Poster art for "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."

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Avg. Critic Score: 67 out of 100 Generally favorable reviews Metascore® based on all critic reviews
Information for Parents:
16 Iffy for 16+
Read Common Sense Media review

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 100
    New Times (L.A.) | Luke Y. Thompson

    Perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of American high school life in the '80s, complete with a Rubik's cube reference, the funny and occasionally harsh Fast Times, with all due apologies to John Hughes and Mickey Rooney, may be the greatest teen movie ever made (even though Cates was the only real teen). Read full review

  • 100
    Austin Chronicle | Marjorie Baumgarten

    Amy Heckerling’s portrait of high school/shopping mall life in Southern California is still just about as good as it gets...The panoply of teen types and turmoils is dead-on accurate. Read full review

  • 90
    The Onion A.V. Club | Keith Phipps

    A Trojan horse of a teen comedy that balanced lowbrow gags with subtle humor, genuine insight—Crowe spent a year undercover as a high-school student—and pathos. Read full review

  • 70
    The New Yorker | Pauline Kael

    I was surprised at how not-bad it is. It may fall into the category of youth-exploitation movies, but it isn't assaultive, and it's certainly likable. [1 Nov 1982, p.146] Read full review

  • 60
    TV Guide |

    The film's most memorable character is the perpetually stoned surfer played by Sean Penn. His confrontations with Mr. Hand (Walston), a draconian history teacher, provide the film's finest moments. Read full review

  • 60
    Variety |

    The nice thing is that Crowe and director Amy Heckerling have provided something pleasant to observe in all of these characters though they really are sadly lacking in anything gripping. Read full review

  • 50
    Wall Street Journal |

    At least the film has a sense of humor and a degree of energy... [but the] film never carries any of its characters or situations much beyond weary cliche. [10 Sept 1982, p.29(E)] Read full review

  • 50
    The New York Times | Elvis Mitchell

    There's a lot to make [Heckerling's] film likeable, but not much to hold it together. [3 Sept 1982, p.C6] Read full review

  • 40
    Washington Post | Rita Kempley

    Heckerling lacks the intuition to let things flow. The actors seem rushed and the scenes incomplete. For instance, Stacy and her brother Brad (Reinhold) almost build a poignant scene outside the abortion clinic. Just when they're about to show us their stuff, poof, it's off for a car crash or a football game. [13 Aug 1982] Read full review

  • 30
    Washington Post |

    It's an uninspired blend, integrating the boys from "Porky's" and the girls from "Foxes" into a vehicle resembling the worst of "American Graffiti" and the best of "Rock and Roll High School." [13 Aug 1982] Read full review

View more reviews for Fast Times at Ridgemont High on Metacritic

Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says Iffy for 16+ Teen movie is full of sex, drugs, and misbehavior.
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.
  • 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?
The good stuff
  • message true-1 Positive messages: A character fails to help a girl he impregnated. Friends clash.
What to watch for
  • violence false-1 Violence: A locker room scuffle is quickly defused. A pot of hot coffee is thrown at a would-be convenience store robber.
  • sex false5 Sex: A girl takes her bikini top off in a fantasy sequence, masturbation, depictions of male/female intercourse, an abortion.
  • language false3 Language: Some strong language.
  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3 Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters smoke marijuana onscreen.
An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology. © Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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