The First Step

Released Feb 17, 2023

1 hr. 30 min.

Documentary

List

87%

15 Reviews

Tomatometer

83%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

In a divided America, progressive activist and political commentator Van Jones controversially works across party lines on landmark criminal justice reform and a more humane response to the addiction crisis. Attempting to be a bridge builder in a time of extreme polarization takes Van and a coalition of unlikely allies deep into the inner workings of a divisive administration, internal debates within both parties, and the lives of frontline activists fighting for their communities.

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Tom H

Terrific real life tale of how a small group of people found a way to gather proponents on both sides of the aisle to come together to make real change for people. Hopefully shows there's some hope in this very partisan world the US is in right now...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/24/23

Full Review

John R

Did not expect one of my favorite documentaries this year to feature Trump and Kardashian, but here we are. Great perspective on why so many bi-partisan and "common-sense" reforms are stalled in both the public discourse as well as legislatures. I also walked away appreciating Van Jones and his courage to let the film crew capture some tough and real moments along the way. Must watch documentary for anyone genuinely interested in criminal justice reform who can, at least momentarily, shed their prior assumptions about how positive change to the system might happen in our divided country.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/06/23

Full Review

Chris J

MOVIE REVIEW The First Step – Genre: Documentary Year Released: 2023 Runtime: 1h 29m Director(s): Brandon Kramer Featuring: Van Jones, Jared Kushner, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Shelly Capito, Senator Rand Paul, Senator Mike Lee, Mayor Karen Bass, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Patrisse Cullors, Charlemagne Tha God, Karen Hunter, Kim Kardashian, Donald Trump, and many more Where To Watch: opens theatrically in New York on February 17 (DCTV Firehouse), Washington, D.C. on February 19 (JxJ Theater), and in Los Angeles on February 24 (Laemmle Royal Theater) with additional screenings in February and March 2023. A VOD Release on major platforms will also follow RAVING REVIEW: This documentary takes us on a journey with none other than Van Jones, a media personality and activist, as he takes on the daunting task of passing a groundbreaking criminal justice bill focused on prison reform. Despite facing opposition from political parties and a polarized America, Van Jones works tirelessly to address the nation's addiction crisis and reform its criminal justice system. THE FIRST STEP is an essential viewing experience for anyone interested in the challenges and triumphs of activism. The film offers a glimpse into the world of activism, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the political landscape of Washington, D.C., and the daily struggles and victories of those on the front lines. With the support of justice-impacted individuals, faith leaders, cultural figures, and grassroots activists, Van Jones navigates the complex political waters and journeys to the heart of power. The director's goal was to create a film that was both honest and nuanced, shining a light on the complexities of bridging political, racial, and geographic divides in a deeply divided time. By building trust with Van Jones and the community leaders featured in the film, the director offers an intimate look at the legislative process and on-the-ground movements. Van Jones views the film as a story of the impossible, a testament to his unwavering commitment to change and perseverance in facing opposition. The film documents his journey, innovative steps to promote the bill's viability, and his ultimate triumph in passing the First Step Act. THE FIRST STEP is a captivating and enlightening look at the ambitious quest to pass prison reform during a contentious time. The film focuses on Van Jones' commitment to communication and bipartisanship. It is a powerful reminder of what individuals can achieve when working towards a common goal. For more reviews and my YouTube channel, please visit linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews. I'm always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/22/23

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Brandon Kramer

Director

Van Jones

Self

Donald Trump

Self

Kim Kardashian West

Self

Kamala Harris

Self

Bernie Sanders

Self

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98%

81%

Procession

96%

64%

Dark Money

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for Dark Money

100%

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Represent

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for Represent

100%

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Unapologetic

87%

100%

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Natalia Winkelman

New York Times

The film’s analysis may be limited, but... personal moments lend it a compelling human quality.

Feb 16, 2023

Full Review

Dwight Brown

National Newspaper Publishers Association

This is 50% investigative doc, 50% self-serving promo reel.

Rated: 1.5/4

Jun 25, 2021

Full Review

Lisa Kennedy

Variety

"The First Step," while illuminating and intimate, is also self-promoting. Too often, the documentary feels like a vanity project or a Van Jones explainer.

Jun 15, 2021

Full Review

Valerie Kalfrin

AWFJ.org

The documentary serves as a primer on influential lobbyist Van Jones and a reiteration of his commitment to social justice, countering those in the film who call him a liar, an “Uncle Tom,” and worse.

Feb 13, 2023

Full Review

Cory Woodroof

The Playlist

How you feel about The First Step could ultimately come down to how much the documentary is able to sway you to Jones' cause.

Rated: B

Feb 10, 2022

Full Review

Dan Scully

Phindie

The film allows breathing room for every opinion, showing that Jones' detractors are acting from an honorable and logical place.

Nov 20, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

In a divided America, progressive activist and political commentator Van Jones controversially works across party lines on landmark criminal justice reform and a more humane response to the addiction crisis. Attempting to be a bridge builder in a time of extreme polarization takes Van and a coalition of unlikely allies deep into the inner workings of a divisive administration, internal debates within both parties, and the lives of frontline activists fighting for their communities.

Director: Brandon Kramer
Executive Producer: David Arquette, Roxanne Avent, Brad Buhr, Jana Carter, Abigail Disney, Daniel S. Loeb, Christina McLarty, Bryanna Sapp, Regina K. Scully, Robert F. Smith, Deon Taylor, Clara Wu Tsai
Distributor: Meridian Hill Pictures
Production Co: Kartemquin Films, Artemis Rising Foundation, Meridian Hill Pictures, Fork Films, Big Mouth Productions, Magic Labs Media, Hidden Empire Film Group
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 17, 2023, Limited

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