13 Going on 30 Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: After making a wish on her 13th birthday, a girl finds herself living the life of her 30 year old self.

Review: Keeping with my usual, yearly tradition, it's time, once again, to cover a few chicks flicks. While I dislike Valentine's Day and loathe most chick flicks in general, there are a few notable exceptions here and there. Sometime in the early 2000s this renewed fascination with the '80s began, and "13 Going on 30" was one of the first films to fully capitalize on that nostalgia. The plot concept is even similar to many '80s out-of-body films such as "Big," "Like Father Like Son," and "Vice Versa." What makes this film work is the extremely lighthearted nature of the story coupled with the attention to detail most posers fail to incorporate. There is also this fantasy element that spices things up since it's technically an alternate reality we see. However, the most important aspect was a successful level of charm that endears the audience.

There isn't much in the way of an explanation for the film's supernatural events nor does anyone question it. The main character, Jenna, simply has a terrible birthday (in 1987) and wishes she were "30 and flirty." Funny, don't most 30 year olds wish they were back in their 20s? Wanting nothing more than to be the cool kid, Jenna's 13 year old consciousness is transported into her 30 year old body; time does pass to 2004. While Jenna has a successful career in this alternate future, she doesn't like the person she became or the loss of her relationship with her best friend, Matt. Despite trying to go along with the scenario and making the best of the situation, Jenna ends up losing the things she desires most. When Matt is getting married to a different woman, Jenna seemingly wishes to be a kid again and returns to that birthday party. Shocking no one, the movie ends with Jenna and Matt getting married instead, and Jenna does not go down the life path depicted in the story. How cute.

Why do I like this movie? Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo play their respective roles, as Jenna and Matt, commendably and with conviction. The chemistry isn't quite where it should be for a romance movie, but the quirky nature of their relationship and Ms. Garner's over the top performance pulls it together nicely. More so, the romance aspect feels believable due to the handling of the reactions from characters and the initial, bittersweet ending. The entire '80s presence adds a layer of fun to the film at a time period when it really would have been viewed as unusual to onlookers. Things like Jenna dancing to "Thriller" may feel like someone is trying too hard now, but back then it would have been offbeat. The film doesn't simply stick to cliched trends we see in every film or TV show that references the '80s. The nuances like cartoonish folders and giant pencils go a long way for me since that's shit my sisters had back then. Speaking of which, other background details like dialogue from extras or throwaway lines give the film a sense of unique charm that is sorely missing from most cornball romcoms. I mean, come on, you gotta love when Jenna is hanging out with other 13 year old girls, and they're on the same exact level. When you combine all of these individual elements together the film simply becomes great.

Though this is certainly a playful story, there are things that can come off incredibly stupid. Adding a love interest for Matt hurts the resolution. It makes Jenna appear selfish since she wants to alter that situation. Meaning, the innocence of the film is slightly tarnished by the two not being single. Maybe Matt should have married that chickadee. I didn't like the lack of clarity on what was happening. I am calling it an alternate reality, but was it a dream, the Ghost of Christmas Future...what? Considering how much of an evil bitch Jenna's alternate self was, why did everyone humor her transition? They don't fully reconcile the 13 year old Jenna with the 30 year old version. One thing that seriously sucked was the inclusion of a few modern songs. Why? You have all these '80s songs and just had to throw in shit like fucking Liz Phair?!

This movie is by no means perfect, but the imaginative concepts mixed with the fantasy elements make it enjoyable to a broader audience than the usual romcom demographic. The lighthearted tone allows the story to develop a charming brand of humor, and the characters have a likable innocence. Ms. Garner captures that girl next door vibe, the upbeat pacing is engaging, and the happily ever after cliche is actually a fitting conclusion. Ladies, it may be harder to convince your boyfriend, husband, fiance, lover, stalker, serial killer, guy in your closet, etc. to watch this one with you, but I think most people can tolerate this minor foray into chick flick realm. Just tell them it's like the girly version of "Big," and they might give it a shot.

Notable Moment: When Jenna is having a slumber party with a bunch of 13 year old girls. Ignoring the inherent creepy factor, it's just an amusing scene that is like the icing on the cake that is cheesy fun.

Final Rating: 7/10