First Kid MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +2

The difficulties of protecting the teenage son of the President of the United States provide plenty of laughs in this enjoyable comedy. Comedian Sinbad plays wisecracking Secret Service agent Sam Simms, who really wants to be on the detail that protects the President. Instead he's assigned to guard the President's son, Luke (Brock Pierce). This young teenager, feeling neglected by his campaigning parents and stifled by the around-the-clock protection, responds with mischievous pranks that make Simms' task more difficult. But Simms gradually wins Luke's respect and friendship by helping him enjoy life once in a while. They even sneak out of the White House for a little incognito fun. Simms teaches Luke how to box so that he can defend himself against a prep school bully (Zachery Ty Bryan). He also gives Luke dance lessons in preparation for his first date. Although he's serious about his job, Simms can't resist making jokes and gets involved in some wild situations. Sinbad's easy-going style is perfect for this style of comedy. Youngsters and adults will enjoy the humor, but they will also get a deeper understanding of what it's like to be part of a famous family.

Simms' kindness towards Luke shows how a caring heart is just as important as discipline in helping a child behave properly. Along with the funny situations, there is a bit of danger in FIRST KID. Corresponding with an anonymous person over the Internet, Luke is coerced into leaving his safe environment to meet his pen pal at a shopping mall. This person turns out to be less than friendly, and there are some gun threats and shooting. Two people are hit by this gunfire, although the wounds are not too serious and no blood is shown. Luke also gets into two fights with the bully, with some hard punches thrown. During his mischievous phase, Luke is annoyed by a press corps that records his every move and responds by mooning them. Several instances of moderate crude language are limited to a slang word for buttocks. But these are minor flaws in an otherwise enjoyable and funny family film.

Preview Reviewer: Mark Perry
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures, 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521