schiavelli
Mr. Vargas
Amanda Wyss
Lisa
D.W. Brown
Ron Johnson
Forest Whitaker
Charles Jefferson
Kelli Maroney
Cindy
Tom Nolan
Dennis Taylor
Blair Tefkin
Pat Bernardo
Eric Stoltz
Stoner Bud
Stanley Davis Jr.
Jefferson's Brother
James Russo
Robber
James Bolt
Greg
Nicolas Cage
Brad's Bud
Crew
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