Firstborn Movie Review: From 1984 Teen Angst to 2023’s Worthy Watch and Birth Order Insights

Delving into Cinematic Firsts, Last Reviews, and the Enduring Significance of Being 'Firstborn'

Ever ponder the quirky aspects of cinema or the deeper meanings in cultural traditions? Buckle up, because we're about to stroll through a landscape filled with 80s movie nostalgia, final acts of acclaimed critics, and the weight of being a 'firstborn'.

FirstBorn (1984): Teen Angst and Black Four-Wheelers

Let's start with a classic – the 1984 drama, FirstBorn. A teenager, Christopher Collet, defends his mother, Teri Garr, from her drug-dealer boyfriend. This boyfriend drives a black four-wheeler. Red flags everywhere.

Interestingly, FirstBorn wasn't just about suburban drama. It featured a young Sarah Jessica Parker and Robert Downey Jr. Sparks flew on set between them. Even amidst chaos, love can happen. Who knew?

If you’re a movie buff, you should know that FirstBorn filmed at Kaufman-Astoria Studios in New York. They also shot in New Jersey and New York. If you go there today, you might picture that black four-wheeler racing down suburban streets.

FirstBorn (2023) – Is it Still Worth a Watch?

Fast forward to 2023. Is FirstBorn still relevant? Yes, according to modern reviews, it remains "worth the time given." In a crowded streaming world, that’s high praise.

Genre-wise, FirstBorn leans into "psychological horror." Teenagers with parental issues and shady boyfriends can be pretty horrifying. It’s not the jump-scare kind, but unsettling enough to keep you awake.

For fans of Antonia Thomas, known for Misfits or Lovesick, FirstBorn might be interesting. The reviewer highlights her range. She doesn’t appear in the 1984 film, but comparisons with similar films make sense. Fans might find something to enjoy.

FirstBorn aligns with films like The Babadook, Sinister, movies in the Conjuring universe, and Hereditary. If psychological tension excites you, FirstBorn could join your movie marathon. Just be cautious with those black four-wheeler keys.

The Weight of Being Firstborn: More Than Just Birth Order

Now, a shift from 80s cinema to a deeper topic: the "firstborn." It's not just about bragging rights at family gatherings. In patriarchal cultures, being the firstborn son carries weighty responsibilities. Honor, authority, and managing family inheritances come into play.

Firstborn sons often represent their fathers. It's about lineage and roles. This concept is steeped in cultural and religious significance and has been discussed for ages.

Curious? People are intrigued by "firstborn" importance. Online searches reveal interest in inheritance laws, cultural implications, and birth order theories. It’s a rabbit hole of family dynamics.

Speaking of religion, the term "firstborn" appears in the Bible. The Greek "prototokos" signifies rank or identity, not just order. For instance, Jesus is known as the "firstborn of God" – truly significant titles.

But there’s more! In the Bible, “firstborn” also refers to Israel, representing God’s authority. Even the church is called the "church of the firstborn." Next time you hear "firstborn," remember its rich cultural and historical significance.

Roger Ebert: A Critic's Curtain Call

Now from biblical matters to cinematic lasts. Let's talk about Roger Ebert, the renowned film critic. We explore final reviews and details of a life devoted to cinema.

Most sources say Roger Ebert's last review was for Terrence Malick's To the Wonder. Published posthumously, it serves as his cinematic farewell. Poetic, as his last critical words explore wonder and the human condition.

To the Wonder was also reportedly the last film he watched. Fitting for someone who dedicated his life to cinema. Like a chef's last meal being a masterpiece – a beautiful culmination.

Ebert's life ended due to cancer complications. He was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2002 and faced further challenges afterward. He died on April 4, 2013, at 70. Life’s finiteness can be harsh.

Ebert was a titan of cinema. He viewed an estimated 10,000 films in his last 25 years and reviewed about 6,000. Imagine the sheer volume of popcorn consumed and hours spent in theaters for cinematic understanding.

Just for fun – which movies did Roger Ebert truly hate? His "most hated" list includes 10 to Midnight. Other notable mentions: The A-Team, Africa: Blood and Guts, An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn, and others. A diverse collection of cinematic sins.

Hating a film is one thing, but walking out is another level of offense. Ebert famously exited several films, including The Statue, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, The Brown Bunny, and a few others. Those films crossed his line, leading to early exits.

Ebert’s final words often quote Shakespeare: “Life is but a tale, told by an idiot.” Yet, his wife Chaz shared different last words, implying more personal sentiments. Regardless, the quote resonates with a cinematic sensibility.

Ebert led a public life yet kept his personal matters private. He was married to Chaz Ebert but had no children. His legacy remains connected to cinema, a vast family of films.

This work continues to shape film criticism and appreciation.

For the curious, Roger Ebert had a collection of films with a zero-star rating. These include titles from his "most hated" list like 10 to Midnight and Africa: Blood and Guts. Also, he listed failures like An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn, B*A*P*S, Breaking the Rules, Caligula, Chaos, and Dangerously Close. A gallery of cinematic disasters, marked by Ebert's harsh reviews.

Gene Siskel's Review

We must remember Gene Siskel, Ebert's partner in film critique. Siskel's final published review in the Chicago Tribune was for the teen rom-com She's All That. It came out on January 29, 1999. His review was favorable, giving three out of four stars. He praised Rachael Leigh Cook's performance as the "plain Jane." She showed the "biggest..." transformation. This reminder shows that critics can find value in surprise places, even in late 90s teen makeover films.

So, here it is – a whirlwind of cinematic firsts and critical lasts. From 80s dramas to biblical tales, through Roger Ebert's final remarks to Gene Siskel's last critique. This shows how seemingly different topics connect in intriguing ways. Now, I will re-watch FirstBorn and think about the meaning of black four-wheelers.