17 Again

While no classic, 17 Again is better than expected—especially given its body-swapping premise, which was popular in the 1980s but now has longer whiskers than a Louisiana catfish. If nothing else, the story demonstrates that teen idol Zac Efron has real acting chops and isn't just a flash in the pan catering to the Tiger Beat demographic. Directed by Burr Steers, the film focuses on Mike O'Donnell (Matthew Perry), a fortyish pharmaceuticals salesman who first loses the respect of his two children (Michelle Trachtenberg and Sterling Knight), then his marriage to high-school sweetheart Scarlett (Leslie Mann), and finally even his job. Depressed, humiliated, and reduced to living with his best friend Ned (Thomas Lennon), a nerd who made billions in computer software, Mike wishes he had his life to live over again—especially his high-school years, during which he was a Big Man on Campus and likely candidate for a basketball scholarship. Thanks to a friendly janitor (Brian Doyle-Murray), who isn't really a janitor but a guardian angel, Mike's wish comes true and he's rejuvenated to look like Zac Efron. Persuading Ned to pose as his father and enroll him in high school, Mike befriends his own kids—who have no idea that he's their dad—and rather boldly flirts with his justifiably confused ex-wife at every opportunity. What impresses most about 17 Again is Efron's effective, self-assured performance, easily holding his own with far more experienced actors. Recommended, overall. [Note: Blu-ray extras include 16 minutes of additional scenes, a 12-minute “Zac Goes Back” featurette with star Zac Efron, a “Going Back to 17” segment featuring cast remembrances of their teen years (3 min.), three minutes of outtakes, a “Zac's Dance Flashback” deleted scene (2 min.), a trivia track, bonus DVD and digital copies of the film, and BD-Live features. The DVD version contains no extras. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a mostly winning film.] (E. Hulse)