Great review. You nailed it when you said this movie is closer in tone to Fast Times at Ridgmont High than later 80s teen comedies. As someone who lived it, going to the mall was a social event, every time you went. The movie was based on a Frank Zappa song called Valley Girl with vocals by his teen daughter Moon Unit. Her val speak is the gold standard. Foreman was a bit too subdued and hesitant to really pull off the unselfconscious and assertive presence of a true valley girl, who just wasn't one to be quiet or stop talking, but this movie captures a very specific time, place and mood very effectively. And the soundtrack is one of the best.