Mike O'Donnell was once the most popular guy in high school - handsome, charming, the star of the basketball team, with a college scholarship in his future and a lifetime of experience that baffles even his closest friends. That was then, this is now - or is it? A magical transformation finds Mike reliving his past in the present day as a 17-year-old in the same high school he attended 20 years ago. However, this time around, his own teenage kids are his peers and his wife is the unsuspecting object of his affection.
by lazyfatcat130
on 14/05/2009 1 of 2 people found this review helpful
What I loved most: Great comic timing of the cast
What I really hated: Predictable ending
A middle aged man, Mike O'Donnell (Matthew Perry) is in the midst of a mid-life crisis faces estrangement from his kids, impending divorce and termination of employment. In a surprising turn of events, he is given the opportunity to return to his seventeen year old self, played by a suave and charismatic Zac Efron, to bring himself closer to his family and salvage what is left of his familial relationships. Even though the plot is simple, with a moral core on the importance of family that everyone can relate to, it is nonetheless a charming and affable production that everyone takes to. The supporting cast, boosted by a superb performance by Leslie Mann, allows the story to progress smoothly despite certain hiccups in the narrative. The complexities of the characters' relations is a hoot and you will find yourself laughing out loud at all the pratfalls and predicaments that Mike lands ihimself in. It also helps that Zac Efron tackles his role with verve, energy, great comic timing and seems to slip comfortably into his character. This light-hearted and mirthful comedy is every bit as entertaining as it promises to be.
Just when Zac Efron has graduated from high school, here he is pulled back into his senior year for "17 Again." The heartthrob plays a 17-year-old high school senior Mike O'Donnell, who is living a charmed life in 1989. Handsome, popular and the hero of his basketball team, Mike is about to take the court for the big game that will make or break his future. But at that moment, his girlfriend, Scarlet breaks the news that she is pregnant and Mike makes a crucial decision. What a dreamy start for every girl - a boy who gives up his own future for his knocked-up girlfriend. So 20 years later, 37-year-old Mike's (Matthew Perry) bright future has been overshadowed by a failing marriage, a dead end job and two teenage kids whom he barely has connections with. Then questions of, "What if...?" comes into play.
Efron maintains his dreamy presence that made the tweens scream in the "High School Musical" series - those crystal blue eyes, define cheekbones and that charming smile. His energy still remains and you can see the actor bust a move in the beginning of the film bringing back good memories of "High School Musical." He just has that natural enthusiasm for dance and you can see it in his body movements. And speaking of body, the actor does justice to his masculine build by flaunting his upper body occasionally.
Efron also enjoys a couple of amusing scenes here as a grown-up as he connects with Leslie Mann, who plays Scarlet, in a way that is very well done till it brings this reviewer to an uncomfortable state of mind. Uneasiness due to the taboo thought of a young man and an older lady having a romantic vibe going on. Either that or it was the thought of Efron and Mann being too close for comfort.
Another character to look out for is Ned (Thomas Lennon) who has an unparalleled collection of sci-fi memorabilia. Ned is a hilarious character that will have you laughing at how geeky yet adorable he is, especially when he meets the person of his dreams, Principal Jane (Melora Hardin). The scenes when they're together are priceless foretelling what a match-made in heaven they are.
"17 Again" cooks up the usual cliche depiction of high school life: the jocks, the nerds, awkward cafeteria moments and an out-of-control house party. Projecting the ultimate message of - be grateful for how things have turned out and not look back in the past with 'what ifs' - watching it once is good enough.
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