By Cookie 'N' Screen
I can feel it. I can literally feel your eyes judging me. And if I listen really carefully I can hear the collective eyes role. So will the whole male population just stop for a second and let me say my piece?
It may be true that since High School Musical, Zac Efron danced his balls into my heart (and that isn’t figuratively…) and it may be true that since High School Musical, Zac Efron is attempting to break out into different genres of films from independent to trashy (he did let Nicole Kidman pee on him). But I still have major love for a film that is genuinely funny, ridiculously cheesy and on some weird level proves that Zac Efron can actually act.
I can feel it. I can literally feel your eyes judging me. And if I listen really carefully I can hear the collective eyes role. So will the whole male population just stop for a second and let me say my piece?
It may be true that since High School Musical, Zac Efron danced his balls into my heart (and that isn’t figuratively…) and it may be true that since High School Musical, Zac Efron is attempting to break out into different genres of films from independent to trashy (he did let Nicole Kidman pee on him). But I still have major love for a film that is genuinely funny, ridiculously cheesy and on some weird level proves that Zac Efron can actually act.
Mike (Matthew Perry, yes, that Matthew Perry) is a 37 year old whose life is stalled. Constantly thinking about the time he abandoned his dreams of a basketball career when he found his girlfriend, Scarlett is pregnant, Mike’s life has gone from one crisis to the next. When he is passed over for promotion at his job due to his lack of higher education and is in the midst of a divorce with Scarlett (Leslie Mann), Mike becomes frustrated. But after meeting with a mysterious janitor, Mike wakes up and all of a sudden he is his 17-year-old self. Mike must decide between trying again at a basketball career, getting closer to his high school children or rediscovering his love with Scarlett. Ultimately, he must become Mike again.
Why Is It Bad?
Let’s brush pass the fact that not everyone is a Zac Efron fan. Actually, the reason 17 Again is bad is because it is ultimately unoriginal and predictable. The formula is so well worn that you know the ending is going to be sappy right from the word dot. It is a little bit of Freaky Friday, mixed with Bruce Almighty and topped off with Big. There is even a mysterious and mystical janitor who, the minute he turns up, you know that some serious magical shit is going to happen. Not to mention you know that the minute he changes to Zac Efron (from Matthew Perry, quick reminder) he is going to; try to stop his daughter having sex, have his daughter fall in love with him by accident, get closer to his son, attempt to get off with Scarlet and ultimately chose his family. I didn’t ruin anything there, because the minute I told you the plot, you knew it. It’s a cheesy yarn that appeals to the hormonally charged.
Why Is It Bad?
Let’s brush pass the fact that not everyone is a Zac Efron fan. Actually, the reason 17 Again is bad is because it is ultimately unoriginal and predictable. The formula is so well worn that you know the ending is going to be sappy right from the word dot. It is a little bit of Freaky Friday, mixed with Bruce Almighty and topped off with Big. There is even a mysterious and mystical janitor who, the minute he turns up, you know that some serious magical shit is going to happen. Not to mention you know that the minute he changes to Zac Efron (from Matthew Perry, quick reminder) he is going to; try to stop his daughter having sex, have his daughter fall in love with him by accident, get closer to his son, attempt to get off with Scarlet and ultimately chose his family. I didn’t ruin anything there, because the minute I told you the plot, you knew it. It’s a cheesy yarn that appeals to the hormonally charged.
Why Is It Good?
Because while it isn’t anything new, it is actually pretty funny and the jokes range from weird to dry. Zac Efron does an amazing job at being Matthew Perry, in fact, if you watch 17 Again, you’ll be amazed at how incredible Zac Efron gets the nuances and the sarcasm that makes Perry great. It is with this that I say Zac Efron is a surprisingly good actor because this could easily become The Efron Show but he studied and performed extremely well. The supporting cast are just as genius including Thomas Lennon (a.k.a That Guy) as Ned Gold, Mike’s geeky high school friend who turns in a hilarious performance. 17 Again is cheesy but it is meant to be and it’s filled with humour and some heart wrenching moments.
Ultimately 17 Again is a feel good hit. It is perfect for the winter blues and brings a slice of awesome into your lives. It is all heart and well written and genuinely tickles the ribs. It isn’t bringing much harm to your lives by existing and is pleasurable to many. Oh no, pleasurable is a bit of an awkward word to use concerning Efron. I mean, satisfying. Erm, sensual? HOT?
Ok, it’s good. It’s just good.
TTFN,
Cookie
Because while it isn’t anything new, it is actually pretty funny and the jokes range from weird to dry. Zac Efron does an amazing job at being Matthew Perry, in fact, if you watch 17 Again, you’ll be amazed at how incredible Zac Efron gets the nuances and the sarcasm that makes Perry great. It is with this that I say Zac Efron is a surprisingly good actor because this could easily become The Efron Show but he studied and performed extremely well. The supporting cast are just as genius including Thomas Lennon (a.k.a That Guy) as Ned Gold, Mike’s geeky high school friend who turns in a hilarious performance. 17 Again is cheesy but it is meant to be and it’s filled with humour and some heart wrenching moments.
Ultimately 17 Again is a feel good hit. It is perfect for the winter blues and brings a slice of awesome into your lives. It is all heart and well written and genuinely tickles the ribs. It isn’t bringing much harm to your lives by existing and is pleasurable to many. Oh no, pleasurable is a bit of an awkward word to use concerning Efron. I mean, satisfying. Erm, sensual? HOT?
Ok, it’s good. It’s just good.
TTFN,
Cookie
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