My First Mister
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17

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  1. PatriciaS.
    Aug 21, 2006
    10
    Every year, there is a movie that I love every minute of and have to immediately watch again for the sheer enjoyment of it. This film is it for me this year. I eschew the comments from those who question the reality of the teen character or the wonderful ending. As a high school teacher, mother of 5 and a former teen, it amazed me in its insights. The performances by all cast were top notch. This has made my "Need to See Every Year List." As for the critics, they work so hard to keep their jobs by practicing what Rob Brezny calls "pop nihilism." A steady stream of social cynicism is boring, lazy and has gotten very old.… Expand
  2. JoeQ.
    Mar 27, 2007
    10
    Not for the sophisticate but rings true. Fine work by the principals - Sobieki & Brooks most for all - no false surfaces.
  3. Lain
    May 28, 2007
    10
    It's a great movie. Critics say it was too cliche? How old are these critics? They seem to have forgotten what it felt like to be that age. Intelligent teens will find this movie interesting and relate to the notion of leaving teen-angst behind, to come to a better understanding of the world around them. Adults might just remember that 9-5 routines aside, they are not all that dead yet and still have that strong will to live free. Very good acting and directing. I'd recommend it anytime.… Expand
  4. KevinH.
    Aug 15, 2004
    9
    A gem. I just bought this ex-rental and watched it 2nd time with the commentary today. This film could have been mundane, pretentious and of course does suffer from not fitting into a single easily marketable category. I just read a critic essentially being annoyed at the self centred teenager - but that is part of it. Humans are funny like this and that; and its how we relate, how we grow beyond the stereotypes and perceptions of self that give us colour. For me the film was very convincing and the 2 main actors were spot on. The film gives food for thought and is enriching. It's a refreshing change to cardboard characters and cut out templates for plots in so many more "successful" films. PS I like the mix of critics being compiled here and public contributions. Also if you're looking for another movie about friendship try the British film "Me Without You."… Expand
  5. RickR.
    Jun 4, 2002
    10
    A beautiful movie. Loved the chemistry between these two opposites. Says a lot about friendships regardless of our backgrounds.
  6. BeatrizS.
    Jul 6, 2002
    10
    Subtle performances, insightful humor and believable development overcome reality flaws. I loved it.
  7. RitaC.
    Jun 29, 2002
    8
    A very sweet little film that ends up inevitably a bit cheesy at the end but is satisfying anyway.
  8. DonD.
    May 4, 2002
    8
    Brooks best role ever. Well worth the veiwing. I loved every bit of the movie and was sad when it had to end. Well done in every way.
  9. KathyG.
    Jun 17, 2002
    9
    I enjoyed every minute! My daughter (13) and I watched it together. I thought it was a good example of how different 2 people can be, but, at the same time suffer from the same faults. The end was a little mushy, but , that's what we (girls) love!
  10. KatK.
    Jul 26, 2003
    10
    Regardless of what pretentious critics may say, this movie is a subtle masterpiece. Perhaps, in ways, the sappy ending detracts from the overall originality of the film's interesting beginning, but Sobieski's performance salvages it all. I am insulted to hear that "intelligent teens wouldn't like this movie." This movie is a reality for me! Before even viewing it, my life has been much like the character of Jennifer's. Sometimes film characters are less than realistic due to the fact that filmmakers want to portray a less conventional,less widely accepted face of humanity. Jennifer's metamorphisis may seem dubious, but the character's habits, soul, and actions ring true to human nature. As a graveyard haunter and brooding coffee shop, black-clad poet myself, I give this film an emphatic "groovy!"… Expand
  11. DanC.
    Sep 14, 2002
    9
    Surprisingly well done. Can't believe it wasn't a hit. This was an art-house movie that had the potential to be a sleeper. Was likely overwhelmed by 9/11 and anthrax.
  12. KevinE.
    Jan 31, 2005
    4
    I rented on the premise that anything featuring Albert Brooks has got have some value. Well.. he may have jumped the shark on this one. No fault of the actors, the story is very contrived and ambitious - resulting in a sort of an edgy Lifetime movie. I was barely connected to it before the 'heartbreaking turn of events' where I happily dropped out, emotionally.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
48 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 27
  3. Negative: 7 out of 27
  1. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: F. X. Feeney
    70
    Christine Lahti, making her directorial debut, wrings good laughs and strong emotion throughout, largely through the performances.
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  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    70
    In its first two-thirds, My First Mister, which marks Christine Lahti's feature directorial debut, looks to be a winner. But it takes a disastrously wrong turn toward the end that all but destroys the good work that's come before.
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  3. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Ronnie Scheib
    50
    A bathetic TV-movie-type "learning experience" that provides about as much insight into teenagers as 40s westerns did into Indians--it's all in the costumes and customs.
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