FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH from UNIVERSAL (1982). The production budget climbed to $5 million. It grabbed $27.1 million at the US box office. (movie ticket price $2.94).
Universal Pictures had no interest in the movie after negative preview screenings. It was given a limited release in 498 theaters. (August 1982). It quickly gained "Word-Of-Mouth" status and became a box office hit. It's ranked 29th for that year among major US releases. It also became one of only a few "teen" comedies to be broadcast on network television. Plus, it nabbed a huge audience when released on VHS home video. It has become a classic.
The Motion Picture Association Of America (MPAA) gave the film an X-Rating. The naked male full frontal scene was cut so the movie could receive an R-Rating. That scene was put back in on the DVD/Blu-Ray "Criterion Collection" release (2021).
There were many teen sex comedies released during the 1980's. "Fast Times" was based on real life experiences at a high school in Southern California.
It's a coming-of-age story with several high school teens who work at the local shopping "Mall." We follow these students as they begin to experience life through education and sex. It gets complicated, awkward and several are forced to grow up real fast. It's all packed into one year too. There are touching and funny moments throughout which teens can relate to.
The movie soundtrack is absolutely fantastic and the songs capture 1982. It is a time capsule for those of us who grew up during that time. Sadly - Big Shopping Malls like this are no longer in existence.
This 1980's teen sex-comedy stands out from so many of this era. (Check out the Criterion Collection DVD/BluRay).
Below is the 1982 Theatrical Movie Trailer.
Below is a 1982 Movie Lobby Card. Phoebe Cates and Jennifer Jason Leigh. (Universal Pictures).
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