After making his film debut in the teen comedy classic, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” Nicolas Coppola changed his last name to Cage as a tribute to Marvel superhero, Luke Cage to avoid nepotism as the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola. Meaning, he wants to make it without his uncle’s connections. Nic starred in his first starring role credited under his stage name Nicolas Cage in a romantic teen comedy called, “Valley Girl.” Set in San Fernando Valley, (located in California) a teenage girl and a delinquent from different backgrounds fall in love.
Released in 1983, (same year The Outsiders came out) the film became a critical and commercial hit. Over the years, Valley Girl gained a cult following for anybody who grew up or fascinated with the ‘80s. After appearing in notable flicks such as “Rumble Fish,” “The Cotton Club & “Peggy Sue Hot Married,” Nic made starred in his breakthrough film, “Moonstruck” and the Coen Brothers cult comedy, “Raising Arizona.” Both released in 1987.
Anyway, I got plans to take my pic with Nicolas Cage at Fan Expo Dallas 2026. The event will commence in September 11-13. Mr. Cage will only appear on Saturday and Sunday. Which is the 12th-13th. If you have plans to take a pic with him, mark your calendar.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see this gem.
Real & Fake Aspects
Real: Nicolas “Nic” Cage & Deborah Foreman both did a decent job for their respective performances.
Martha Coolidge (Real Genius, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge) did a good job directing.
Jokes are pretty funny. Especially Nic’s comedic chops.
Chemistry between Randy & Julie serves as the main highlight.
Pacing felt stable for a 99-minute film.
Good tunes by Modern English, The Psychedelic Furs & Men at Work.
Fun Facts
- Elizabeth “E.G.” Daily plays one of Julie’s friends. She went on to voice Tommy Pickles from “Rugrats” & Buttercup from “The Powerpuff Girls.”
- Kevin Smith & Quentin Tarantino mentioned Valley Girl as one of their favorite films.
- The Plimsouls make an appearance performing at a nightclub.
- Julie has a James Dean poster in her room. Nic confirmed the late actor inspired him to perform. He also mentioned “Rebel Without a Cause” & “East of Eden” are his favorite films.
- Josie Cotton makes an appearance performing at the prom.
Random Thought: I haven’t seen the musical remake.
Fake: Given the film was made in 1983, it’s quite dated. You can tell by the clothing and fashion.
The Final Verdict: A-
Despite being quite dated, Valley Girl is a really good movie. At first, I thought it was gonna a snorefest. Turns out it was legitimately decent. If you’re prepping up to take your pic with Nicolas Cage at Fan Expo Dallas 2026 like me or waiting for Spider-Noir’s second season, check out Valley Girl.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 