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The First Step
Directed by
Brandon Kramer
Not Rated
2021
90m
Documentary
8.6
87%
83%
Add to Watchlist
In a divided America, Van Jones attempts to pass a landmark criminal justice bill - and finds himself under fire from all sides.
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Where to Watch The First Step
Amazon Video
Buy $8.99
Fandango At Home
Buy $10.99
Cast of The First Step
Van Jones
Self
Louis L. Reed
Self
Jessica Jackson
Self
Virgie Walker
Self
Pete White
Self
Tylo James
Self
Fabian Debora
Self
Douglas Copenhaver
Self
Martin West
Self
William Thompson
Self
Rhonda Edmunds
Self
Jared Kushner
Self
Bernie Sanders
Self
Cory Booker
Self
Kamala Harris
Self
Shelley Moore Capito
Self
Rand Paul
Self
Karen Bass
Self
Bonnie Watson Coleman
Self
The First Step Ratings & Reviews
New York Times
Natalia Winkelman
The film's analysis may be limited, but... personal moments lend it a compelling human quality.
AWFJ.org
Valerie Kalfrin
The documentary serves as a primer on influential lobbyist Van Jones and a reiteration of his commitment to social justice, countering those in the film who call him a liar, an "Uncle Tom," and worse.
The Playlist
Cory Woodroof
How you feel about The First Step could ultimately come down to how much the documentary is able to sway you to Jones' cause.
Phindie
Dan Scully
The film allows breathing room for every opinion, showing that Jones' detractors are acting from an honorable and logical place.
Screen Zealots
Louisa Moore
While it sometimes comes across as a puff piece for Jones, this well-constructed documentary is a film that matters because it reminds us all to look beyond our differences and organize to fight for what we believe in. We are always stronger together.
Maven's Nest
Nora Lee Mandel
Verité camerawork is involving at uneasy meetings of anti-addiction communities in White WV and Black/Latino L.A. Lack of legislation details makes the lobbying just frenzy.
Tilt Magazine
Stephen Silver
It's a rare documentary that shows the step-by-step shepherding of a piece of legislation, while also providing an even rarer opportunity to put audiences in a position to sincerely root for Jared Kushner
Film Festival Today
Christopher Llewellyn Reed
If nothing else, we gain a firm understanding of what Jones thinks makes Jones tick.
National Newspaper Publishers Association
Dwight Brown
This is 50% investigative doc, 50% self-serving promo reel.
The Curvy Film Critic
Carla Renata
Van Jones puts his heart and reputation out there to share the backstory of fighting for prison reform amidst media backlash from all directions. Fascinatingly crafted by director Brandon Kramer
HollywoodChicago.com
Patrick McDonald
It was difficult to watch this attempt at bipartisanship, but there are issues that Americans can agree on, & the work of Van Jones proves it, even in "both sides" rejection.
Moveable Fest
Stephen Saito
When progress is usually messier as it's happening than when it's remembered, the ability of The First Step to engage with the moment that it's in is invaluable.
Film Threat
Alan Ng
The First Step works because it's as honest about the state of government as it is passionate about doing so.
Variety
Lisa Kennedy
"The First Step," while illuminating and intimate, is also self-promoting. Too often, the documentary feels like a vanity project or a Van Jones explainer.
Watch The First Step Videos
The First Step
The First Step
Trailer
Louis L. Reed & Van Jones
Louis L. Reed & Van Jones
Scene
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