17 Again *1/2

Cast: Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, Matthew Perry, Sterling Knight, Michelle Trachtenberg, Hunter Parrish, Melora Hardin
Director: Burr Steers
Running Length: 1:42
MPAA Classification: PG-13

In 1989, Mike O’Donnell (Efron) is the star of the basketball team. He is one game from getting a big scholarship. Before the game, he finds out his girlfriend is pregnant. Determined to make the right decision, he skips the game and declares that his future is spending the rest of his life with her and raising their child. In 2007, Mike (Perry) is sick of his life, and Scarlett (Mann) is divorcing him. His kids don’t like him either. One day, a mysterious janitor at the school offers him a chance to do it all over again. He eagerly accepts, and the next day wakes up in a 17 year old body.

“17 Again” is nothing new. In fact, it has been done better many times before. This is clearly a starring vehicle for Efron, who is moderately charming and successful in the role. The story could have been written better, but seems dumbed down for the younger audience that would come to see Efron on film. I really cannot recommend this film.