Fast Times for the 90's?

Rating: 10/10 (6 July 1999)

I just saw a sneak preview of this film, and it's difficult to try to place it. It is definitely unlike the recent slew of teen movies that Hollywood seems to be churning out. Why? Well, for starters it has characters who each and every person can honestly relate to, not simply the caricatures which are so frequently featured on screen nowadays. It has a couple of incredibly risque sight gags, one of which puts the infamous hair gel scene in "There's Something About Mary" to shame. But the biggest reason it stands out is that it reminds me more of the classic 80's teen films (updated in content for the 90's, of course) than any of the cookie cutter 90's teen films have...by far. This is "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" fixed up for a new generation. It unabashedly deals with teenage hormones and masturbation, and is unafraid to show it. Unlike the awful "Cruel Intentions", which tried to make teens appear over-experienced and sexy (failing miserably), "American Pie" beautifully illustrates the awkwardness and anticipation surrounding the loss of the big V and the trials of teen hormones and sexual frustration. I highly recommend. It'll have you rolling on the floor laughing, both from what's on screen and recognition of the humor of your own first time.