17 Again

Review by Matthew Rodgers

Indicators of the dearth of originality are abundant in this weeks other releases. The fourth instalment in a very tedious franchise (Fast and Furious), and a remake of a once cherished cult kids classic (Race to Witch Mountain). So it’s very wise to approach 17 Again with plenty of caution.

For one, it is based on a premise that has been re-configured more times than Mickey Rourkes face. What if you got to be young again? You can reel off a list topped with the classic BIG, Vice Versa, 13 Going on 30, both versions of Freaky Friday, and now this.

Secondly, it is the first star vehicle for that generator of a million audience squeals, and an icon of first crushes for so many backpack wearing, pocket money spending girls, Mr. Zac Efron. Talk about a demographically dictated movie.

Now the real twist comes with the knowledge that your reviewer is well outside that target audience, the antithesis in fact, but is more than happy to report that this is thoroughly unoriginal, highly enjoyable entertainment, and there might very well be something to this Efron kid after all.

Mike O’Donnell’s (Matthew Perry) life didn’t turn out as he’d hoped, a high school legend on the basketball court, he gave it all up for his pregnant girlfriend. Twenty years later and on the verge of divorce he is magically (substitute for ridiculously) given the chance to re-live his youth again in the form of Efron.

First up comes a warning to any parents thinking that this is an extension of the High School Musical universe. 17 Again can be pretty racy at times, some of the effectively cringe worthy comedy comes from the fact that Mike is caught in awkward situations with his family, in particular an excellent scene in which his own daughter attempts to seduce him might be a difficult one to explain.

The laughs succeed mainly thanks to the universally excellent ensemble. Efron is a comfortable comedic lead performer, here indicating a career beyond lunchbox stickers and t-shirts is achievable. Perry is, well, Matthew Perry, drenched in sarcasm and utterly adequate as a man suffering life’s familiar obstacles. There is no doubt that the real star of 17 Again is Thomas Lennon as Mike’s geeky, Lord of the Rings obsessed friend, getting al of the big laughs he easily sweeps the movie from under Efron’s dancing feet.

It’s obvious, and has a genuinely human core to its formulaic message, but look past the awful posters and its surprisingly funny and highly recommended.