Film Snail

6.8

Fast Times at Ridgemont High

R·1982·90m

Comedy

Summary

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 a love interest, and are helped along by their older classmates, Linda Barrett and Mike Damone, respectively. At the center of the film is Jeff Spicoli, a perpetually stoned surfer who faces-off with the resolute Mr. Hand—a man convinced that everyone is on dope.

Cast

Sean Penn

Jeff Spicoli

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Stacy Hamilton

Judge Reinhold

Brad Hamilton

Robert Romanus

Mike Damone

Brian Backer

Mark 'Rat' Ratner

Phoebe Cates

Linda Barrett

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

James Russo

Robber

Nicolas Cage

Brad's Bud

Patrick Brennan

Curtis Spicoli

James Bolt

Greg

Anthony Edwards

Stoner Bud

Pamela Springsteen

Dina Phillips

Martin Brest

Dr. Miller

David Price

Desmond

Stuart Cornfeld

Pirate King

Taylor Negron

Pizza Guy

Shelly O'Neill

Perry's Pizza Waitress

Sonny Carl Davis

Businessman

Nancy Wilson

Beautiful Girl in Car

Lana Clarkson

Mrs. Vargas

Lori Sutton

Playmate

Ava Lazar

Playmate

Douglas Brian Martin

Angry Twin

Steven M. Martin

Angry Twin

Laurie Hendricks

Nurse

Reginald Farmer

Vice Principal

Stanley Davis Jr.

Jefferson's Brother

Michael Wyle

Brad's Bud

Julie Guilmette

Perry's Pizza Waitress

Stu Nahan

Duane Tucker

Dr. Brandt

Crew

Director

Amy Heckerling

Novel, Screenplay

Cameron Crowe

Reviews

JPV852

May 6, 2021

Seen this one a few times over the years and still as fun as ever with a wonderful ensemble cast, a few of which have had a sustained career (others, like Phoebe Cates, Robert Romanus and Brian Backer, not so much). Has a good amount of heart mixed in with the comedy. Not sure where I place this amongst other coming-of-age flicks like The Breakfast Club or Dazed and Confused) but still really well made. **4.0/5**