Parents' Guide to

Lucas

By Randy White, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

A realistic look at a teen's coming-of-age.

Movie PG-13 1986 100 minutes
Lucas Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 11+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Spencer H.
Spencer H. Adult
January 22, 2020
age 13+

One of the best teenage movies out there, but beware of some strong language and heavy themes

This is a very entertaining movie that explores teenagers and their struggles very well, and handles it with poignancy and sensitivity. The characters are likeable and the acting is good. I would recommend this for older kids who want to enjoy a good story about an underdog going the distance and proving his worth, but parents be advised there are several uses of GD, one f word and other profanities, inappropriate jokes about penis size, older jock teenagers threatening the main character and the theme of a high school love triangle and one kid going all the way for his high school crush may be too much for some to handle, especially outsiders who have been turned down by a crush or who struggle with fitting in. Lucas' dad is never seen and is revealed to be an alcoholic. The movie does have good role models though and the ending is sure to give anyone who watches it hope. Just be aware that some themes may be hard for teenagers to handle and some of the language is rough, but this is a very entertaining, well made movie that celebrates people for who they genuinely are and it has its heart in the right place.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much swearing
dvdgirl
dvdgirl Adult
March 28, 2018
age 8+

cute movie.

Lucas is hear warming and friendly. if I ever watch it again I may cry. but a good movie for everyone. Lucas is special like me and all of us!!!

This title has:

Great messages
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

LUCAS is a quirky coming-of-age story centering on Lucas (Corey Haim), an "accelerated" (by two grades) 14-year-old boy with a passion for insects. Lucas lucks out when he befriends newcomer Maggie (Kerri Green) and hangs out with her over the summer. To impress her, Lucas lies about his family and pretends to be friends with the popular kids. But when school starts, Lucas is humiliated at the first pep rally. When Maggie falls for the school quarterback (Charlie Sheen), Lucas talks his way onto the team in a last-ditch attempt to get her attention, but he fumbles the big pass and is crushed in a pileup. However, his bravado wins over even the jocks who called him a freak. The team gives him a cool jacket; Lucas is ecstatic.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (6):

Though this movie takes its time developing, a terrific young cast and understated comic sensibility make this heartwarming mid-'80s sleeper a winner. Lucas is an honest portrayal of the highs and lows of adolescent life. Viewers may cringe and even laugh at Lucas' outrageous antics, but they'll also sympathize with him. That's because no matter how clever Lucas is at covering the pain of being rejected, he's still the outsider who desperately wants to fit in.

The supporting characters are impressively complex as well. In most films of this sort, Charlie Sheen's football player would be the obvious villain. Playing against type of the stereotypical coldhearted jock, Sheen's character looks out for Lucas, even while he's falling for the girl Lucas loves. The casting is good all around. Excellent early performances from Haim and Sheen, as well as Winona Rider in her film debut, do much to place this teen-angst film a cut above most.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about bullying in Lucas. What should you do if you're bullied or see someone being bullied?

  • How is this movie similar to other coming-of-age tales? How is it different?

  • Does this movie still seem relevant? If you could update it, how would you do it?

  • How do the characters in Lucas demonstrate empathy, courage, and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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