The film’s analysis may be limited, but... personal moments lend it a compelling human quality.

Full Review | Feb 16, 2023

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.

Full Review | Feb 13, 2023

How you feel about The First Step could ultimately come down to how much the documentary is able to sway you to Jones' cause.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Feb 10, 2022

The film allows breathing room for every opinion, showing that Jones' detractors are acting from an honorable and logical place.

Full Review | Nov 20, 2021

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.

Full Review | Oct 3, 2021

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Aug 19, 2021

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

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 16, 2021

If nothing else, we gain a firm understanding of what Jones thinks makes Jones tick.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 2, 2021

This is 50% investigative doc, 50% self-serving promo reel.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Jun 25, 2021

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

Full Review | Jun 23, 2021

film's a contemplative This Is Your Life piece that also seems to cover the major issues that have overloaded America's prison system. Bipartisan success or conservative sell out? That's your call.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 22, 2021

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 21, 2021

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.

Full Review | Jun 17, 2021

The First Step works because it's as honest about the state of government as it is passionate about doing so.

Full Review | Original Score: 8.5/10 | Jun 17, 2021

"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.

Full Review | Jun 15, 2021