Alright, settle back into that comfy spot on the couch, maybe imagine the satisfying clunk of a VHS tape sliding into the VCR. Today, we're dialing the nostalgia machine back to 1996 for a flick that paired one of the decade's most charismatic comedians with the unique pressures of growing up in the White House: First Kid. Forget the stoic, sunglasses-at-night Secret Service agents of countless thrillers; this was the era where Sinbad brought his infectious energy to protect the President's most challenging asset – his teenage son.
### Agent Simms Reporting for Duty (Sort Of)
Remember Sinbad in the 90s? He was everywhere – stand-up specials, sitcoms (A Different World), and movies like Houseguest (1995). His style wasn't just stand-up delivery; it was a whole vibe – fast-talking, expressive, and full of relatable exasperation. In First Kid, he plays Sam Simms, a Secret Service agent who, let's be honest, seems more suited to cracking jokes than cracking codes. After a PR blunder involving protecting the President's shopping trip (a classic 90s mall scene!), Simms gets reassigned to guard Luke Davenport (Brock Pierce), the lonely and rebellious 13-year-old son of President Paul Davenport (James Naughton).
This premise, cooked up by writers Tim Kelleher and Miguel Tejada-Flores, is pure fish-out-of-water gold. Simms isn't your typical agent; he's decked out in colorful ties, uses unconventional methods (like teaching Luke to box or sneak him out for "normal" kid fun), and approaches the job with a level of personality that probably gives the head of security nightmares. And that’s precisely the charm. Sinbad leans into his persona perfectly, making Simms instantly likable, even when his methods are questionable. You genuinely feel he cares about this kid, beyond just the job description.
### Inside the Bubble
What elevates First Kid beyond just a standard comedy setup is its attempt, however light, to capture the isolation of being the President's child. Luke isn't just a brat; he's a kid suffocated by protocol, desperate for a friend, and acting out because it's the only control he has. Brock Pierce (who some might remember from The Mighty Ducks series) does a commendable job portraying Luke's blend of privilege and vulnerability. He’s often surly, yes, but there’s an underlying sadness that makes his eventual bonding with Simms feel earned. Their dynamic becomes the heart of the film – the cool, slightly irresponsible uncle figure breaking through the lonely kid's defenses.
Director David Mickey Evans certainly knew a thing or two about capturing youthful camaraderie and nostalgia, having given us the eternally beloved The Sandlot just three years prior in 1993. While First Kid doesn't quite reach those legendary heights, you can feel a similar warmth in the relationship-building scenes. Evans lets Sinbad's comedic timing shine, creating memorable moments like the disastrous attempt to teach Luke how to dance or the sheer chaos Simms brings to the buttoned-up White House environment.
### Washington Shenanigans & Retro Fun Facts
First Kid wasn't a box office juggernaut, pulling in around $26.5 million domestically against a reported budget likely hovering around the $10-15 million mark, but it found a comfortable life on home video – the kind of tape you’d grab for a reliable family movie night. It was pure comfort food cinema. Critics at the time were somewhat lukewarm (it holds a rather frosty 21% on Rotten Tomatoes today), perhaps finding the plot predictable or the blend of comedy and mild thriller elements (yes, there's a kidnapping subplot!) a bit uneven.
But let's talk trivia! Did you know Sinbad did many of his own stunts, including some of the boxing scenes? His physicality was always part of his comedy. And while the film obviously didn't shoot inside the actual White House, the production design does a decent job creating that formal, slightly intimidating atmosphere for Simms to disrupt. There’s also a fun little detail where Simms uses his Secret Service connections to get Luke a date with the most popular girl in school – a classic 90s movie trope powered by presidential privilege! It’s moments like these, blending wish-fulfillment with Sinbad's comedic chaos, that made it stick in the memory. And let's not forget the soundtrack, pulsating with that unmistakable mid-90s R&B and hip-hop energy.
### Still Reporting for Nostalgia Duty?
Watching First Kid today is like opening a time capsule. The fashion is peak 90s, the technology quaint (bulky computers, pagers!), and the plot follows familiar beats. The thriller aspect feels a little tacked on, almost like a studio note demanding more conventional stakes. But does it still entertain? Absolutely, largely thanks to Sinbad. His energy is infectious, and his chemistry with Brock Pierce feels genuine. It taps into that universal kid fantasy of having a cool adult ally who understands you better than the grown-ups in charge.
It might not be high art, but First Kid embodies a certain kind of 90s family comedy that feels increasingly rare – earnest, good-natured, and centered around a charismatic comedic star given room to shine. It was a perfect VHS rental: dependable laughs, a bit of heart, and maybe, just maybe, you learned how to throw a decent jab from Agent Simms.
VHS Heaven Rating: 6/10
Justification: While the plot is predictable and the thriller elements feel underdeveloped, First Kid coasts comfortably on the immense charm and comedic timing of Sinbad. His performance elevates the material, and his dynamic with Brock Pierce provides genuine heart. It’s a warm, nostalgic slice of mid-90s family entertainment that delivers exactly what it promises – a fun, lighthearted ride with a memorable lead. It might not be a masterpiece, but it was a solid choice down at the video store.
Final Thought: Even the President's kid needed a friend sometimes, and who better than the guy who could make even the Secret Service crack a smile? First Kid remains a testament to Sinbad's 90s reign and a pleasant trip back to simpler movie times.