17 Again is a fun and hilarious film that takes the premise of Big and 13 Going on 30 and turns it on its head. With Zac Efron in a solid comic performance and a supporting cast that includes Thomas Lennon (I Love You Man), Michelle Trachtenberg (Buffy: The Vampire Slayer), Matthew Perry (Friends), and Leslie Mann (Funny People), the movie is an enjoyable escape from the world’s multitude of problems.
Yes, one could point out the parallels between Efron’s character in this film and his role in the High School Musical trilogy (both play basketball, both dance), but Efron shows a range of emotion and performance skills in this lighthearted film that go beyond the saccharine-laced world of the Wildcats.
While Matthew Perry does get short-changed since he only appears in the first and final acts of the film, his comic timing has never been sharper. It’s nice to see the post-Friends actor still in top form.
Overall, 17 Again is a worthwhile must-see that has loads of laughs, and is just plain fun.
The DVD version of the film contains the widescreen and full-screen versions of the film, along with the theatrical trailer. Is this the start of a new trend in DVD releases? I only ask because the Blu-ray version of the film is where all the cool special features can be found. I hope that other DVDs don’t start placing their special features on the Blu-ray only.
Here’s what you get with the Blu-ray edition of 17 Again:
Zac Goes Back: Meet the Movie’s Star Zac Efron
“Way Cool” Tell-All Trivia Track: On-Set Gossip, Cast 411 – All While You Watch the Movie
Going Back to 17: Castmates Remember Their Own Teen Years
Exclusive Features Via BD-Live
Additional Scenes
Zac’s Dance Flashback
Breakin’ Character Outtakes
It would have been nice to have a few of these on the DVD, but what can you do?
For a great comedy, I highly recommend 17 Again. It’s a great way to end your summer!
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