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Kristin Smith

Movie Review

Kathryn Morales is the best first lady she knows.

After all, she’s had four years of practice with her husband, the president. And she hopes to continue her legacy for four more. But after her husband’s sudden death, her plans come to a devastating halt. What should she do? Politics and history are all she knows.

Her friends and colleagues then suggest something unprecedented: She should run for first lady alongside the new, unwed president, Taylor Brooks. Kathryn has the smarts, the wit and the class to pull it off. Plus, she’d be saving the nation from other terrible candidates.

So she runs. And she wins, becoming the first-ever elected first lady.

Invigorated by her “new” position, Kathryn continues to work the way she sees fit. But not everyone shares her perspective. And Kathryn herself is starting to feel as if running for first lady may have been a mistake. After all, what is her true purpose in this position? She’s not sure. But when a handsome stranger from her past reappears, she begins to see her own worth as hope fills her heart.

Positive Elements

Kathryn is a dedicated, hard-working first lady who constantly looks for opportunities to help those around her. She has a passion for teaching and eagerly counsels young people. She also makes it known that she loved her husband, and she keeps a promise to him by helping out a friend.

Elsewhere, Kathryn teaches a group of disrespectful interns the value of chivalry and good manners. She also comes to the rescue of a staff member who is being belittled; Kathryn reassures the distraught woman that everyone makes mistakes.

Max is a kind man who works to help Kathryn and to calm her down when she can’t seem to find the right perspective. Kathryn’s friends and employees adore and champion her.

We learn the value of second chances and forgiveness.

Spiritual Elements

None.

Sexual Content

A presidential candidate tells his wife she’ll be “the hottest first lady.” Women wear cleavage-baring dresses and tops. Kathryn and Taylor each get married (though not to each other). Kathryn flirts with Max and cuddles with him while intoxicated.

Violent Content

Kathryn’s husband, the president of the United States, dies unexpectedly of a heart attack (we see him lie in anguish and later watch medics attempt to resuscitate him). A man grieves his wife’s passing.

Protestors are paid to storm the White House grounds. An elderly man punches a young protestor in the face. A woman jokingly threatens to break a man’s wrist.

Crude or Profane Language

A woman calls a competitor “dumb” and an “idiot.”

Drug and Alcohol Content

Kathryn gets drunk after consuming too much brandy. Men and women alike consume wine and hard liquor.

Other Negative Elements

Kathryn often believes she is the only one who can execute a successful plan. This behavior causes some tension between her and the president.

White House employees exchange petty comments. A rude couple makes it obvious that they dislike Kathryn, and they often try to discredit her. A woman jokes that she hates her husband.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a gentle romantic comedy with a political twist and a dash of Hallmark, look no further.

First Lady explores what it would be like to run for the position of “First Lady” from a jumbled, romantic perspective. The storyline here doesn’t always make sense. Then again, it’s really not something we’re supposed to overthink.

Instead, the movie invites viewers to enjoy its innocent romantic entanglements even as we appreciate the character and strength of the woman at the center of this story. There’s a bit of petty banter and some alcohol consumption. But those minor issues don’t detract too much from this sweet story’s emphasis on the power of perseverance and hope.

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Kristin Smith

Kristin Smith joined the Plugged In team in 2017. Formerly a Spanish and English teacher, Kristin loves reading literature and eating authentic Mexican tacos. She and her husband, Eddy, love raising their children Judah and Selah. Kristin also has a deep affection for coffee, music, her dog (Cali) and cat (Aslan).