Movie Review:

13 Going on 30

by Lynn B.

Did you think hot Jennifer Garner of “Alias” was only good at martial arts moves and undercover operations? Then check out the charming, funny Jennifer (who can dance too!) in the new romantic comedy 13 Going on 30.

In 1987, non-cool but sweet 13-year-old Jenna Rink (Christa B. Allen and later Jennifer Garner) is sure she’ll never be popular. She’s flat-chested, wears braces, is smart and is picked on and used by a cruel group of ultra-pop girls at her school. The Six Chicks, led by snotty Lucy (Judy Greer) come to her party planning to trick her. Jenna’s best guy pal Matt (Sean Marquette and later Mark Ruffalo) tries to convince her that she is cool just the way she is but she has to learn the hard way when the “chicks” lock her in the closet for a cruel kissing game and some “magic wishing dust” from one of Matt’s gifts to Jenna falls on her head.

Poof! Jenna’s wish to be "Thirty, Flirty and Thriving" just like the girls in an article in her fave magazine Poise, comes true! Jenna awakens in a strange bed with a hot 30-year-old body. This freaks her but not nearly so much as when her boyfriend comes out of the bathroom and flashes her, which the 13-year-old still thinks is gross. It’s now 2004, and Jenna is the editor of Poise magazine. She’s super successful but learns that she’s ruthless in business, doesn’t even speak to her mom and dad and that she dumped Matt like he was plague-ridden, soon after her 13th birthday. Now, he's a minimally successful photographer and engaged to be married.

Lucy the snob Queen is now a co-worker at the magazine and is still secretly up to no good. Jenna must adjust to her adult life, try to make things better and work to get Matt back.

Okay, this movie is totally adorable. Jennifer Garner is completely believable, child-like and innocent as a 13-year-old suddenly waking up in a 30-year-old bod. Jennifer, it turns out, is a natural comedienne. She is charming as she struggles to fit into her new 2004 world (she’s not even sure what a cell phone is), do her job and get her guy back. There is a great 80’s dance number done to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” that makes you wish you were there to join in. Hilarious moments abound like when the adult Jenna asks out a 13-year-old guy before realizing that it looks like cradle robbing to the outside world. Her new best friend in 2004 is a 13-year-old girl in her building.

Jennifer is matched well by talented, cute but not classically handsome actor Mark Ruffalo who struggles to understand what is happening to her while falling back in love with her after all these years. There are a few nice plot twists that you might not be expecting and a completely satisfying ending. Guys should also enjoy the film since they can identify with Matt in his younger struggles to turn his “pal” into his girlfriend and later confusion as she comes back into his life when they are both adults. Plus, guys should appreciate how cute and hot Jennifer G. looks throughout the film so bring them.

I can’t find anything wrong with this one. It’s a lot of fun and is full of spirit and hope.. Go see it!

This film is rated PG-13

Official Movie Web Site - 13 GOING ON 30