Monday, April 12, 2010

17 Again

M: I didn't expect to like this movie. For some reason, and as I reflect, for no reason at all, I have not liked Zac Efron. I don't remember ever seeing him in anything. He is in the High School Musical movies, which I have only seen parts of. I guess I just thought he was a young, pretty-boy, tween idol who had no actual talent. But, I really liked him in this. He was funny, touching, and yes, a pretty-boy. My only complaints were that his character was, at times, a bit hypocritical. After knocking up his high-school girlfriend, he, as a 17 again high school-er, tells his daughters class how important it is not to have sex before your married. But, to me, the theme of the movie was that he wouldn't change anything. It didn't quite add up. Also, like the movie Juno, which I also really liked, they took teen pregnancy and turned it into a happy ending where the dad loves the mom and child and takes care of them forever. This is a happy ending, for sure, but, I believe, is also statistically unlikely. But I am nitpicking here. All in all, I really-really enjoyed the movie. It took me back to high school. I sometimes wonder if I went back to high school now (my old self with my current knowledge and confidence) how I would fare, if I would be more or less popular. Throw in your kids being there for you to be a good example to and protect, and it makes for some very interesting thinking, and for a very good movie. 3 1/2 stars.

V: Zach Efron was delightful. The rest was just ok. 2 1/2 stars
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4 comments:

Katie said...

I LOVED this movie. And wasn't expecting to. So, I think that he's not hypocritical - he's just older and gets it now. (the whole telling the class not to have sex thing) even though he wouldn't change giving up basketball for his wife - he realizes how young these kids are (and how young HE was) and how having sex before your married is not a good idea. It's kinda like my brother Jake. He is singing a different tune about that subject now that he has daughters. and it ALMOST wasn't a happy ending. He had to have this crazy magic janitor make him go back in time to make it a happy ending - so i think the message is that without magic janitors - teenage pregnancy can make life really really hard. and even when two people are meant for each other and love each other - because they had to grow up too fast - it makes it harder than it should be.

yeah, i KNOW if i went back to high school with how i am now i would be less popular. i used to have so much energy and not a care in the world. now, i'm all tired and grown up and boring. ahhhh high school....

1.5.10
J to the oey said...

I'm with Mike. I had a lot of fun with this movie. I would also give it 3 1/2 stars. However, I have one huge dealbreaking complaint. They should have picked Rob Lowe for the grown up Zak Efron character. Matthew Perry looks nothing like Zak Efron, whereas Rob Lowe and Zak could be identical twins born twenty years apart. Do yourself a favor and look up headshots of the two actors. You will have a hard time telling them apart. Plus, Rob Lowe can do funny every bit as well as Matthew Perry.

1.5.10
J to the oey said...

I'm back. I need to chime in on the "what if I could go back to highschool" daydream. I would definitely have more social confidence, but the first thing that I think of would be beating Fremont in region playoffs my senior year. I fer sure could have beat them if I could go back. Fremont took state that year. If you are reading this don't tell anybody this is what I daydream about.

1.5.10
olderockhouse said...

I laughed my head off in this movie and it was a family favorite for parties for a bit. We actually thought the "dad" he lived with was very funny too. And I agree with J to the Joey...Matthew perry looks nothing like Zac and Rob lowe would have been way better. Probably couldn't break from Brothers and Sisters to do the movie... I thought the court scene was touching and the wife poking and slapping his face was classic. She is a great comedic actor.
If I could go back I would date LOTS of guys instead of just one plus those who took me to dances. I would also stay in Volleyball (they took state!) regardless of Keims ranting swearing fests. She totally changed for my kids. Good for her bad for me.

4.6.10

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