THE FIRST TIME by Pam Powell

Director, Jon Kasdan 

In choosing films to see at SUNDANCE 2012, I tried to find a variety of movies which included films I would want my daughter (16) or son (19) to see.  THE FIRST TIME which starred Dylan O'Brien, Britt Robertson, and Victoria Justice, fit the bill for my teenage kids to see.  THE FIRST TIME, directed by Jon Kasdan, (yes, you recognize his name as the son of Lawrence Kasdan)  was introduced by none other than the director himself.  If he wanted another career, stand-up comic would suit him wonderfully.  In describing the upcoming film, he shared with the audience that the movie was somewhat autobiographical in the feelings and emotions of the teenage boy.  Jon Kasdan remembered himself as "a sexually frustrated and hopelessly romantic teenage boy."  And therein lies the premise of the story.

Dylan O'Brien and Britt Robertson

THE FIRST TIME revolved around two teenagers who met at a party and had an immediate attraction to each other.  Their whirlwind romance continued over the weekend during which time drama ensued. Will they decide that they are right for each other to experience their "first time" together?

Jon Kasdan

THE FIRST TIME was an articulately written and deftly directed movie about the heartfelt emotions of teenagers that has transcended time and generations.  Although the vernacular might be different, the struggle of competition, love, and confusion has not changed and Jon Kasdan nailed this in the dialogue as well as the superb acting of all the main characters.  The non-verbal exchanges and reactions gave the viewer perfect insight into the mind of the teenagers.  Mr. Kasdan was not only able to write as a teenager but also to effectively communicate with his actors to give a complete performance.

Victoria Justice

Dylan O'Brien plays Dave Hodgman, the high school senior who is hopelessly infatuated with Jane, played by Victoria Justice.  Dave poured his feelings of frustration out to Britt Robertson's character, Aubrey Miller upon their initial meeting.  As Aubrey attempted to guide Dave to woo Jane, the characters became more attracted to one another.  Before the night's end, each was quite taken by the other.  Dylan, who you might know from MTV's drama TEEN WOLF, played the sweet, thoughtful, less-than-confident and sometimes overlooked teenager.  His friends gave him frequently inaccurate advice on how to deal with his feelings and ultimately, Dave figured things out on his own.  The struggle that we watched both main characters go through was touching and brought back so many of my own memories.  Jane is the ever-popular and beautiful girl that every boy would wanted to be with, but Jane expressed her own feelings of inequity to help all of us who were NOT that character in high school, relate a little better.

Dylan O'Brien, Britt Robertson, and Victoria Justice

As a parent of two teenagers, this movie explored a topic that was and still is a difficult one to broach.  The subject matter was handled in a tasteful yet entertaining way.  As a parent going to see this movie with his/her teen (or separately as my daughter would insist upon) may actually help to initiate a conversation about "the first time."  THE FIRST TIME was funny, touching, and so true to life.  I hope that every teenager and parent can see this movie!  Truly a movie worth seeing!  Thank you Jon Kasdan and all the cast and crew for producing a quality movie!

To access all the photos from the round table interview and Q & A after the film, click on the following link:  www.public.fotki.com/pampowell/the-first-time/