17 Again (Movie Review)
04.14.2009 | By Jack Rico |
I wanted to like 17 Again for its nostalgic teen appeal, but the script and dialogue were so inept and appalling that there’s not much positive to say about it. Many things went wrong, and scrutinizing the film would only waste time. The ensemble did an okay job, enough to salvage some dignity from the movie, but ultimately, my opinion is irrelevant. The main audience for this teen film will ignore my thoughts, swoon over Zac Efron for a few weeks, and then continue to watch it on DVD for months to come, possibly for eternity.
The storyline is somewhat intriguing—what would you do if you got a second shot at life as your former 17-year-old self? While many questions could arise from this concept, we’ll follow the film’s plot for argument’s sake. Mike O’Donnell (Matthew Perry), a 39-year-old has-been high school basketball star, is struggling to be a good father. But Mike gets another chance when he is miraculously transformed back into a 17-year-old (Zac Efron) to relive his best years and bring his family back together.
The premise might grab some attention, but the execution is baffling. Director Burr Steers doesn’t seem to understand the concept of story development. Perhaps the biggest flaw of 17 Again is its failure to come up with a coherent explanation for how an adult turns into a teenager. In the film, a janitor with magical powers just happens to show up and change him. Moreover, his former teachers, friends, and wife, who should recognize Perry as young Efron, are completely oblivious to this transformation. There’s no explanation, no reason, no care. While plausibility is often overlooked in these kinds of films, the blatant disregard here feels negligent and reckless.
Despite these glaring issues, parents and other adults might be swayed by the nostalgic storyline. Zac Efron is likable, and he covers up many of the movie’s shortcomings. His looks also help mask his limited acting range, but with time and experience, he may grow into a better actor. Overall, kids and Zac fans will enjoy and indulge in this zany, 80s-style teen flick.
