Ever wish you had the power to go back in time and rectify the mistakes which made you who you are today? Our answers may differ, but in 17 Again Mike O’Donnell (Matthew Perry) is offered the opportunity to do just that, which results in............................well, some good, some not-so-good and some totally weird consequences.
O’Donnell is going through mid-life crisis; his wife, Scarlett (Leslie Mann) has separated from him due to his whiny and self-piteous attitude, his children detest him, he’s just quit his low-paying job and is currently residing at his best friend’s place. Not able to bear the continuous misfortunes of his life anymore, he visits his high school to remember the sweet moments that filled his teenage years. Upon reaching back ’home’ (his friend, Ned Gold’s place), he takes an ice-cold shower only to discover that he’s reverted to his seventeen year old former self (Zac Efron)! Mike and Ned (Thomas Lennon) are shocked at first, after which they come to the conclusion that the only way to sort this problem out would be to follow nature’s path, and see where it leads to. From then on begins O’Donnell’s adolescent adventure of correcting his errors of the past and convincing Scarlett to fall back in love with him.
The first few minutes into the film; one can almost feel O’Donnell’s frustration with life, thanks to Matthew Perry’s flawless performance. A few more minutes into the movie; Perry is nowhere to be seen and Zac Efron enters. Efron too catches your attention with him playing the animated, optimistic and good-looking teenager, with very less effort on his part. However, if you were intent on watching Perry/’Chandler’ in action, you’ll be very much disappointed, for Perry seems to be used as a guest rather than as the main protagonist of the movie. Thomas Lennon engages in good comic partnership with both Perry and Efron. Its disheartening to see Leslie Mann, Michelle Trachtenberg and Sterling Knight cast in such teeny tiny roles, for all three are well known for their comedic genius. By the end of the film, one will realize that there is more to Efron’s talent than his singing and dancing, and that Perry needs to sign himself up for a film/TV series featuring himself as the main character. The plot itself is very predictable, and the movie serves well as entertainment for those long lazy summer afternoons.
Final grade- B-; disappointment for Matthew Perry fans, but a treat for Zac Efron lovers.