Lucas
The lovable loser who suffers the torment of others is a tried and true
cliché, especially when set in the confines of high school. However,
every once in a while, a movie takes the cliché and adds a little
twist that makes it worth watching. Such is the case with Lucas.
Lucas (Corey Haim) is a nerdy, awkward 14-year old science geek. He doesn't
know how to relate to people and is often dismissed because he easily fits
into a stereotype. Once summer, he meets Maggie (Kerri Green), every young
high school boy's fantasy. She's a beautiful 16-year old who befriends our
nerdy hero. Finally, Lucas thinks he has found a soulmate. Unfortunately,
it is not to last.
Summer ends and the kids go back to high school where social hierarchy is
imposed upon everyone, even those who try to rebel against it. Maggie starts
to grow apart from Lucas and wants to explore more traditional high school
activities such as cheerleading.
Will Lucas be able to get her back?
Writer/director David Seltzer elevates the movie above cliché level
by avoiding the temptation of creating stereotypical characters. One of Lucas'
best friends is Cappie (Charlie Sheen), a star football player who protects
him from the bullies. Maggie isn't the unattainable babe; she's a great gal
who is also beautiful. Even Lucas, who should be the most sympathetic character,
has flaws and narrow-minded thinking that makes him less likable. In short,
it's an interesting movie because it doesn't follow a road map.
Haim is great as the nerdy, bitter science geek who suddenly must deal with
the most dangerous feeling of all - hope. All of his young life, Lucas had
known his role in the hierarchy. He is the tortured soul. However, his
self-esteem and hope for a better life is raised by this relationship he
never could have imagined possible. His reaction to that loss of hope is
what raises the performance to a wonderful level.
This one is worth the rental price just to see the cast of future stars.
Check out Lucas this weekend.
Grade:
A
Directed and written by David Seltzer
Cast
Corey Haim
.. Lucas
Charlie Sheen
Cappie
Courtney Thorne-Smith
.
Elise
Winona Ryder
Rina
Kerri Green
Maggie
Jeremy Piven
. Spike
Copyright 2000 - WaffleMovies.com |