TITLE: FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH

RATING/DESC: (R); FAIR; DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Amy Heckerling

RUNNING-TIME: 92 minutes

A loosely-constructed account of teenage life based on observations of a young writer who posed as a high school student. The patchy film, strung together "American Graffiti" style, is warm and appealing in spots, but overall, it is not compelling. Sex, drugs, rock music and holding down part-time jobs are foremost on the minds of the youngsters while academic subjects take a back seat. The production, however, provides a showcase for some fresh likeable talent. Sean Penn and Jennifer Jason Leigh stand out.