Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lame comedy about cultural differences; cursing, stereotypes
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
1st Born
What's the Story?
Ben (Reza Sixo Safai) and Kate (Taylor Cole) are finally pregnant in 1ST BORN. Unfortunately, a medical diagnosis reveals that their unborn child is in need of bone marrow transplants from both Ben's and Kate's fathers. Ben's dad Hamid (Jay Abdo) is an anti-American Iranian activist; Kate's dad Tucker (Tom Berenger) is a U.S. congressional candidate with no tolerance for multiculturalism. To make matters worse, the two dads have never met; they've been lied to by their children; and their disparate political beliefs have never been revealed. Though Ben and Kate try very hard to keep politics off the table when the men are introduced, it isn't long before long-held differences and values threaten to put the baby at risk and upend the fragile status quo.
Is It Any Good?
A "send-up" of a former soldier suffering from PTSD, loud sexual intercourse heard from inside a house, and an abundance of flatulence is about as funny as it gets in this clumsy production. If the over-the-top, sloppy performances and ridiculous premise in 1st Born aren't enough, cartoon music underscoring almost every scene, childish hostilities, and stereotypes of gays, doctors, Jews, WASPS, and Middle Easterners will challenge even the most forgiving viewer. Not recommended.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stereotyping in movies. In 1st Born, who are the characters that might be called stereotypes? How did you feel about the portrayal of the man suffering from PTSD in this movie? Can you think of instances where stereotyping is actually funny and not offensive?
Find out what consumerism (aka "product placement") is in filmed entertainment. Which products were on display in this film? Why do you think companies offer money, goods, or services in exchange for product placement?
Why is potty humor funny? Why does a character's embarrassment make us laugh?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 3, 2019
- Cast : Reza Sixo Safai , Taylor Cole , Tom Berenger , Jay Abdo
- Director : Ali Atshani
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Uncork'd Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 79 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate