Common Sense Media Review
A realistic look at a teen's coming-of-age.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Lucas
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?
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
- In theaters : March 28, 1986
- On DVD or streaming : March 11, 2003
- Cast : Charlie Sheen , Corey Haim , Jeremy Piven , Winona Ryder
- Director : George C. Seltzer
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Fox Searchlight
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mature themes and sexuality.
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate