The First Time

The First Time is a 1999 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Andrew Myers. The story revolves around three high school friends - Kenny Leeds, Mike Decker, and Tommy Kingsley - as they eagerly anticipate the joys of adulthood and manhood upon the arrival of summer. Their plans for a wild and memorable summer are foiled when Kenny is sent to live with his grandparents in Buffalo, New York. Kenny's father, a widowed salesman, has decided to travel to Europe with his new girlfriend, the company's secretary, leaving Kenny to enjoy his summer alone with his grandparents. The isolation and boredom Kenny experiences in Buffalo prompt him to concoct an elaborate lie, claiming to be having an exciting adventure at "Rosie's," a brothel situated in Niagara Falls on the Canadian border. Kenny's intention is to impress his friends with tales of debauchery and womanizing, painting himself as a seasoned and confident adult. He writes a series of detailed and exaggerated letters to Mike and Tommy, describing his escapades at "Rosie's," complete with fictional characters and elaborate stories. His friends, initially skeptical, become increasingly convinced of Kenny's adventures and start to see him as an accomplished seducer. However, Kenny's web of deception begins to unravel as his friends start to visit his grandparents' house in an attempt to verify the truth behind his tales. They are met with suspicion and confusion by Kenny's grandparents, who are unaware of their grandson's fabricated stories. The situation becomes increasingly absurd as Kenny's friends try to coax more information from his grandparents about his exploits at "Rosie's," but they remain tight-lipped, unwilling to perpetuate their grandson's lie. As tensions rise, Kenny's friends grow more disillusioned with their friend's outlandish claims and confront him about his deception. Realizing the gravity of his mistake, Kenny is left to face the consequences of his fabrication. The film takes a poignant turn as Kenny must confront his own vulnerabilities and insecurities, as well as the harsh realities of growing up and being left behind. The film's climax features a heart-to-heart conversation between Kenny and his father, who returns from Europe with his new girlfriend. Kenny must come to terms with being left behind and the fear of being left out by his peers. His father, understanding Kenny's desire to be accepted and to belong, tries to reassure him that it's okay to be imperfect and to make mistakes. The First Time is a relatable and endearing portrayal of adolescence, where the protagonist is struggling to define himself and find his place in the world. Through Kenny's story, the film explores the complexities of friendship, the challenges of growing up, and the importance of embracing one's true nature. The film's poignant conclusion offers a message of hope and reassurance, suggesting that it's okay to make mistakes, as long as one learns from them and moves forward with a newfound understanding of oneself.