A brilliant film that helped define a genre

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Firstborn has been one of my favorite films since its release. It has a terrific script and fine performances by all the actors. I have worked with children as an educational therapist and have known many students who had step-parents that were abusive. Even a second cousin of mine has brought boyfriends into her home to live who would make Peter Weller's character look saintly by comparison. Teri Garr, like many deserted or divorced mothers, becomes flattered by the attention she is getting from Peter Weller, and their obvious sexual bonding makes it easy for her to overlook the potential harm to her children that moving him in might cause. While many critics didn't like that the film adds drug use about midway through, this too is more common than many think. This was Corey Haim's first film, and his reaction early on when learning that his dad is getting remarried, shows what a fine actor he was. I am so glad I have the VHS tape and have put a cable copy on a home DVD. If you like serious family drama, do yourself a favor and try to find a VHS tape to rent or buy. It is a heart wrenching but ultimately satisfying movie, and you get to watch early performances by Sarah Jessica Parker and Robert Downey Junior. The director, Michael Apted, should be very proud. It richly deserves a DVD release. (Update 2012: Firstborn has finally been made available on DVD).

FIRSTBORN tells the emotionally powerful but sad story of a divorced Mother (Terri Garr) who feels lonely and despondent. She begins an all-too quick relationship with an abusive man. (Peter Weller,) much to the chagrin of her two sons. Jake (Christopher Collet) and Brian. (Corey Haim.) Predictably, the family begins to fall apart. Brian begins to have fights in school, Jake once outgoing, charismatic, and fun, becomes short-tempered to his friends and teachers, and Mother Wendy who initially along with the family believed that Sam was in contract security systems, discoverers something far more horrifying. Sam is a drug-dealer and he has Jake and Brian's mother addicted to cocaine. It is now up to the older son Jake, to protect Brian, his mother, and himself, from Sam's growing abuse towards them, and to get Sam out of the house before Sam does irreversible damage to the already shattered family.The scenes for the most part are realistic and the film does a good job of conveying a dark image of the decent into abusive family trauma. The actors do a wonderful job in their roles. The only minor downfall is that the film is a little too predictable and their isn't much originality to it. The fight scene at the end seems to go on a little too long and appears to be forced. However, Firstborn does have some strong undertone messages. Just don't expect to feel very happy when you are watching this movie or after it ends. However, other than the "too long" fight scene, the film is well done and one that I would recommend.

i've always liked this movie. i've caught it from time to time on network cable, and i've never seen it all at once, start to finish. it doesn't seem to be out on DVD, which is a shame, considering the other garbage they've converted to DVD.i would buy it if it became available. good performances, especially from the kids, and a great portrayal of a desperate divorced woman putting her own happiness ahead of her kids.if it is on DVD, would someone please let me know where i can get it? i've searched the internet sites.mb

This has always been one of my favorite films. It is very well acted, with great performances from Peter Weller, Terri Garr, and especially Christopher Collet (I would have expected to see more acting credits for him). I really like its unflinching look at the consequences of divorce, from the sadness of the kids to the vulnerability of the mother. Look for a young Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert Downey Jr., and Corey Haim in supporting roles.