I loved this movie, it reminded me of "Vice Versa", "16 Again", etc... I love movies with a magical quality to them. This movie has Zac Efron and Matthew Perry, a perfect combination. It has a family quality to the movie. I love how Zac Efron playing the younger Mike is sweet but tries to keep his daughter from making a big mistake. I also like how they play the angle with the mother/wife without being grossed out. It teaches us that sometimes what we think we might would like to change, it's always more correct if given the opportunity to change. My favorite part is when he tries to romance the wife/mother, but she thinks it's her daughter friend. Also, the best friend is a funny in this movie, he takes it to an extreme with some of his hi-jinx. I would recommend this movie.

In the year of 1989, Mike O'Donnell is a burgeoning basketball stud at high school with the chance for a lucrative future. He gives it all up at 17 years old during the biggest game of his life to take care of his pregnant girlfriend and get married. Years later, their marriage falls apart because Mike whines incessantly about the life he was supposed to have. Scarlet decides to leave him and Mike's life falls apart. Even his kids seem to dislike him. During a visit to his old high school, a mysterious janitor gives Mike the opportunity to be 17 again. Mike ends up taking it and wakes up the next morning as his 17-year-old self. Mike begins to realize that his old life wasn't so bad after all. This was never going to contend for any Oscars, but it was freaking cute! It isn't all that original either. While it is derived from better films, this movie has a charm of its own and hooks you in from the beginning. This movie is aimed for the younger generation, but I feel adults can enjoy this one as well! I wouldn't necessarily call this a family film. There are some disturbing things in this movie! There are slight hints at incest (The storyline between Efron & Trachtenberg is rather creepy, because they are father and daughter) Watching Mike hit on an older Scarlett is a bit inappropriate as well. That being said, It came across as genuine and it's pretty hard to resist. I also questioned how SO MANY people didn't figure out that it was Mike as his younger self. He acts just like him and looks EXACTLY like him. There is a photo in the school hallway with Mike and his basketball team! I'm also positive that Mike would have shown his kids what he looked like when he was younger. I find it hard to believe that a hunk like Efron would look like Matthew Perry as an adult! It's very implausible, but just go with it. It's filled with clever jokes and genuine heart that is hard to find in Hollywood these days. That's why I was happy to put my disbelief aside. Performances are solid. Zac Efron is absolutely winning! He looks to be having fun and loaded with charisma. Hopefully he stays away from substance abuse. The man is talented! Matthew Perry is fun as his older counterpart! He's a tad miscast, but Perry's charisma manages to overcome that. It was nice to see him in a big role. His patented sarcasm is always welcome with me. Leslie Mann is sexy and enjoyable as Scarlett. I wouldn't call her great, but she was entertaining to watch. Thomas Lennon is alternately annoying and amusing as Mike's best friend. Michelle Trachtenberg is cute and a bit creepy in her role, especially in the second half. The ending is typically happy and predictable, but that wasn't a bad thing in this case. It's something I wanted. It's just a great message that proves you should be happy with the good choices that you've made and they've happened for a reason. I enjoy sentimentality, so I dug this movie. It's a little weird at times, but I had a good time. You can try to resist it all you want, but any right person won't be able to. It's just a fun movie that doesn't try to be anything else! I need that sometimes.6.8/10

The storyline and majority of this movie was great and appropriate for both adults and children, even families, taking into consideration the few sexual references and scenes that trailed within the film. Overall, the high school theme was greatly portrayed, bringing both the late 80's generation and current 21st century in a smart and effective combination, in a manner that can bring a variety of audiences together to appreciate this movie and what it has to bring in countless ways. How past and present collide, along with the key aspects of family values and the responsibility that comes with being a father or a mother, this symbolism is shown greatly through the perspective of the father. The only down-fall i could really pickup on was the character chosen to play the older and present version of Mike O'Donnell, who i believe has no similar characteristics that provide any resemblance to Zac Efron (the younger version and on the most part, main character) or the either way around in Zac's case. But apart from that, his best friend was absolutely hilarious, and the conclusion to the film was very touching and brought out my emotions. This may be a comedy, but hey…bring tissues if your a sucker for a corny yet oddly unpredictable ending. Never underestimate the power of just an ordinary high school setting, as ironic and cliché it may sound, I guess that's the beauty of movies…they just capture you within the moment. I know for fact this movie did exactly that for me, I hope it does for you.

If it's got Zac Efron, I avoid it. Its a pretty solid rule. But this rule is broken for 17 Again. He is actually pretty damn good in it, especially in one particular scene. And makes me reconsider his position as a good actor who's cursed with good looks and fallen into the heartthrob ring of bad movies.But I digress. Back to the film, most 'time-travel'/ 'second chance' films are pretty bad, but this is a great watch to me. Its got a great cast all round. Matthew Perry fits perfectly for the role as does a very underrated Leslie Mann. The kids seem like up and comers too. The plot is very interesting and plays on the emotional side more than you would think. The characters/actors make the laughs come and move the story along. Definitely worth a watch whenever its on.