Little need be said about Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Not only is it one of the most quintessential high school movies of all time, but it also features the break out performance of Sean Penn and the start of Cameron Crowe's illustrious career.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High is great because it gives us edgy material while delivering enjoyable and funny performances. Every actor is at the top of their game, and much credit can be given to Crowe's screenplay. The movie tackles everything from sex to abortion to tough teachers, while avoiding the clichés such as popular cliques and cheesy romances.

The movie does end a bit abruptly; another ten minutes would have wrapped up everyone's story much better. Instead, the film just ends and gives us a quick "what happened next" montage.

Regardless of its finish, Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a timeless classic - and now it's on DVD! Is it worth picking up, you ask? Well, if you love the movie, then definitely. If not, the DVD offers nothing new, although a 40-minute documentary that interviews much of the cast and crew is pretty insightful. The DVD also includes a commentary with the director and Cameron Crowe as well as brief glimpses of the actual locations where the movie was shot (such as the high school, the mall and the make-out point).

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.