Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Katie Holmes | ... | ||
Marc Blucas | ... | ||
Amerie | ... | ||
Michael Keaton | ... | ||
Margaret Colin | ... | ||
Lela Rochon | ... |
Liz Pappas
(as Lela Rochon Fuqua)
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Michael Milhoan | ... | ||
Dwayne Adway | ... | ||
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Hollis Hill | ... |
Agent Colvin
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Ken Moreno | ... |
Agent Mercer
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Andrew Caple-Shaw | ... |
Agent Dryer
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Alex Avant | ... |
Shift Leader
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Barry Livingston | ... |
Press Secretary
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Piper Cochrane | ... |
Communications Director
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Adam Donshik | ... |
First Lady's Chief of Staff
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Samantha Mackenzie loves and supports her parents, US President John Mackenzie and First Lady Melanie Mackenzie, and enjoys the privileges that she has received being the only daughter of the President, but sometimes she wants to be what she considers "normal" which means not having her life scrutinized by the world 24/7. She made the decision to go away to college in California at Redmond University in large part to get away from life at the White House and hopefully assert some independence, this first stint at college coinciding with President Mackenzie's reelection bid for a second term in the White House. As such, he knows that his opponents will exploit whatever they can, including placing even more scrutiny on the family, and having even more threats than usual against them meaning his want for more security. So Sam's college experience is less than normal, being followed by a very visible team of Secret Service agents, who are trained to notice the smallest things that may be ... Written by Huggo
The plot itself - about the First daughter who went to College in Carlifornia, far away from the White House, in order to be normal and meet friends may be cliché. Yet the movie on the whole can still hand out nice surprises every now and then. Katie Holmes has a unique face and looks intelligent enough to want to be independent as well as not to disappoint the First family. More importantly, Marc Blucas (her love interest) is not like the stereotyped Prince Charming for a teenager. At least he also looks sophisticated and mature and gives a strong case why the first daughter would fall for him. The two make an attractive couple and are on the same wavelength when they share the views on science etc.
The twist in the movie, at least I didn't see it coming, is good. Considering how many such plots have appeared on screen, I must say this one at least is not as predictable and does give me some credibility as a story about real people. The President and First Lady are not given a significant part here. The young couple already is a good reason to watch the movie. The love songs that accompanied the ball room dances are pleasant and well-chosen. If "monster-in-law" is rated 5 out of 10 here (last time I check), then "the First Daughter" deserves at least a 6.5 or 7, for its creativity and credible performance by the leading couple.
I also hope that Marc Blucas has great roles in future movies for his refreshing looks and performance.