 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
- Review Date: September 19, 2005
- R
- Genre: Comedy
- 2005
Common Sense Media says
Teen movie is full of sex, drugs, and misbehavior.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film explores several issues involved with being a teenager. Sex is a major topic of the film. There are several scenes of semi-nudity (topless girls) and frank discussions between characters about sex. Featured in the film is a fifteen-year-old girl becoming pregnant and having an abortion, simulated oral sex using produce, and a male character masturbating. The film treats the topic of sex seriously, though, and does not glorify or advocate casual sex. There is also a significant amount of drug use, as one of the main characters attends class frequently under the influence of marijuana, and smokes it on-screen, however, with consequences. There is some strong language.
What's the story?
Based on Cameron Crowe's book, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH is a satisfying portrait of teen life. The film shows a number of teenagers over the course of one school year. They fall in and out of love, work menial jobs, and attend school. Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh) looks to her best friend Linda (Phoebe Cates) for advice on love and sex. Stacy's brother Brad (Judge Reinhold) is at the top of his game, with a lovely girlfriend and a job. Rat (Brian Backer) courts Stacy with often disastrous results. Jeff Spicoli's (Sean Penn) concerns are mainly surfing, smoking pot, and passing Mr. Hand's brutal American History class. Believable complications arise, as Brad loses his job and his girl in the course of one week, Stacy loses her virginity with troubling results, and Spicoli fails history.
Is it any good?
It's easy for movies to exaggerate or misinterpret teen life, but Fast Times does not. Crowe posed as a high school student while researching his book and it shows. Issues such as peer pressure, clashes with teachers at school, and the sheer boredom of after-school jobs are portrayed with humor and even-handedness. Problems are neither black nor white. Actions have consequences, (although, not in an after school special kind of way). Both Crowe and Director Amy Heckerling show genuine respect for their characters and refuse to belabor obvious points about life, love and growing up; instead letting the viewer make up their own minds.
Fast Times might appeal to girls in the tween set. However, parents should know that adult themes concerning drugs and sexuality featured in the film make it inappropriate for children under sixteen. Parents might want to view the film separately from their teens (for fear of embarrassment on both sides).
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how, as characters explore new territory in romance and friendships, they see the good and bad in equal measure. What are some of the dangers of growing up? What are some the rewards? The film celebrates friendships and a growing bond between a brother and sister. What is important in a successful relationship? How do people damage and repair friendships? This film also provides an excellent opportunity for parents and children to discuss peer pressure concerning sex and drug use. How realistic do you think the the portrayal of teen sex was? Do you think Stacey regrets how she lost her virginity? How does Spicoli's marijuana use affect his performance in history class? Do you think he deserved to miss the prom in favor of a history lesson?
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Kid, 12 years old
June 20, 2011
AGE
LOL
This is a great movie. Very funny. The best part of the movie is when Jeff ordered pizza in class.
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Adult
October 14, 2010
AGE
Perfect Movie for Teenagers ages 14 and Up
Fast Times at Ridgemont High is an great example of a perfectly good movie for teenagers, but a bad one for children. This movie has very honest things to say about sex, drugs, and being teenager, but it's not preachy. There are a lot of great moment throughout the movie that any teenager is bound to relate to in some form. For the more serious minded parents out there there are serious issues that can be brought up by a viewing of this movie, such as the subject of sexual maturity and the pangs of growing up. This is truly a great movie about the pangs of being a teenager. It is a bit crude and vulgar at times but the film does have a real warmth and heart to it, that does not come at the expense of the film's intelligence as the movie that would follow it like the American Pie series.
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Parent of 12 year old
September 2, 2011
AGE
a movie mostly for older kids and teens 12 and up!
this is the kinda movie for older kids mostly teens or 12 and up i love the movie i really do great 80's fun!
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Teen, 14 years old
July 29, 2011
AGE
A Perfect Teenage Comedy
Fast Times is a perfect example of what good writing, directing, and acting can do. This film has moments of pure honesty that I've never seen before in a teen comedy. If you're 14 or older, you'll love it, at least you should. I never met anyone who saw it and didn't like it. Also, little kids should not see it. It talks about things and shows things that they're not ready for yet. I love this movie.
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Kid, 12 years old
June 13, 2010
AGE
Funny
This was a hilarious movie. I cracked up at the pizza part. i would rate it R for sexual content, language, and some violence.
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Teen, 15 years old
August 20, 2010
AGE
Hey Bud, Let's Party!
This movie is "Awesome! Totally Awesome!"
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Teen, 17 years old
July 13, 2009
AGE
It's a 1980's teen film, sort of like the american pie of the 1980's, though this has more heart than the other gross out teen sex comedies. It's a great movie and I enjoyed it at 10 when I first saw it. There is plenty of nudity and drug use though.
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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
it is a good movie
it is a funny movie there are a few parts in it that arent appriote abd a few uses of the f word and one person uses drugs but other then that it is a good movie. i think it tells things like it is and that everything you do can have consquences. i wouldnt let my younger sisters see it (because one is 10 and the other is 7) but i would tell my friends if they get a chance to see it they should
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| Topics: | high school |
| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Amy Heckerling |
| Cast: | Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Sean Penn |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 90 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 13, 2005 |
| DVD release date: | November 2, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
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