The storyline is about a young boy who likes this girl and, after repeatedly trying to get her attention he eventually goes to a dance and does something to show a little more spontaneity.
The plot and how it plays out are very engaging. Although the idea is not all that original, how it is developed definitely is. The camera work is quite good. There are some interior shots where the lighting has some issues, but not enough to detract from the storyline. This is a contemporary story so the costumes look just like someone in middle or high school today would wear. The sets - school and home - also look very typical middle class. Although this was shot in Canada, US audiences would not see anything different from what their environment looks like. At some points, there are some very faint background music sounds of a drum beating, which helps hold the pace of the film. We see the main character develop as he becomes braver in his attempts to "get the girl." What happens after he proclaims that he is "in love with her" at the dance is completely unexpected and his reactions bring a smile to your face as you remember your "first love." My favorite scene is when the boy decides he must go to the dance and ends up sneaking out to do so.
The message of the film is that sometimes it takes a bit of courage to do things in life. Sneaking out to go to the dance isn't dangerous, but it does show a rather risky thing that kids might imitate - so take that into consideration. His older sister even helps him!
I give First Love 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 16, plus adults. By Avalon N. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
The storyline is about a young boy who likes this girl and, after repeatedly trying to get her attention he eventually goes to a dance and does something to show a little more spontaneity.
The plot and how it plays out are very engaging. Although the idea is not all that original, how it is developed definitely is. The camera work is quite good. There are some interior shots where the lighting has some issues, but not enough to detract from the storyline. This is a contemporary story so the costumes look just like someone in middle or high school today would wear. The sets - school and home - also look very typical middle class. Although this was shot in Canada, US audiences would not see anything different from what their environment looks like. At some points, there are some very faint background music sounds of a drum beating, which helps hold the pace of the film. We see the main character develop as he becomes braver in his attempts to "get the girl." What happens after he proclaims that he is "in love with her" at the dance is completely unexpected and his reactions bring a smile to your face as you remember your "first love." My favorite scene is when the boy decides he must go to the dance and ends up sneaking out to do so.
The message of the film is that sometimes it takes a bit of courage to do things in life. Sneaking out to go to the dance isn't dangerous, but it does show a rather risky thing that kids might imitate - so take that into consideration. His older sister even helps him!
I give First Love 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 16, plus adults. By Avalon N. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
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