'13 Going on 30' - A Movie Review

Better be careful what you wish for or you’ll wake up looking like a 30-year-old the next morning.

13 Going on 30 is a 2004 romantic comedy about Jenna Rink’s wish coming true the night after her 13th birthday. Suddenly 30, Jenna has no idea how to interact with her new life or the people around her. Realizing that she has taken the wrong path, Jenna has to figure out what her wish means.

What a film to remind you of the awkward years of being a teenager. The early teen years are tough. For those struggling, this movie is the right film to watch if you ever wish to grow up sooner. Missing out on the best years of your life is the worst decision possible.

Jennifer Garner had to hang around with teenagers just to remember how to act like one for her role as Jenna. Garner’s child-like mixed with adult reactions are the best part of the movie when she realizes that she has grown into a 30-year-old woman just overnight. Her emotion is so genuine. Garner is the best part of the movie and easily brings out the true message of the story.

I enjoyed Mark Ruffalo’s performance as Matt. He is a great character actor. Life never goes the way you want it to. You life choices all depend on how you react. Do you move on or let it destroy your life? Having Matt’s character seemingly move on from Jenna’s ruthless behavior is a good life lesson.

Playing her 13-year-old self who just wants to be noticed by the Six Chicks, or the popular crowd, Christie B. Allen was only 11 years old! She and Sean Marquette who played young Matt did a terrific job. I like how both Garner and Ruffalo mimicked their young counterparts behaviors to give an honest and genuine portrayal.

Judy Greer stars as the ruthless, Lucy, the gang leader of the six chicks. Although some films have turned me off from Greer’s performances, Greer portrays a genuine nasty person in this picture.

Every actor should take advantage of a role that requires them to be evil, domineering, or ruthless. It’s an eye-opening experience.

Other performances include Andy Serkis, Kathy Baker, Phil Reeves, and even a young Brie Larson. The cast’s chemistry blends together so well perfectly absorbing the difficulties of being a teenager and an adult. It’s funny the way you look at a film the more you age.

One of the best sequences of all is when Jenna spices of a dull party making everyone dance to Michael Jackson’s "Thriller." The scene is so upbeat making you want to be a part of the scene to dance along with them.

The story is somewhat predictable but Garner’s reaction makes the film full of surprises around each corner. 13 Going on 30 is never dull and keeps you smiling and giggling from start to finish.

As a teenager, it’s hard to trust who your real friends are. I can relate to Jenna’s issue of wanting to be popular. Truth is, popularity is a waste. Just be you. Be friends with the crowd that actually make you happy.

The teen years, especially middle school, are the toughest years. For anyone that is struggling right now, believe me when I say that it gets better. Follow your own path and don’t create a mask just to please someone else.

13 Going on 30 is an emotionally impactful romantic comedy that will have you laughing or even crying from beginning to end. It’s well acted and has some good messages geared towards young audiences.