Is The First Power Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The First Power is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The First Power Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1990, The First Power emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Thriller, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A dedicated L. Unlike standard genre fare, The First Power attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The First Power features a noteworthy lineup led by Lou Diamond Phillips . Supported by the likes of Tracy Griffith and Jeff Kober , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The First Power (1990) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The First Power Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The First Power is a Crime, Thriller, Horror film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The First Power Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The First Power attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The First Power reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The First Power Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The First Power incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, thriller, horror film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The First Power adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The First Power?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The First Power Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $22.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The First Power Budget
The estimated production budget for The First Power is $10.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The First Power
- Lou Diamond Phillips – Det. Russell Logan
- Tracy Griffith – Tess Seaton
- Jeff Kober – Patrick Channing
- Mykelti Williamson – Det. Oliver Franklin
- Dennis Lipscomb – Commander Perkins
Top Highlights
Lou Diamond PhillipsDet. Russell Logan
Tracy GriffithTess Seaton
Jeff KoberPatrick Channing
Mykelti WilliamsonDet. Oliver Franklin
Dennis LipscombCommander Perkins
Carmen ArgenzianoLt. Grimes
Clayton LandeyMazza
David GaleMonsignor
Philip AbbottCardinal
J. Patrick McNamaraPriest
Where to Watch The First Power Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
ScreenPix Apple TV Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
ScreenPix Amazon Channel 🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
The First Power is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, The First Power stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1990 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The First Power movie hit or flop?
The First Power has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The First Power worth watching?
The First Power is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Thriller, Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The First Power online?
The First Power is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, ScreenPix Apple TV Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, ScreenPix Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How The First Power Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The First Power
**_Pursuing a supernatural psycho in Los Angeles_** A Los Angeles detective (Lou Diamond Phillips) teams-up with a winsome psychic (Tracy Griffith) to nab a nutso serial killer who was executed, but uncannily continues to manifest for more slayings. “The First Power” (1990) is a fast-paced crime thriller with occult-oriented horror. It takes “The Night Stalker” (1972) template minus the vampire angle and mixes it with the real-life Richard Ramirez case, “Spellbinder” (1988) and “The Hidden” (1987). It’s as entertaining as any of those three movies, as well as more amusing, but it’s hampered by predictableness. For instance, when the protagonist goes into the confessional you know exactly what’s going to happen. Then there are some unlikely bits, like a vat of acid strategically placed in a sewer that explodes. Why Sure! Meanwhile the final scene leaves a sour taste. Nevertheless, likable Lou works well as the driven detective while Redhead Tracy Griffith is a highlight. You might remember her from “Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland” (1989). The film runs 1 hour, 38 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles. GRADE: B-
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
