My First Mister

2002

My First Mister

Critics Consensus

Though well-acted, My First Mister succumbs to contrived sentimentality in its last half.

52%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 82

76%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 5,221

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Movie Info

Two people with seemingly nothing in common forge an unusual friendship in this comedy drama that marks the feature-length directorial debut of actress Christine Lahti. Jennifer (Leelee Sobieski) is a teenager in her last year of high school who feels cut off from the world around her. She uses black clothes, body modification, and a defiant attitude as a way of keeping the world at bay, but at heart she feels unattractive and unloved, while her parents -- cheerfully oblivious Mother (Carol Kane) and often-absent Benjamin (John Goodman) -- have no idea of how to communicate with her. One day Jennifer happens by a men's clothing store run by stuffy, middle-aged Randall (Albert Brooks); at first she makes fun of him, and he seems bemused by her, but she ends up asking for a job, and Randall gives her part-time work helping out in the stockroom. While Randall's strait-laced style is a 180-degree turn from Jennifer's goth-grunge persona, they soon learn they both have their share of problems with self-image and share a desperate need to be loved. Soon, "R" and "J" (as they like to call each other) have become fast friends, as she encourages him to take chances and try new experiences, and he tries to show her how to let down the walls she's built around herself and allow others to get to know the real Jennifer. My First Mister also features Mary Kay Place, Michael McKean, and Desmond Harrington.

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Cast

Albert Brooks
as Randall
Leelee Sobieski
as Jennifer
Desmond Harrington
as Randy
Carol Kane
as Sylvie
Mary Kay Place
as Patty
Michael McKean
as Bob
Rutanya Alda
as Woman at Apartment
Henry Brown
as Jack
Gary Bullock
as Mr. Smithman
Kevin Cooney
as Doctor
Nic Costa
as Blaine
Natasha Braisewell
as Girl in Vintage
William Forward
as Customer
John Goodman
as Benjamin
Shawn Huff
as Woman at R's Store
Chadwick Palmatier
as Manager
Pauley Perrette
as Bebe
Lisa Jane Persky
as Sheila
Katee Sackhoff
as Ashley
Lorna Scott
as Woman in Store
Matthew St. Clair
as Kevin
Chris Wylde
as Coffee House Waiter
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Critic Reviews for My First Mister

All Critics (82) | Top Critics (25)

View All Critic Reviews (82)

Audience Reviews for My First Mister

  • Nov 09, 2010
    Simply stated, this was a wonderful discovery. The movie boasts a cast who played off of each other effortlessly, and believably. It was poignant, and timeless. I loved this movie,
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
  • Sep 23, 2010
    This was a story about a lonely and alienated Goth-like teenager named Jennifer Wilson (Leelee Sobieski) who has a lot of personal baggage (and almost unrecognizable under the tattoos, body piercings and a suicidal fetish.) Then she meets a grumpy clothing store owner (Albert Brooks) and little by little, they generate a real friendship. All bodes well for this tale of the unlikely friendship between two very different characters, who manage to connect despite these differences, not the least being the vast age differences (he's 49 and she is 17). They are clearly soul mates but not in the sexual sense (which in hinted at in one hilarious moment when Jennifer asks Randall upfront if he wants to f**k her and he promptly chokes on his Sanka coffee).
    Deb S Super Reviewer
  • Apr 23, 2010
    Romantic comedy without the romance (thankfully) as Leelee Sobieski, 17 with purple hair and piercings falls in friendship with 49 year old Albert Brooks and his paunch. First half is quirky and spikey, second half falls into sentimentality and tear-ey eyes but is rescued momentarily by John Goodman playing Leelee's incorrigible over-the-top father as if he'd popped in during a tea-break from a Coen Brothers film.
    Lesley N Super Reviewer
  • Sep 06, 2009
    A fine Albert Brooks film-a little more sentimental than others- but still contains the wonderful humor for which he is known. I really liked the film-not fully understanding J's macabre persona but enjoying the relationship blossom with R. Leeleee Sobieski is a fine young actress-I have'nt seen many of her films but will be looking from here on.Is it just me or is her voice EXACTLY like helen Hunt's?
    Audrey L Super Reviewer
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