First Family (1980)

First Family (1980) is the kind of shaggy, high-concept comedy that lives or dies on timing—and with Bob Newhart, Madeline Kahn, and Gilda Radner in the mix, it’s often a delight. The movie’s best stretches have that buoyant, anything-can-happen energy, letting its talented cast play off one another with the loose confidence of performers who know exactly how to land a laugh without forcing it. Its vibe is goofy and cheerfully irreverent, the sort of farce that’s more interested in comic momentum than realism, and when it clicks, it feels genuinely joyful. It’s not for everyone—some of the later beats can feel more uneven than the early run—but if you’re on the fence and you love character-driven comedy powered by big personalities, this is an easy one to sample.

First Family is aiming for a broad, anything-goes political farce built around a ridiculous kidnapping premise and a cast that clearly wants to have fun. The problem is the comedy rarely lands: the script feels thin and dated, and the movie’s rhythm drags badly once the setup is over, turning what should be escalating chaos into a slog. You may get a few chuckles from the performers’ sheer effort and the occasional absurd moment, but it often plays like wasted talent stuck in material that never finds its bite. If you’re not already in the mood for old-school, low-impact comedy and can’t forgive slow pacing, this one will likely feel like a letdown.