Back to High School (17 Again (DVD))

Member Name: abyznw

Product:	17 Again (DVD)
Date:	20/09/09 (31 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Funny, light-hearted

Disadvantages: Not enough Matthew Perry?

The first 10 minutes of '17 Again' were like a bad dream - there were highlights, Zac Efron and cheesy dance moves, it felt like High School Musical all over again, but as the rest of the film developed, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying every minute!

The Story:
The film centers around Mathew Perry's character Mike O'Donnell - a middle aged man currently going through a divorce from his high school sweetheart Scarlett (Leslie Mann) and finding himself completely disconnected from his teenage kids Alex (Sterling Knight) and Maggie (Michelle Trachtenberg). After reminiscing over his high school days (where he was a basketball champion) and after an encounter with a creepy caretaker, Mike finds himself transformed into his 17 year old self (played by Zac Efron). With the help of his geeky best friend Ned (Thomas Lennon), he decides to enroll in school again to help his kids and hopefully stop the divorce from happening.

My Opinion:
Although the premise to the film is absurd, Mr. Efron manages to pull it off really well, and acts out Matthew Perry's younger self fantastically. It's packed full of feel good moments (like when Mike punches the school bully who has been tormenting his son, or when geeky Ned finds love with the headmistress of the school - a love forged by their mutual love of Lord of the Rings!!!). The film mixes slapstick comedy (like the childish light-saber battle between Mike and Ned), as well as the sarcastic dry wit that Matthew Perry is known for.

Acting wise it is fantastic, although Michelle Trachtenberg and a couple of the supporting cast overact a little, Zac Efron more than makes up for it. I was pleasantly surprised to find he is as convincing doing comedy as well as the more emotional parts, and Thomas Lennon's sidekick character is so funny, he definitely steals the show.
Another plus point to the film is the soundtrack - not just your average teen cheese-fest, but features tunes from Santogold, Cat Power and The Kooks - all top choices in my book!

Overall:
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a light hearted and fun movie that is guaranteed to bring laughs. Although the plotline is really ridiculous and it isn't exactly a film you need to think much during, it's perfect for a little lighthearted escapism, and I reckon it would be suitable for all ages to enjoy.

Summary: Great film for all the family