Adam the First

Here is a script which opens with an unexpected scenario which elicits the "usual" sorts of expectations going forward. Now let's go to the end--after the credits roll--the very end of film and then think back over everything that's transpired. All expectations are turned inside out and upside down. Just as you start thinking you know where it's going there's just enough of spin to set you off balance with a surprise. It's not a perfect film --but it is one that makes you think a lot about human nature. And by the end there's a LOT to think about regarding human motives, intentions--and love. An unexpected pleasure for those who appreciate the unexpected instead of formula scripts. Oakes Fegley--yeah, he carries the film very well.

It's not a sci-fi , fantasy or horror feature but anyway you need gallons of suspension of disbelief to take anything serious in this movie. The stupid, shallow, silly, underscripted story, dialogues and scenes that nobody in not any way possibly can take serious combined with the lack of any possible inspiration on the theme makes you think that this movie was written for the school play of a primary school. The worst thing would be that anyone involved in making this film was thinking that they were really making a serious movie about abundant children. But, wait a minute, maybe I saw a deadpan comedy or a satire? It must be that because I really can't believe that the agent of Oakes Fegley tried to ruin the career of a very talented actor.

Oakes Fegley, a name familiar to many Person of Interest fans despite his brief three-episode stint as Gabriel Hayward, has carved out a surprisingly successful film career since then.

Adam the First starts off promising enough, but it took an unexpected turn that left me scratching my head. The film abruptly veers into Christian territory, transforming what could have been a compelling narrative into something that feels a bit preachy. While I appreciate stories with religious themes, I'm not a fan of films that come across as overt propaganda, regardless of the political or religious viewpoint.

It's not uncommon for American and Canadian actors to appear in such films, and it seems even the beloved David Duchovny couldn't resist. However, his presence is disappointingly minimal, barely justifying his name in the credits. It's as if he had a personal connection to the project and simply wanted to lend his support, because his impact on the film is negligible.

Fegley, on the other hand, delivers a commendable performance, showcasing the talent that has propelled him to success. He manages to shine even when the script falters, bringing a depth and authenticity to his character that transcends the film's shortcomings.

Despite its missteps, Adam the First isn't a complete disaster. The cinematography is visually appealing, capturing the natural beauty of the Mississippi setting. The film also boasts a few genuinely touching moments that resonate emotionally, even if they are overshadowed by the heavy-handed religious messaging.

In the end, Adam the First is a mixed bag. It's a film with potential that ultimately falls short due to its overemphasis on religious themes. It's a shame, because Fegley's performance and the film's visual appeal deserve better. If you're looking for a thought-provoking drama, you might find something to appreciate here, but be prepared for a dose of Christian messaging that might not be to everyone's taste.

Adam (Oakes Fegley) has been raised in the woods by his not-father James (David Duchovny). They are tracked down and raided by bounty hunters. James and his girlfriend are killed. Before dying, James gives Adam his real father's name and three addresses. Adam sets out to find him.

I don't like Adam and that's as simple as that. I stop caring about him, his quest, and his happily ever after. He is one of those annoying teenage boys who don't think beyond his two feet. The actor is also doing the hesitation while being boldly secure at other times. I really got annoyed with the first Jacob Watterson. If Jacob is a real criminal, he would have told the kid to f off. I couldn't take his patience with the kid. I understand the performance and the writing. I just don't like it.

The film start well, although it is not an highly original plot. 14 year old Boy lives with his adopted parents, they get killed but before his adoptive father pass away he is given 3 names and three addresses of men that could be his biological father. Therefore the boy goes on a trek to find his real father and to find out why was he given away.

The acting was good from all involved. Oakes Fegley, who plays our main character Adam has been acting for a while now and he always deliver strong performances. My biggest issue with the film is purely on the writing side of things. Adam is never given any moment that shows he is capable of grief. At the start of the film we see that both his adoptive parents are murdered in front of his eyes yet they never give Adam any real moment where he shows any grief, this makes it look like he is moving on from those death very fast and it is a bit unrealistic. Same go for later in the film when another pivotal moment whom you would expect Adam to show some sort of emotional turmoil but the writing makes it look like Adam just do not feel anything and moves on swiftly from tragedies. It is just odd. At least at the very end of the film we finally get to see him shows some emotion at the reveal of his birth parents and Oakes Fegley delivers. Again this is not Oakes Fegley fault but the writing for not giving Adam a few seconds where we get a glimpses of his current state of mind following some rather tragic stuff happening to him. The big payoff at the end when we find out the truth is also rushed and again the fact that it is rushed coupled with the fact that the writers just did not give Adam enough real character moments throughout the film, makes that ending a little underwhelming when we should be really moved by it. Aside from that the boy journey had real potential. The three different beats of the film as Adam check out his three potential father were interesting but not really used to their full potentials. So much more could have been done. I did not dislike the film but I really wanted to feel more. It really lacked any emotional punch except maybe from the very final scene. This film is deserving of a 5 out of 5. Not bad, not great. Still worth a watch on a Sunday afternoon but do not expect to be swiped out of your feet emotionally by it.