A detached teenage girl, seventeen years old, uses piercings to shield herself from the world and finds a job at an upscale clothing store inside a Los Angeles shopping center, where she develops a noteworthy bond with her forty-nine year old supervisor. The question becomes, what exactly is the basis of their relationship? "My First Mister," released in 2001, represents Christine Lahti’s sole venture into directing feature films. It examines similar ground as "Lawn Dogs," which came out four years prior, and manages to do so more successfully. Like that earlier film, a few moments feel somewhat strange or unbelievable, but generally it functions well and proves more impactful when compared directly. Naturally, the best example of this kind of movie is “Lost in Translation,” which arrived two years afterward. It's true that "Lost" goes down a different path—that’s readily apparent—but it doesn’t alter the reality that these films investigate comparable ideas. They delve into the essence of a deep connection between people of opposite genders from vastly different age groups. Is this a spiritual link, akin to a father and daughter relationship, or is it something romantic? If it's the former, does that automatically exclude any possibility of the latter? It’s safe to say that love is an intense emotion, and when a ‘love connection’ forms, those involved need to be cautious about guiding such powerful feelings in a constructive way. Otherwise, significant harm can result. Exercise caution, young man; proceed with care, young woman; and positive outcomes are possible. As a familiar saying goes, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” The film’s length is 1 hour and 49 minutes, and it was filmed in various Los Angeles locations, including Westfield Century City (the mall), Venice, and Santa Clarita. GRADE: B

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