First Daughter

PG

Released Sep 24, 2004

1 hr. 45 min.

Romance

Comedy

List

8%

86 Reviews

Tomatometer

42%

50,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Samantha MacKenzie (Katie Holmes), the daughter of the president of the United States (Michael Keaton), arrives at college with a group of Secret Service agents. Samantha, however, resents their presence and decides she wants to attend school just like a normal student. Her father agrees to recall the agents but secretly assigns James (Marc Blucas), an undercover agent, to pose as a student. They fall in love, but their romance is jeopardized when Samantha learns James' true identity.

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Critics Consensus

First Daughter is a bland and charmless fairy tale that fails to rise above the formula.

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J. M

Ugh Katie Holmes is a terrible actress. I never really watched her in anything before. Between the voice and the bad acting . . . no, thank you.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/24

Full Review

Breno G

Special Effects: 0,5/Sound Effects: 0,5/Acting: 0,5/Story: 0,5

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/23/24

Full Review

Hilife Health Care r

Lots of world wide negative reviews. I loved this movie, Katie Holmes was terrific and the movie flowed nicely. Ok friend 5 Stars from me.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/03/24

Full Review

Maybe M

This film is perfect for young teenagers as it is a cute chick flick. However the beginning of the film feels rushed and choppy. Thankfully Holmes's personality rings a nice light to the movie and keeps you interested in the film. It is a feel good/happy film with a pleasant but predictable ending. I would recommend this film if you want something easy to watch and relax.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

10/12/23

Full Review

Danula B

First Daughter (2004) takes us on a journey through the life of Samantha Mackenzie (Katie Holmes), the President's daughter, as she navigates the challenges of love, friendship, and her identity in the public eye. Directed by Forest Whitaker, this film is a typical rom-com that offers a fair amount of charm and entertainment, making it suitable for a chill-out session when you're looking for a relaxed movie night. While it may not boast an exceptional storyline or groundbreaking performances, First Daughter manages to find its niche as a comfortable, feel-good flick. The plot might not be the most brilliant or original, but it carries a familiar vibe that many rom-com enthusiasts will appreciate. It follows the classic trope of a young woman searching for her true self amidst the pressures of her privileged upbringing and societal expectations. Katie Holmes does a commendable job as Samantha, portraying the struggles of a First Daughter yearning for independence and love with sincerity. Though her performance may not be award-winning, it fits well within the context of the movie and maintains a consistent level of engagement throughout. Supporting actors, including Marc Blucas as love interest James Lansome and Michael Keaton as the President, also deliver solid performances, contributing to the overall likability of the film. First Daughter's charm lies in its ability to whisk the audience away into a world of privilege, romance, and light-hearted humor. The film may not challenge your intellect or evoke intense emotions, but that's not its purpose. It serves as a pleasant escape for those seeking a simple and easygoing watch without too much complexity. If you're in the mood for an undemanding and sweet rom-com that can be enjoyed during your free time, First Daughter could be the perfect choice. It doesn't strive to be a masterpiece, but it succeeds in delivering its intended entertainment value with a dose of typical rom-com flair. Whether you're a fan of Katie Holmes or simply looking for a movie to unwind with, First Daughter provides a breezy option for a laid-back movie night.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/01/23

Full Review

Kate S

Actually, we very much enjoyed this movie, contrary to some of the ratings. It is fun, wholesome, and not too heavy. The actors were well chosen for the characters. Perfect get away from the tumultuous world news.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/26/23

Full Review

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Forest Whitaker

Director

Katie Holmes

Samantha Mackenzie

Marc Blucas

James

Ameriie

Mia Thompson

Margaret Colin

Melanie Mackenzie

Lela Rochon

Liz Pappas

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Very predictable, but tween girls may like it.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 24, 2010

Full Review

J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Yet another teen-princess fantasy.

Feb 27, 2007

Full Review

Time Out

The President's little girl gets a pity party for the second time this election year.

Jun 24, 2006

Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast

Sam isn't a character, which doesn't leave Katie Holmes much to do. The romance with Blucas' secret service agent isn't interesting and the narrative seems stuck on repeat. Plus: there's some weird sexual chemistry between the President and First Daughter

Rated: 2/5

Sep 19, 2023

Full Review

Jim Lane

Sacramento News & Review

Rated: 1/5

Aug 7, 2008

Full Review

Mary Lasse

Christianity Today

Perhaps the only redeeming factor is that both the President and the First Lady are devoted to their daughter. Otherwise, this film should be impeached.

Rated: .5/4

Nov 17, 2006

Full Review

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Synopsis

Samantha MacKenzie (Katie Holmes), the daughter of the president of the United States (Michael Keaton), arrives at college with a group of Secret Service agents. Samantha, however, resents their presence and decides she wants to attend school just like a normal student. Her father agrees to recall the agents but secretly assigns James (Marc Blucas), an undercover agent, to pose as a student. They fall in love, but their romance is jeopardized when Samantha learns James' true identity.

Director: Forest Whitaker
Executive Producer: Jeffrey Downer, Jerry O'Connell, Forest Whitaker, Arnon Milchan
Screenwriter: Jessica Bendinger, Jerry O'Connell, Kate Kondell
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: New Regency Pictures, Regency Enterprises, Karz Entertainment
Rating: PG (Language|Alcohol-Related Materials|Sexual Situations)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 24, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $9.1M
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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