The First Step

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The First Step

2023

1h 30m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

15 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

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.

Natalia Winkelman

New York Times

02/16/2023

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

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Dwight Brown

National Newspaper Publishers Association

06/25/2021

1.5/4

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

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Lisa Kennedy

Variety

06/15/2021

"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.

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Valerie Kalfrin

AWFJ.org

02/13/2023

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.

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Cory Woodroof

The Playlist

02/10/2022

B

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

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Dan Scully

Phindie

11/20/2021

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

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John R

@RT04212352 04/04/2023

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.

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Brandon Kramer

Director

Van Jones

Self

Donald Trump

Self

Kim Kardashian

Self

Kamala Harris

Self

Bernie Sanders

Self

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82%

Procession

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100%

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Unapologetic

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Us Kids

84%

100%

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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
Producer: Lance Kramer
Distributor: Meridian Hill Pictures
Production Co: Artemis Rising Foundation, Meridian Hill Pictures, Kartemquin Films, Fork Films, Magic Labs Media, Big Mouth Productions, Hidden Empire Film Group
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 17, 2023, Limited
Runtime: 1h 30m