13 Going on 30 (Widescreen)

 

 

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I was rather pleasantly surprised by this film. Obviously, the storyline is by no means unique, and I've seen too many films featuring kids and adults miraculously switching places to feel all that confident about going once more into a similar breach, but 13 Going on 30 is actually, well, delightful. I'm a big Jennifer Garner fan going all the way back to her role in the short-lived Time of Your Life; by and large, I think she did a wonderful job in this role. It is certainly a different Jennifer Garner than we see on Alias, and it certainly appears as if she relished a role in which she got to be silly and whimsical. I would have to credit Mark Ruffalo with an even more impressive performance, though, as his was the subtle glue that held the fantastical elements of the plot together.

Young Jenna has just turned 13; already unhappy with the way she looks and anxious to be popular, she suffers an embarrassing indignation which has her fervently wishing to be 30. Thanks to some wishing dust on the model dream home her obviously infatuated by "not cool" friend Matt built for her, she gets her wish. I thought the early scenes featuring 13-year-old Jenna reacting to the instant passing of 17 years and adjusting to her new, uh, accessories was a little awkward, and a certain lack of continuity in regard to her reactions to new stimuli popped up sporadically as the film progressed. One minute she's acting like a young teenager, and then she will suddenly seem to have grown up into her new age to a significant degree. Anyway, she discovers that all of her dreams have come true: she was popular, and she has become mighty successful in life - actually sitting atop the fashion magazine she was addicted to as a kid. Before long, though, she begins to see that having it all isn't all it is cracked up to be. This grown-up body she inhabits is actually a rather empty shell of a not so nice person. She learns that she has done some rather nasty things over the course of the missing 17 years. The only person she can turn to is her friend Matt (Mark Ruffalo), but the two have gone in very different directions over the years. In the process of trying to save her magazine, Jenna learns that the dreams of childhood don't turn out the way you thought they would and other obvious life lessons, etc., etc. You can probably guess what happens at the end.

The film does succeed rather well as a comedy; the Thriller dance scene, while uncomfortable to watch, is indeed quite silly, and some of adult Jenna's interactions with young teens also play well. I also loved the fact that the movie helped take me back to the 1980s, to some degree. There are some classic 80s tunes on the soundtrack, and beginning the film with the sound of the Go-Go's definitely qualifies for a star in my book. That being said, I have to say that I don't remember some of the awful hair-dos of the film actually existing in the late 80s - certainly not among the girls my eyes gravitated toward in those halcyon days of youth.

In the end, this is basically your silly, entertaining, feel-good comedy, and it stars one of Hollywood's most attractive, talented actresses. It doesn't try to be anything more than what it is, and that is a big reason why it works as well as it does. It is by no means a must-see, but I do believe it is a film you cannot help but enjoy.

Well, I went into this movie thinking:"another typical cutsie movie". I was wrong. It was fantastic! I am a huge Alias fan and to see her playing this funny, great character was amazing! She really makes the movie shine.
I also turned 30 this year so this movie was a wonderful flashback to my years of being 13 and wanting to grow up so fast. Time flies!!!
The music was just great, the acting was great, and seeing Andy Serkis dance to Thriller was a sight in itself.
Buy this movie, watch it over and over again, and remember the wonder of being 13, and the joys of getting older.

This movie was a surprise. I anticipated enjoying this movie, but I didn't realize that I would actually love it. I thought Jennifer Garner as Jenna Rink was refreshing, loveable and relatable. This is definitely a film that even the movie cynics can enjoy. Jennifer Garner will draw you in and the supporting cast is great. I have pre-ordered a copy for myself and will have this on my Christmas List to give to others. Great Movie!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Jennifer Garner rox!!!!!
Ok, so besides the fact that I am a total Alias freak and like worship Jennifer Garner... this movie was so awesome. It was the most adorable story in the world. Read more

Published on July 15 2004 by Amanda

5.0 out of 5 stars Matty, it's Thriller!
Best movie of 2004! I loved this movie so much, you probably already know what it's about from summaries, 13 year old Jenna Rink makes a wish to be 30, Flirty and Thriving and... Read more

Published on July 13 2004 by cruel_girl

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Movie!
I loved it, what can I say? I saw it with a friend and oh my goodness, it was so much fun! The characters are all lovable, especially Jennifer Garner as Jenna. Read more

Published on July 8 2004

1.0 out of 5 stars 13 - The age of the script writer...
Drivel, no - BORING drivel like this should be used to loosen the toungues of Iraqi prisoners. It would still be considered torture but at least the bags over the prisoner's heads... Read more

Published on July 2 2004 by H. A Huffman

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun for Anyone
I don't believe for one second that anyone could dislike this film. Anyone who says they don't like it must be lying! Read more

Published on Jun 29 2004 by Ashley Quinn

5.0 out of 5 stars Expected Good - Got GREAT!
Being a huge fan of Alias and Jennifer Garner, I made sure to go see 13 Going on 30. I fully expected a good movie, but was concerned the script would be trivial. Read more

Published on Jun 28 2004 by Deb Zirkle

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Entertaining
I've got the ol' double X chromosome, and consequently, chick flicks aren't exactly my cup of tea. It's funny how preferences go out the window during a romantic relationship,... Read more

Published on Jun 17 2004

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