17 Again (2009) - A Time-Traveling Teen Comedy
Overview
"17 Again" is a 2009 American comedy film directed by Burr Steers and written by Jason Filardi. The movie stars Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, and Matthew Perry. The film follows the story of Mike O'Donnell, a 37-year-old man who is unhappy with his life and gets a chance to relive his high school days.
Plot
Mike O'Donnell (Matthew Perry) is a former high school basketball star who gave up a college scholarship to marry his pregnant girlfriend, Scarlett (Leslie Mann). Twenty years later, Mike's life is a mess. He's divorced, unemployed, and estranged from his teenage children. One day, he meets a mysterious janitor (Brian Doyle-Murray) who transforms him back into his 17-year-old self (Zac Efron).
As Mike navigates his way through high school again, he befriends his own children and learns to appreciate the value of family and friendship. Along the way, he must confront his past mistakes and figure out a way to return to his adult life.
Cast
- Zac Efron as Mike O'Donnell (17-year-old)
- Matthew Perry as Mike O'Donnell (37-year-old)
- Leslie Mann as Scarlett O'Donnell
- Thomas Lennon as Ned Gold
- Michelle Trachtenberg as Maggie O'Donnell
- Sterling Knight as Alex O'Donnell
Reviews
"17 Again" received mixed reviews from critics, but audiences loved it. The movie holds a 57% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising Zac Efron's performance. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 2.5 out of 4 stars, stating that "Efron has a sweet charm that makes the movie work."
Availability
While "17 Again" is not available for free on YouTube, you can purchase or rent it on various streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
Conclusion
"17 Again" is a light-hearted teen comedy that explores themes of family, friendship, and second chances. With its relatable characters and witty dialogue, it's a fun watch for anyone looking for a feel-good movie.
