DVD Review: 17 Again

Thirtysomething Mike O’Donnell would. Then one mysteriously magical moment, Mike gets his chance. He’s suddenly back at Hayden High where he’s the star of the basketball team, a total hottie, and a classmate to his own teenage kids…which gives Mike a chance to go from not-so-good dad to really cool friend. Zac Efron (Hairspray, the High School Musical movies) and Matthew Perry (Friends) are 17 Again and fabulously funny as the younger and older Mike in a good-time time-warp comedy that proves the best year of your life is the one you’re living right now.

Review:
If you could go back to high school and do things differently – would you? Well that is exactly the chance that Mike O’Donnell (played by Zac Efron) has been given. Ever since his decision to give up his dreams of getting a basketball scholarship in lieu of his girlfriend’s pregnancy – O’Donnell has been asking ‘what if’ virtually every day. With a dead-end job, 2 kids that are lost in their own world, and his wife filing for divorce – O’Donnell’s life pretty much sucks.

A magical moment sends him back to the 17 year old version of himself – and he gets to do it all over again as well as see his own kids in a light he has never seen before. Only question is – will he actually do anything different?

It’s a predictable, corny, and yet a somewhat amusing movie that will appeal more to teenage girls than anyone else. However, there are some funny moments that non-Efron fans can enjoy as well. The uber-nerd roommate of O’Donnell, Ned (played by Thomas Lennon), was the highlight of the film for me. His advances on O’Donnell’s principal (played by Melora Hardin) are over the top by far – but there are a few good laughs in there to be had.

The Blu-ray version includes some nice special features including a commentary with Zac Efron, trivia, and a number of featurettes that Efron fans will swoon over. If you’re a teenage girl – or you’re looking for a present for one… Then this is a safe bet.

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: B-
Official site: http://www.17againmovie.com
Buy on Amazon: 17 Again

Responses

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *