Tools for this page
Print

First Snow

(2007, Rated R, Thriller, Starring Guy Pearce, Piper Perabo, J.K. Simmons)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Thoughtful, bleak thriller about fate and fear.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–17

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Drug addict, conniving salesman, selfish backstabber: The film is full of cheats and deceivers trying their best to avoid responsibility. That said, Jimmy does try to make amends in the end.

  • Violence:

    Violence escalates throughout the film: The first jolt comes when Jimmy has his palm read and the fortune teller goes into alarming convulsions. Jimmy later feels threatened by a bullet-riddled shooting-range target that's left in his mailbox. Jimmy believes he's going to die and reads various details as "signs" an argument with Deirdre turns ugly (she leaves the car and walks home in abandoned area); several guns are wielded in different scenes; some awkward fist-fighting and kicking; eventual showdown leaves two men bloody from a bullet shot at their heads; news of a terrible car crash.

  • Sex:

    Brief, sometimes playful sex scenes between Jimmy and Deirdre (with pretty lighting and romantic close-ups); Deirdre wears a couple of tight tops; reference to "getting laid" kissing in a tub with naked backs visible.

  • Language:

    Plenty of "f--k"s (more than 50), plus "s--t," "goddamn," "a--hole," and "hell," as well as other colorful phrases ("Looks like people been pissing on your floors," "Got my nuts in a vise").

  • Consumerism:

    Diet Coke, Coke, Sony, Corona beer, Timberwolves (NBA team), Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin posters, Wurlitzer jukeboxes.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Jimmy smokes cigarettes incessantly for first third of film, then gives it up; heavy drinking (beer, liquor, wine) at bars and in homes; Vince has visible drug paraphernalia (needles, pouches, spoons); a character offers marijuana as a "peace offering" prescription pills in a motel room; reference to "booze and those goddamn drugs."
 

What Parents Need to Know

About First Snow

Parents need to know that this psychological thriller -- which dwells on the possibilities of fate and free will in regards to a predicted death -- is meant for mature viewers. The movie's downer theme is presented in darkly shadowed, bleak compositions, with tension and threats of violence running high throughout the film. Men carry and use guns, and there's some fighting; the last sequence turns very bloody. A couple of brief sex scenes are romantic and hopeful. There's lots of drinking and cigarette smoking, and a central character is a heroin addict. The language is appropriately seedy, with frequent use of "f--k" and more.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the concept of fate. Would you want to know the future if you couldn't change it? Do you think Jimmy could have avoided his fate? Can you think of other movies or TV shows that have dealt with similar topics? Do you consider this film a psychological thriller? Why? What are the conventions of that subgenre?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about First Snow?

  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 8+
    Aliens in the Attic

    Aliens in the Attic

    Silly teens-versus-aliens adventure is sure to delight kids.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Online Homework Help

    Online Homework Help

    Best Online Homework Helpers

  • Game of the Week

    Age 10+
    NHL 10

    NHL 10

    Excellent, authentic pro hockey sim includes brawls.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.