The ’80s ushered in a wave of teen movies that have since been unsurpassed, none more influential than Amy Heckerling’s 1982 seminal stoner comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The film was unique in that it took an unpolished, raw look into the lives of several high schoolers, instead of the more refined linear narratives of most teen movies. As well it should; Cameron Crowe, the film’s screenwriter, spent time posing as a high school student while researching the book that Fast Times was based on.
Perhaps that’s why these classic moments seen so authentic.
“People on ‘ludes should not drive.” – Jeff Spicoli
It’s hard to imagine when this movie came out that the breakout performance would be that of Sean Penn’s surfer stoner, Spicoli. Arguably the most quotable character in the film, Spicoli also popularized the classic checkerboard Vans that he’s seen wearing throughout he film. He also gave us something to shout every time we’re stuck behind someone going 30 in a 55.
“I woke up in such a great mood today. I don’t know what happened.” – Mike Damone
First off, we can get it out of the way right now that, in this scene, Damone gets what he deserves. After leaving Stacy to take care of her abortion all by herself, it’s even more aggravating when he says he was in a good mood. You know what happened, Damone. You were a little prick.
“Learn it. Know it. Live it.” – Brad Hamilton
Brad is basically everyone’s big brother in this film. Well, everyone except Linda.
“When it comes to making out, whenever possible, put on Side I of Led Zeppelin IV.” – Mike Damone
He may be a huge jerk, but Mike Damone knows the way to a lady’s heart is on a Stairway to Heaven. See what I did there?
“Mister, if you don’t shut up, I’m gonna kick 100 percent of your ass!” – Brad Hamilton
Aside from this being one of the greatest comebacks in movie history, if you look closely, you’ll see that one of Brad’s co-workers is actually the one and only Nic Cage, who originally auditioned for Judge Reinhold’s part, but was too young at the time.
“When a guy has an orgasm, how much comes out?” – Stacy Hamilton
“A quart or so.” – Linda Barrett
First of all, terrifying. Second of all, we all need a friend like Linda who can teach us how to fellate fresh produce.
“If I’m here, and you’re here, doesn’t that make it our time? Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with a little feast on our time!” – Jeff Spicoli
Jeff Spicoli was the kid who said everything you wished you had the guts to say to your teacher in high school. This scene resonated with viewers who knew the turmoil of being forced to wait until lunch to eat.
“You want romance? In Ridgemont? We can’t even get cable TV here, Stacy, and you want romance!” – Linda Barrett
https://www.anyclip.com/movies/fast-times-at-ridgemont-high/at-the-mall/#!quotes/
The teenage struggle (and possibly this entire movie), summed up in one line.
“I mean, you put the vibe out to 30 million chicks, something is gonna happen.” – Mark Ratner
“That’s the idea, Rat. That’s the attitude.” – Mike Damone
Mark is like a sad puppy throughout this entire film. It’s not that he’s not attractive or appealing, he just has no confidence. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mark went on to create Tinder after this conversation.
“Hey, bud. Let’s party!” – Jeff Spicoli
Fun fact: When Seth Rogan and James Franco were preparing for their roles in Pineapple Express, they said they watched this movie. James went on to say that he got into character by “making out with Spicoli,” a reference to them playing lovers in 2008’s Milk.
