Watch Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a 1982 coming-of-age teen comedy film that is considered to be a cult classic of the 80s. Directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Cameron Crowe, this movie is based on Crowe's book of the same name, which was inspired by his time spent undercover in a California high school. The story revolves around several teenagers who attend Ridgemont High School in California. The main protagonist of the movie is Jeff Spicoli (played by Sean Penn), a constantly stoned and carefree surfer dude who has no interest in school. He is constantly at odds with his strict history teacher, Mr. Hand (played by Ray Walston), who is determined to get him to shape up and take his class seriously.

Another key character is Stacy Hamilton (played by Jennifer Jason Leigh), a naive 15-year-old girl who is looking to lose her virginity. She becomes friends with her more experienced classmate, Linda Barrett (played by Phoebe Cates), who gives her advice on how to attract boys.

There is also Brad Hamilton (played by Judge Reinhold), Stacy's older brother, who is struggling to come to terms with his post-college life. His girlfriend, Linda, breaks up with him and he loses his job at All-American Burger, which sends him into a downward spiral.

Other characters include Mark Ratner (played by Brian Backer), a shy and awkward teenager who tries to ask out Stacy; his friend, Mike Damone (played by Robert Romanus), a smooth-talking scalper who gives him advice on dating; and Charles Jefferson (played by Forest Whitaker), a football player who is convinced that his team's success is directly linked to his anger and aggression.

The movie is a snapshot of teenage life in the early 80s, complete with the fashion, music, and slang of the era. It explores the themes of sex, drugs, and rebellion, but also delves into more serious issues such as abortion, divorce, and the pressures of growing up. Despite its raunchy and irreverent humor, the movie has a heart and ends on a touching note as the characters come to terms with their own hopes and dreams.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Brad has a fantasy sequence set to "Moving in Stereo" by The Cars, which features Phoebe Cates getting out of a swimming pool in slow motion. This sequence has become iconic and has been parodied and referenced in many other films since.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $27 million against a budget of only $5 million. It launched the careers of many of its young stars, including Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Phoebe Cates. It also paved the way for other teen comedies of the era, such as The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink.

Overall, Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a classic 80s movie that continues to be beloved by audiences today. Its humor and relatable characters have made it a cultural touchstone of its time and a must-see for any fan of teen comedies.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a 1982 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 61.