LUCAS (PG-13)
If you've seen everything there is to see and you're getting hard up, pick up a copy of this flick at your local video store. You'll be SO glad you did. Honest.
Written/Directed By:
David Seltzer
Starring:
Corey Haim
Kerri Green
Charlie Sheen
Winona Ryder
Courtney Thorne Smith
What It's About:
No doubt about it, one of the hardest things to find at the movies is an honest story about teenagers, which is weird when you think about how many "teen movies" are released every year. The problem is simple: Hollywood's annoying tendency to stereotype teens and put them in time-tested, easy to portray categories like "jock," "nerd" and "cheerleader."
One movie that transcends those cliches and really delves into the realistic characters of high school life is the bittersweet teen romance, Lucas, starring Corey Haim (before he became a punch line and a permanent feature on all those "Where are they Now?" shows), Kerri Green (Goonies), Charlie Sheen (at his youngest and cutest) and Winona Ryder (in her first big-screen role).
Lucas is a small, nerdy but incredibly sweet boy who, duh, doesn't fit in among the popular kids at his school. One summer vacation however, luck seems to finally be on Lucas' side when he befriends beautiful new girl, Maggie (Kerri Green) and the two become inseparable. The new friends spend all their time together, sharing secrets and hopes and dreams along the way – until school starts and Maggie gets caught up in all the trappings of popularity and the "cool crowd" – specifically, Cappie (Charlie Sheen), the big, handsome football star.
But pay attention because Cappie isn't the tough-guy jerk you'd automatically expect him to be. In fact, he and Lucas share a secret bond and Cappie always does what he can to protect his small friend from the meaner jocks at school. When Lucas decides, despite protestations from his nerdy friends (including the adorable Winona), that the way to impress Maggie is to join the football team, Cappie looks out for him, and when Cappie and Maggie ultimately get together, they are torn by the fact that they have broken Lucas' heart. But all is not lost for our geeky hero, Lucas still has his dreams of football greatness, and it's possible that he'll gain some glory on the field. You'll just have to watch and see what happens.
Everything that makes Lucas different from the typical teen movie makes it better. The characters are complex— like real teenagers—and the plot is unpredictable and realistic…like real life. So pass up those stereotype-filled teen flicks, and pick up this awesome 80's gem. Lucas will have you smiling through your tears and loving every moment.
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