फर्स्ट डॉटर

The plot itself - about the First daughter who went to College in Carlifornia, far away from the White House, in order to be normal and meet friends may be cliché. Yet the movie on the whole can still hand out nice surprises every now and then. Katie Holmes has a unique face and looks intelligent enough to want to be independent as well as not to disappoint the First family. More importantly, Marc Blucas (her love interest) is not like the stereotyped Prince Charming for a teenager. At least he also looks sophisticated and mature and gives a strong case why the first daughter would fall for him. The two make an attractive couple and are on the same wavelength when they share the views on science etc.

The twist in the movie, at least I didn't see it coming, is good. Considering how many such plots have appeared on screen, I must say this one at least is not as predictable and does give me some credibility as a story about real people. The President and First Lady are not given a significant part here. The young couple already is a good reason to watch the movie. The love songs that accompanied the ball room dances are pleasant and well-chosen. If "monster-in-law" is rated 5 out of 10 here (last time I check), then "the First Daughter" deserves at least a 6.5 or 7, for its creativity and credible performance by the leading couple.

I also hope that Marc Blucas has great roles in future movies for his refreshing looks and performance.

Samantha Mackenzie (Katie Holmes) has always been a sweet proper girl and the only daughter of the President (Michael Keaton). She is going off to college and the strict Secret Service protection doesn't always fit. She falls for student James Lansome (Marc Blucas). However the president is in his re-election campaign and James isn't who she thinks he is.

It's always odd to note that this was directed by Forest Whitaker, but he seems to like these light rom-coms. And this is the lightest of rom-com especially in the first half. Katie Holmes is playing a stiff character and isn't allowing the comedy to come through. The movie does improve slightly with the twist for about 15 minutes, but then it falls apart with a flat unimpressive ending.

First Daughter says it all.... This movie was fun and light-hearted, but by no means was it a collector's item. Katie Holmes does not always succeed in looking 18 (more like 25) but she convinces the audience that she is at least well-meaning. Michael Keaton returns to the big screen- the daddy-daughter chemistry is endearing, if not nearly convincing. The plot line was neither original nor engaging to any real degree, but Katie does an OK job of keeping interest. The love interest is charming and the scenes are moderately appealing. If you have no real expectations you'll most likely get a kick out of the movie, just don't expect too much. If you saw Mandy Moore's version of this movie you'll be pleasantly surprised to find it not so far-fetched, but it is no more original than round number one of the "first daughter" goes. If you're up for any chick- flick available, do it. If you're skeptical and short on cash... stay home.

I've seen this movie twice and the first left me wanting for more. If you analyze the movie it's ordinary but what makes it extraordinary is the actors who played really good in the movie. Katie Holmes and Marc Blucas played a good pair.

Though there are some cheesy parts like when they kissed on the last part after handing the car key then turned there backs and run to kiss each other it was really awkward. I've seen those kind of scenes in Dawson's Creek with Pacey and it just didn't work. Very cheesy..

I fell in love with the theme song which was sang by Tamia I think it's called "Dance of my Dreams".

The entire film seems to set up scenes that specifically in relation to teen dream perfection. The scenes don't respond or even make sense with each other, but independently they are each set up as every young girl's day dream. A slip and slide college night where a chance meeting occurs. A flight on air force one to a ball where the girls get to wear a fantastic dress. Sitting on a small boat in the middle of the lake with the boy you love while he's fishing and you're holding an umbrella to keep the sun from your eyes. It's formulaic and dull. It's perfectly fine to make a movie that targets a young age group, but it is NOT OK to make that movie as poorly and as unthoughtful as possible.

If you want to see this film but on a slightly better scale (and by better I mean that it's set internationally) then go see chasing liberty.