Mike O’Donnell (Zac Efron; “High School Musical” series) made a choice his senior year of high school that affected the rest of his life. He chose the girl over the scholarship. That girl, Scarlet, would become his wife (Leslie Mann; “Drillbit Taylor”) and mother of his two kids, Alex and Maggie (Michelle Trachtenburg; “Ice Princess”). But today’s grown up Mike (Matthew Perry; TV’s “Friends”) is unhappy with his life, his career, and his family. On the verge of divorce, Mike stumbles into his old high school and reminisces about the glory days on his basketball team. A friendly janitor asks him the immortal question, “would you do it all over again?” This leads to a magical transformation, from unhappy pharmaceutical rep to his 17-year old self. Will Mike take this second chance and follow his forgotten dream or will he try to fix what was broken with his old life?
Efron surprises me with this performance. He manages to be a convincing older man in a teenage body. Think the movie “Big” in reverse. There is a world-wise way about Efron’s manner of speech and behavior that will make the viewer believe he is much older than he appears. His character’s continued love and pining for his soon-to-be-divorced wife, Scarlett is charming until you consider that Mann is many years Efron’s senior. But you really don’t see that while watching the film, except when the story uses it for occasional comical effect. Mann continues to be a grounding force in her supporting roles, as well as bringing plenty of laughs herself. Another surprise is the deadpan delivery of Mike’s son Alex, who is a reliable comic foil with simply an expression or a few words. “17 Again” is consistently funny throughout.
I also didn’t expect the story to be so emotionally compelling. I connected with Mike early in the story, because of his friendly demeanor and the sacrifice he makes for his girl. When he takes that journey back into high school, I felt like I was taking it with him. For good or ill. The audience can see on Efron’s face that the experience isn’t all Mike remembers it being, as he is lost in a sea of students once the first school bell rings. When he learns that his children, Alex and Maggie, aren’t the people he thought they were, Mike decides to try and help them. His interactions with his children as contemporaries is touching and meaningful and like George Bailey from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Mike contemplates what their lives would be like without him. These are familiar heart strings being pulled at but they are no less effective. Perhaps like “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “17 Again” won’t be properly appreciated until years pass and those who grew up with the movie will look back fondly on it.
Are critics so jaded that we can’t see an emotional slam dunk when its right in our face? Not this critic. I enjoyed this wholesome and humorous family film and respectfully place it amongst the pantheon of high school films repeat viewing friendly. Sometimes you just need to curl up with a familiar story and a pint of your favorite ice cream and be entertained. “17 Again” does just that.
Rated PG-13 for language, some sexual material and teen partying.
