Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Lucas is a well-acted and well-scripted '80s coming-of age film that will be too mature for most tweens. Iffy behavior includes mockery, lying, and teen drinking. Parents are absent from children's lives. Profanity includes "f--k" and "s--t." Naked boys (a micro-glance of buttocks is seen) speak of penis size and erections in the locker room. Lucas suggests a bully's erection indicates homosexuality. In retaliation, the bully rubs hot massage cream on Lucas's genitals, although no nudity is seen. There's a brief shot of panties under a tennis skirt, and Lucas is hospitalized after being caught in a football pileup.
Sexual
Content
Kissing in a dark movie theater. Naked boys (a micro-glance of buttocks is seen) speak of penis size and erections in the locker room. Lucas suggests a bully's erection indicates homosexuality. In retaliation, the bully rubs hot massage cream on Lucas's genitals, although no nudity is seen. Brief shot of panties under a tennis skirt. Lucas is attracted the new girl who is two years his senior and jealous when she falls for the very nice captain of the football team. There is clothed kissing and talk of going "to bed" and "doing it," but no one has sex. Lucas discusses Darwin and natural selection to explain sexual attraction. Cheerleaders suggest that they engage in sexual activity with football players on the bus to away games. Cheerleaders in short skirts gyrate and shimmy.
Violence
High school football players bang into each other and get hurt in the course of practice and a game. Lucas is hospitalized after being caught in a football pileup. Bullying. Students speak of a music teacher who shot himself over unrequited love.
Language
One use of "f--k," plus "ass," "dick around," "hell," "pissant," "hard-on," and "s--t."
Social
Behavior
Bullies can change for the better. Good friends stand up for each other. You don't have to be big and strong to stand up for yourself.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Lucas' unseen father is an alcoholic. References to teenage drinking.