Movie Review - 17 AGAIN

17 Again is the latest production benefiting from Hollywood's recycling mantra. Instead of investing in new scripts, easily adapted old concepts are dusted off for new generations. Clearly evident in this case, the plot involving someone transported back to their youth is old as the hills. Mixed with current teen sensation Zac Efron's presence the ghost of previous entries looms large like a blast from the past. Facing divorce and estranged from his children, 37 year old Mike (Matthew Perry) wonders what went wrong. Filled with regrets and uncertain of his future, his visit to his old school changes everything. By meeting a mysterious janitor little does Mike know that he holds the key to his salvation. Magically transported back to his teen years, Mike seizes the chance to take charge of his life and, with the help of his nutty friend Ned (Thomas Lennon), faces the vexing question of whether he would make the same decisions all over again. Although a very well worn idea, it's interesting how each similar film has rewound twenty years. Never ten or some other number - this double score numeral subscribes to the adage that 'twenty years ago was the best time of your life'. Maybe this dovetails into the notion of those years representing a clean slate for one's personal philosophies to take shape. Not that these messages are too apparent in this amiable comedy which passes the time effectively. Scenes featuring the young Mike re-connecting with his family and youthful ambitions are well handled, with Efron showing some strong range even if he is once again playing a basketball loving teen. It's amusing how this genre seems to be a staple for teen idols to further their careers as former stars Kirk Cameron and Patrick Dempsey can attest. Hopefully Efron can use this as a springboard in breaking free of his squeaky clean image as I'm sure even he must be tired of showing off his pecs to an adoring fanbase. Thankfully 17 Again maintains freshness to the material with a great supporting role from Lennon as the wacky friend refusing to grow old. Whilst all in good clean fun without resorting to easily used sex jokes or lewd behaviour, it doesn't whitewash its themes of accepting past decisions and maintains good momentum. Being only a year younger than Matthew Perry's character, it's a little disturbing seeing his age as being called 'ancient'. But as 17 Again proves even mature film reviewers can, like its characters, create their own definition of 'being cool'. Movie Review Rating 6 / 10 Movie review by Patrick Moore 17 Again released in Australia on Thursday 9th April 2009. 17 Again Official Homepage click on any graphic in this post. If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review 17 Again Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.