Firstborn (1984)

User Rating:

5.8/10   

Director:

Michael Apted

Writer:

Ron Koslow (writer)

Release Date:

26 October 1984 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Fifteen. At a time when most kids need to dream, Jake Livingston had to wake up.

Plot:

Because he's the oldest, Jake has been the man of the house, since his parents divorce. When Mom starts seeing Sam...

Plot Keywords:

Brother | High School | Drugs | Railroad Yard | Backtalking To Schoolteacher

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Teri Garr	...	Wendy
Peter Weller	...	Sam
Christopher Collet	...	Jake Livingston
Corey Haim	...	Brian Livingston
Sarah Jessica Parker	...	Lisa
Robert Downey Jr.	...	Lee
Christopher Gartin	...	Adam
James Harper	...	Mr. Roder
Richard Brandon	...	Alan Livingston (Dad)
Gayle Harbor	...	Joanne
Ellen Barber	...	Wendy's Girlfriend Pat
Richard E. Szlasa	...	Coach Gant
Beverly May	...	Mrs. Mercer
Brian Lima	...	Robby
J.D. Roth	...	Ken

Also Known As:

First Born
Moving In (Europe: English title) (video title)

Runtime:

103 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Finland:K-16 | Norway:15 | Sweden:15 | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Bronxville High School - 177 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, New York, USA

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Quotes:

Sam: What's with you, Jake, why's everything such a bummer with you?

Soundtrack:

Runner

80's dramatic gold

If you're an 80's film buff, you couldn't ask for anything better than Firstborn. Peter Weller being creepier than creepy, Cory Haim being earnest, Sarah Jessica Parker being mousy, and Teri Garr addicted to coke. Does it get any better? I found the film looking for more Christopher Collet flicks (he's the dreamy 13-year-old Paul of Sleepaway Camp), and he knocks this role out of the park as an engaging and increasingly troubled teen trying to keep his family together. Though the subject matter is a little heavy, Apted keeps you riveted, and Firstborn proves itself to be a heartfelt and endearing look at a family ripped apart. Not only is this Corey Haim's first film, but the entire cast is outstanding. Do yourself a favor and see it.