Spring Break
'17 Again' delivers some surprising laughs
Elmira Fifo
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: Focus
In 1989, Mike O'Donnell (Mathew Perry) was a popular basketball star with an incredible future awaiting him. In one bold move, he discards it all to be with his pregnant girlfriend. Fast-forward 20 years and Mike's wife wants a divorce, his kids won't acknowledge his existence, and he is stuck in the same job he's had for 16 years. A strange encounter with a janitor and a long fall off a bridge turns him back into a teenager, where he's given another chance to fix his life. "17 Again" sounds like the cliché loser-given-a-chance-to-fix-life-through-some-weird-circumstance movie, and for the most part, it is. The plot is redundant and the ending is predictable, but overall it was surprisingly funny. Zac Efron, who plays a young O'Donnell, does a convincing portrayal of a dad struggling to protect his kids and be their friend at the same time. While his role isn't too much of a stretch after "High School Musical," Efron's comedic chops really show, and the dynamic between the actors is actually quite good. The physical comedy generate the greatest laughs and there is, unexpectedly, a great amount of it.
O'Donnell is sent back to high school to help his kids cope with the challenges of bullies, jerk boyfriends and peer pressure and, in the process, learns to appreciate them and his wife more. The theme is common and expected, but the little bit of romance between Efron's character and his ex-wife to be (Leslie Mann) is actually sweet, if not a little awkward. To offset the teen struggles and reignited romance was the quirky character Ned, O'Donnell's best friend who pretends to be his father. Ned, played by Thomas Mann, adds a comedic edge to the story with his dorky, Star Wars-Lord-Of-The-Rings-Harry-Potter-loving geekiness and funky, mismatched and bright-colored outfits. His side story of trying to capture the heart of the high school's principal is a great part of the story line, and while it dragged a bit, was worth it simply for the comedy.
Overall, the movie contains many opportunities to laugh and the acting is surprisingly well done. It's a perfect way for teenage girls to get their, Efron fix and laugh quite a bit in the process. It's worth a watch if you want a movie that's got a decent plot line and a fun, easy going time.
O'Donnell is sent back to high school to help his kids cope with the challenges of bullies, jerk boyfriends and peer pressure and, in the process, learns to appreciate them and his wife more. The theme is common and expected, but the little bit of romance between Efron's character and his ex-wife to be (Leslie Mann) is actually sweet, if not a little awkward. To offset the teen struggles and reignited romance was the quirky character Ned, O'Donnell's best friend who pretends to be his father. Ned, played by Thomas Mann, adds a comedic edge to the story with his dorky, Star Wars-Lord-Of-The-Rings-Harry-Potter-loving geekiness and funky, mismatched and bright-colored outfits. His side story of trying to capture the heart of the high school's principal is a great part of the story line, and while it dragged a bit, was worth it simply for the comedy.
Overall, the movie contains many opportunities to laugh and the acting is surprisingly well done. It's a perfect way for teenage girls to get their, Efron fix and laugh quite a bit in the process. It's worth a watch if you want a movie that's got a decent plot line and a fun, easy going time.
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