‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Mallory Rubin
May 28, 2024
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Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Mallory Rubin discuss the impact and nostalgia of 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High', exploring classic scenes, character dynamics, and behind-the-scenes insights. They delve into the charm of 80s films, character relationships, and themes of sex in movies from that era.
Iconic mall intro sets the tone, highlighting character dynamics and relationships in 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'.
Spicoli and Mr. Hand's clash provides comedy gold and memorable dialogue, showcasing irreverence and strictness.
DeMone's dating advice offers humor and insight, creating a blend of comedic guidelines for relationship navigation.
Phoebe Cates pool scene embodies '80s indulgence, complemented by Brad's sibling intervention showing family bonds.
Mr. Hand's unconventional teaching style brings humor and intrigue, culminating in a unique classroom encounter and closing montage.
Female sexual empowerment contrasts with male fantasies, highlighting Spicoli's immaturity and the direct approach of female characters.
Deep dives
Masterful Cinematic Introductions and Establishing the Setting
The movie skillfully sets the tone and character dynamics with the iconic mall intro sequence featuring the Go-Merge school crew and further solidifies relationships with scenes like the first day of school and Spicoli's encounter with Mr. Hand.
Spicoli's Unforgettable Clash with Mr. Hand
Spicoli and Mr. Hand's clash in class brings comedy gold and memorable dialogue, setting the stage for their crucial interplay, showcasing Spicoli's irreverent attitude and Mr. Hand's strict demeanor.
DeMone's Hilariously Flawed Five-Point Plan
DeMone's well-meaning yet comically misguided dating advice provides a blend of humor and insight, culminating in a hilarious and cringeworthy set of guidelines for navigating relationships.
The Legendary Pool Scene and Brad's Brotherly Support
The pool scene featuring the iconic Phoebe Cates moment captures the essence of '80s indulgence and carefree youth, complimented by Brad's brotherly intervention showing depth in sibling bonds and family connections.
Mr. Hand's Unorthodox Teaching Techniques and Closing Montage
Mr. Hand's unconventional approach to education brings humor and intrigue, culminating in a unique and memorable classroom encounter along with an expertly crafted closing montage tying together the film's loose ends with style and humor.
Impact of Female Empowerment in 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'
The depiction of women's sexual empowerment and agency in the movie is highlighted, showing how female characters lead conversations about sex and take control of their experiences, while male characters often fantasize and lack maturity in comparison.
Spicoli's Influence on Teen Sexuality
The character of Spicoli plays a significant role in shaping ideas of teenage sexuality, showcasing a contrast between male and female perspectives on sex. Spicoli's daydreams and lack of action stand out against the direct and confident approach of the female characters.
Cheating Techniques in the Movie
The movie offers a lesson in cheating during exams through inventive methods like taping cheat sheets to the body and using unique strategies to ensure success in academics, reflecting the resourcefulness and creativity of students faced with academic challenges.
Ending Scene's Quintessential 80s Style
The ending scene, where Brad prevents a robbery in a convenience store, encapsulates the raw and somewhat awkward style of 80s movies, culminating in a situationally funny and thematically rich resolution that exemplifies the era's unique storytelling.
High School Movies Influence
Fast Times at Ridgemont High serves as a seminal influence on the genre of high school movies, setting the tone for future films by capturing the raw, situationally funny, and thematically rich storytelling that defined 80s teen cinema.
Innovative Cheating Techniques
Fast Times at Ridgemont High stands out for showcasing inventive cheating techniques during exams, such as using hidden cheat sheets and utilizing creative strategies to navigate academic challenges, offering a lesson in resourcefulness and creativity for students facing academic pressures.
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All The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Mallory Rubin need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and they’re fine after rewatching the 1982 classic ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ starring Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Phoebe Cates.
