Gangsta's Paradise

1982, a significant year for non-cinematic reasons, included the release of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," a film still as appealing as any individual aged 24.

Luckily for America, director Amy Heckerling had a few more tricks up her sleeve - namely the first two of the "Look Who's Talking" series: both regular and "...Too!" (Bruce Willis and Roseanne Barr as baby voices are indisputably frightening; not the point of this post.) Then, finally, Clueless.

Thank you, Amy, for returning to high-school movies. Clueless is still a blast. You directed Brittany Murphy to the best performance pre-8mm, including one profoundly tone-def rendition of Coolio's "Rollin With My Homies" after getting clocked in the head with a flying shoe at a valley party. Good scene. Great song. Too bad it doen't work out with Tai and El-on, but high school's a rough place.

Coolio "Rollin With My Homies"



ps Clueless also marked Donald Faison's introduction to showbiz as Dionne's sweet not-quite-a-scrub boyfriend. While Tai's singing to stay conscious in the next room, he's just "keepin it real" by getting his head shaved at the valley party mentioned above. Thanks for the good times, and keep up the good work, Turk.