LUCAS

CAPSULE REVIEW –– This is one of those films that I loved as a teenager, mainly because I had a huge crush on Charlie Sheen. What distinguishes LUCAS from the wide range of teen angst garbage are the honest, poignant portrayals by Haim and Green. Long before he became a junior member of the Brat Pack, Corey Haim proved himself as a heartfelt young actor. Here he plays the insect-enamored nerd Lucas, who befriends the new girl in town played by Green. They form a genuine friendship that becomes sorely tested when high school begins and Green starts to make other friends, ones who don't understand or love the unique qualities of Lucas. She also falls in love with the school quarterback played by Sheen, who, despite having the most beautiful girlfriend in school, begins to reciprocate her feelings. Despite some severely hokey moments, this films really gets inside the raw emotions most of us felt during those years. It captures the longing, rejection, awkwardness and pain without making it seem silly or over-the-top. We all just want to be loved and accepted for who we are, especially Lucas. It's too bad Haim and Sheen didn't keep up the good work they showed here. Ryder has a minor role, but makes her presence known. If you think high school was the best time of your life, this is a film you should see. You'll reconsider.