First Kid (1996)

First Kid has that mid-’90s family-comedy spark: a breezy, good-natured romp that turns the stuffy pageantry of the White House into a playground for jokes, heart, and a surprisingly tender look at what it costs a kid to live in a bubble. Sinbad is the secret weapon—big, warm, and effortlessly funny—bringing an offbeat, rule-bending energy that makes the central odd-couple dynamic feel alive rather than manufactured. The movie’s pleasures are simple but real: playful set pieces, easy laughs, and a comforting message about being seen and understood, all wrapped in a nostalgic sheen that’s hard to resist. It is predictable and very much aimed at younger audiences, but if you want a family-friendly comfort watch with charm to spare, it delivers.

First Kid is clearly aiming for a light, kid-friendly buddy comedy about a lonely president’s son and the no-nonsense agent who finally treats him like a person. The problem is it plays out exactly how you expect, leaning hard on broad slapstick, cheesy gags, and a “lesson learned” arc that feels prepackaged rather than earned. If you’re allergic to predictable 90s family comedies, obvious product placement, or thin plotting that coasts on its premise, this will likely feel forgettable and a bit mediocre. But if you just want something harmless to keep kids occupied and you’re okay with corny charm and a few sweet moments, it does that job well enough.