13 Going on 30 (2004) 2.5/5 Stars
Genre: Rom-com
Cast: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Andy Serkis, Judy Greer
Director: Gary Winick
All Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner) wants in her life is to be popular. To have the look, the body and the lifestyles of those she admires; particularly the models in her favourite magazine ‘Poise’. Imagine her surprise and delight when on her 13th birthday she gets her wish; through her best friends’ wish dust (Matty) and she wakes up in her 30th body. She discovers that she got everything she wished and wanted for but all is not as it seems.
The film is a remake (or remodel) of Tom Hanks film ‘Big’ (which I haven’t seen so can’t comment on) with a female character in the leading role and wishing to be older. The idea of being 13 in your 30 year old body and life, is an interesting concept but being older comes with the responsibility of accepting your chooses in life; the good and the made. The idea of being able to sweep away our mistakes rather than learning and growing from them is childish which make the films only redeeming features are the ridiculousness of it all. The choice of music is perfect for the era, with the use of the most recognisable songs of the decade; including Rick Springfield, Vanilla Ice, Billy Joel and Pat Benatar and of course Michael Jackson.
Thirty, Flirty and Thriving
The film starts with Jenna in 1987 on her birthday, with the outline of two of our main future character being introduced as well; Matty and Lucy (knows as Tomtom). Enter in the mean girls and there is a star performance by the leader of the group Tomtom (Alexandra Kyle); with the impeccable ability to appear as if she is being nice to someone without actually being nice at all. A small mention to the actress who plays Young Jenna (Christa B. Allen) since it was her first movie; you can tell that she is a natural actress with a great future ahead of her (currently starring in ABC Revenge).
We jump to the future life of Jenna (set in 2004) and with Jennifer Garner as our leading actress and being perfect in this role. You can see the excitement and fun that the actress is having with the role; her comic timing is seamless even in those cringe worthy moments. Soon we are introduced to Lucy (Judy Greer) aka Tomtom, her life and the people in it with one noticeable missing person being Matty. Whilst Mark Ruffalo has a promising opening scene with Jennifer Garner by the surprise at that Jenna and Matty aren’t friends anymore and Matty’ reaction to Jenna’s shock; this is where any other male comedian actor could have been continued the role. This is due to the fact there are no more significant acting moments to mention. The cast of the film enjoy their time, with both the young and the older cast members, doing the dance routine to Michael Jacksons’ song and video ‘Thriller’. The most interesting cinematic moment of the movie is the different angles and viewpoints that the director decides to use when Jenna as Jennifer Garner is getting ready for the party.
Kymley 