17 Again (2009)

When I began to see previews and movie trailers advertising 17 Again a couple months ago, I thought it looked hilariously funny. This is the main reason I wanted to see this movie and surprisingly, the movie actually lived up to my expectations. I found it extremely entertaining, and laughed all the way through it.

Along the same lines as Big, The Kid and 13 Going on 30, 17 Again explores the idea of reversing the clock and getting the chance to relive your life again. Mike O’Donnell is currently living with his best friend from high school, Ned Gold, because he is going through a divorce with his high school sweetheart, Scarlett. Stuck in a dead-end job with no relationship with his family or teenage kids, Mike contemplates what it would be like to go back in time and relive his high school “dream years” when he was a basketball star with the chance at a college scholarship. Mike’s wish is granted when he meets the mysterious school janitor. He is transformed back to his 17-year-old self, and gets a second chance at reliving high school, and changing his life.

Directed by Burr Steers, 17 Again earned a PG-13 rating for language, and some sexual content. However, younger kids were also present in the theater, and they seemed to enjoy it as well, although I believe it is geared at a more mature audience. I thought the acting was very good, with Matthew Perry playing the adult Mike O’Donnell, and Zac Efron playing the 17-year-old version of Mike. I feel that Efron proved in this performance that he has a lot of talent that extends beyond High School Musical. The supporting actors also added a lot to the film. Thomas Lennon was hilarious in his role as nerdy Ned Gold, and Leslie Mann was also great as estranged wife Scarlett.

While the time-warp vortex that Mike falls into is a little unrealistic, and the plotline is inevitably predictable, there is really no point in overanalyzing the film. The movie is just meant to be fun.

I felt that this movie was everything it was geared towards being. It was humorous, with a well-written plot, and very good acting. While it is not an Oscar worthy film, it served its purpose at being entertaining and funny. I would definitely recommend seeing it. If you don't plan on watching it in theaters, look for it in the future months to be released onto DVD. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised.

-Lindsay