Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a 1982 cult classic of teen movies.
The film Fast Times at Ridgemont High helped launch the careers of several actors including Nicolas Cage, Phoebe Cates, Anthony Edwards, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Sean Penn, Judge Reinhold , James Russo, Eric Stoltz and Forest Whitaker. This was also the directing debut for Amy Heckerling who would go on to have a successful career of her own.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High is the screen adaptation of the novel by investigative journalist Cameran Crowe who also wrote the screen play. Cameron had gone undercover in a San Diego Highschool to research his novel, which of course changed all the names of his high-schooler acquaintances as well as the school name to protect identities. But his book’s title, Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A true story promises that his recount is authentic. This is probably why the screen adaptation stands the test of time, reflecting teenage angst and coming of age trials and tribulations.
The highlights of Fast Times at Ridgemont High revolve around the sexual obsessions of a collection of characters all trying to find their way. Brad is hardworking with grandiose aspirations. His younger sister Stacy, is too eager to grow up fast, and eventually faces the consequences of her actions. Jeff is a stoner who sees high school as a waste of quality surfing time. Mike has an angle on everything, thinks himself a ladies man and scalps tickets for spending money. While Mark is your typical shy, nice guy, who rumor has it, was actually based on the man who went on to write “PCs For Dummies” and make a revertible fortune of his own.
