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First Kid - 1996

First Kid - 1996
Movie Info

Rating: PG


Age-appropriateness: Rebellious behavior. Main character wins a fist fight and is celebrated for it. Suspenseful scene of an attempted child abduction.


Overview: A former boxer turned Secret Service agent is assigned to protect the President's son, who seems determined to make life difficult for his new protector. The President’s son just wants a “normal” life. He’s jealous of kids that get to go to school without 24/7 protection and constant surveillance. He seeks freedom and autonomy, while his parents balance the tension of keeping him safe.


Themes: protection, friendship, mentor, growing up, responsibility, internet safety, bullying, jealousy, autonomy

The Quick 3

Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.

1. Protection. What are some ways God protects you? How does God keep you safe? 

  • Simms learns that it’s his job to protect the First Kid, no matter what. He’s agreed to protect Luke, even in very dangerous situations. Throughout the Bible, God is described as being our “protector”. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3, we are told, “the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

2. Autonomy. Do you ever feel pressure to act a certain way? Do you ever wish you had the freedom to just be a kid? 

  • Luke felt pressure to act a certain way and be a certain person. He didn’t feel like he had the freedom to be the type of kid he wanted to be.

3. Jealousy. Have you ever been jealous of someone else before? What did they have that you wish you had? 

  • Luke sees Katie skate with Rob during the couples skate. Luke feels jealous and upset that he’s not able to skate with Katie. Jealousy is wanting to have something that someone else has.

After The Movie Discussion Guide

Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.

1. Parent self-evaluation: Even though you might not be the President or First Lady, can you think of any way that you might be “over-protecting” your child? How might you give your child more freedom to learn life lessons on their own? 

2. Luke felt pressure to act a certain way and be a certain person. He didn’t feel like he had the freedom to be the type of kid he wanted to be. Do you ever feel pressure to act a certain way? Do you ever wish you had the freedom to just be a kid?


3. Agent Sam Simms is a jokester. He loves to laugh and have fun. Unfortunately, he has a very serious job. He sometimes doesn’t quite know when to joke, and when it’s better to not joke around. Have you ever gotten into trouble for joking around during an inappropriate time?


4. Luke joined an internet chat room so that he could feel like a “normal kid”. However, he started chatting to someone and then agreed to meet up with them in real life. How confident are you in knowing the potential dangers of the internet and social media sites?

Minute By Minute Guide

Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.

:22 Simms learns that it’s his job to protect the First Kid, no matter what. He’s agreed to protect Luke, even in very dangerous situations. Throughout the Bible, God is described as being our “protector”. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3, we are told, “the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” What are some ways God protects you? How does God keep you safe?


:30 Rob and Luke get into a fight at school. Luke asked for some space during lunch, so Simms let Luke try to defend himself. Simms thinks that the best thing for Luke’s growth is to back off and let him learn some lessons on his own, instead of the Secret Service protecting him from everything. Have you ever had to learn a lesson the hard way?


:40 Luke isn’t able to go to the movies with his friends. He gets really angry and sad. Have you ever missed out on having fun with your friends? How did that make you feel?


:51 Simms teaches Luke how to box. During his ministry on Earth, Jesus had 12 "disciples". A disciple is a student, or a follower, of a teacher. These disciples would literally follow Jesus around and watch Him life His life, learning all sorts of things along the way. When was the last time a mentor taught you something new?


1:01 Luke sees Katie skate with Rob during the couples skate. Luke feels jealous and upset that he’s not able to skate with Katie. Jealousy is wanting to have something that someone else has. Have you ever been jealous of someone else before? What did they have that you wish you had?


1:19 Luke gets into another fight with Rob. Jesus always encouraged non-violent solutions to problems. In Matthew 5:38-40, Jesus said, "You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.” Have you ever physically tried to hurt someone? The next time someone picks a fight with you, how can you respond in a non-violent way?


1:35 Simms puts his life on the line to save Luke. When Luke couldn’t save himself, Simms stepped in and took the damage on himself. On the cross, Jesus willingly died in order to save us from our sins. Our "sins" are anything we do that are the opposite of what God says is best. Because God is perfect, He cannot be near sin - it’s the opposite of who He is! And because our sin separates us from God, there’s nothing we can do, on our own, to make things right. But Jesus loved us so much that He did something about it. Because of Jesus, we are saved from our sins and can live with God forever in heaven. Because of Jesus, we’re also able to live our life on Earth to the fullest! How do you feel about Jesus, knowing He gave up His life in order to save you?

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