13 Going On 30
(2004)
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After Jenna Rink's 13th birthday party where her friend Lucy plays a cruel prank on her, she promptly makes a wish that she could skip adolescence and be 30. With the help of some wish dust given to her by her unpopular best friend Matty, her wish comes true. She wakes up to find that her 13-year-old self is now inhabiting the body--and life--of a 30-year-old, high-powered, New York magazine editor. Frightened by her new adult life, Jenna (Jennifer Garner) seeks the help of Matty (Mark Ruffalo), but he hasn't spoken to her since high school. Unfortunately, as she uncovers the details of the time she skipped, she learns that perhaps she hasn't made the best decisions. Similar to the 1988 Tom Hanks vehicle BIG, 13 GOING ON 30 benefits from the undeniable appeal of Garner, who amusingly exudes the awkwardness and energy of a teenager. Meanwhile copious '80s pop culture references, an energetic soundtrack, and vibrant colors provide instant, foolproof nostalgia. Director Gary Winick (TADPOLE) has crafted an undeniably fun picture for any age or gender. |
This update of the much explored body-swap theme is essentially a female Big. Cute and frothy, it's an ultra-girlie, wish-fulfilment fantasy that plays like a teen magazine come to life. In it, a nerdy 13-year-old's dreams become reality when she's miraculously transformed into gorgeous and successful 30-year-old Jennifer Garner. Though the events that follow are unrealistic fancy, Garner's delightful and authentic-feeling turn helps paper over many of the plot holes. Her adolescent take on the adult world is completely charming, infusing the film with a scatty innocence. This is nicely balanced by Mark Ruffalo's unassuming performance as her childhood best friend. Overall the tale is flimsy and predictable, but it's buoyant and engaging enough not to matter.