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17 AGAIN
Starring teen heartthrob Zac Efron, 17
Again almost feels like it’s based on a classic
Disney movie, however in actual
fact, it manages to surpass many similar movies of this genre. The story
revolves around Mike O’Donnell, a high school basketball star that
during the apex of his life, he is given the choice of either going to
college on a sports scholarship or supporting his girlfriend Scarlett
who has just discovered she is pregnant.
When Scarlett informs Mike on the eve of his last basketball match at
high school that she is pregnant, Mike decides to leave the game and
start a new life with her, even though the scouts are watching. 20 years
passes and Mike (Matthew Perry) is now a disgruntled middle aged man
with two kids and a life that could have been. With mixed emotions
towards his wife, Mike’s life is a mess with marriage about to fall
apart, his children thinking their father is a loser and dreams of what
could have been, will never come true. Forced to spend some time with
his billionaire best friend Ned, something strange happens to Mike when
he visits his children’s school.
Upon meeting this strange janitor, on the way home from work, he once
again sees the janitor who is about to jump from a bridge. Stopping his
car, Mike attempts to save him, only to be drawn into a magical vortex
and when he wakes up again, Mike is no longer Mike but rather, Mike is
Mike 17 years ago, now played by the talented Zac Efron. Given another
chance at glory, Mike decides to join the basketball team again, only to
realise that this gift is not about him but rather his two children. His
son is a “loser” at school who is bullied by the basketball team,
whereas his daughter “dates” the lead bully at school. Through guile,
comedy and the mind of a 37-year old, Mike must now amend things in his
life that also includes his relationship with his wife.
17 Again is a fun “feel good” movie that features some great acting by
all involved, especially Efron and Leslie Mann, with some equally good
performances by Michelle Trachtenberg who plays Mike’s daughter. The
innuendo between 17-year old Mike and his middle-age wife Scar is great
to watch and although this is a “teen” comedy, it’s also a romantic
comedy that succeeds on many levels. Mike’s billionaire friend is of
course the star when it comes to comedy and the numerous Star Wars
reference and Lord of the Rings reference will have many in stiches. At
the end of the day, 17 Again is fun, it’s quirky and it’s clichéd that
will leave you with a smile on your face.
Great for kids of all ages! |
