17 Again
Plot
"17 Again" is a 2009 American comedy film directed by Burr Steers and written by Jason Filardi. The film centers around 37-year-old Mike O'Donnell (played by Matthew Perry), who becomes 17 again (played by Zac Efron) after a chance accident. The film explores themes of regret, second chances, and the difficulties of adolescence.
The film begins in 1989, where Mike O'Donnell, a high school basketball star, walks away from his final game to be with his pregnant girlfriend, Scarlett. Fast forward to the present day, Mike's life is not as he imagined. He is separated from Scarlett, living with his geeky and wealthy best friend Ned, and estranged from his two children, Maggie and Alex.
One day, while visiting his old high school, Mike encounters a mysterious janitor. After rescuing the janitor from a vortex, Mike is transformed back into his 17-year-old self. With Ned posing as his father, Mike enrolls back into high school to live the life he missed out on.
As he navigates high school, Mike begins to realize that his glory days weren't as great as he remembered. He reconnects with his children, helps his son gain confidence, and his daughter realize her boyfriend is not right for her. He also tries to reconnect with Scarlett, who is planning to finalize their divorce.
The movie concludes with Mike realizing that his life as an adult was not as bad as he thought. He confesses his true identity to Scarlett, and they reconcile. The janitor reappears and transforms Mike back into his adult self. The film ends with Mike and Scarlett renewing their wedding vows, and Mike finally being content with his life.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast, including Zac Efron as 17-year-old Mike, Matthew Perry as adult Mike, and Leslie Mann as Scarlett. The supporting cast includes Thomas Lennon as Ned, Michelle Trachtenberg as Maggie, and Sterling Knight as Alex.
Production
"17 Again" was produced by Offspring Entertainment and distributed by New Line Cinema. The film was shot in various locations in Los Angeles, including the historic John Marshall High School. The film's soundtrack includes music from various artists, including The Kooks, Cat Stevens, and Santigold.
Reception
Upon its release, "17 Again" received mixed reviews from critics. However, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $136 million worldwide against a budget of $40 million. The film's success is often attributed to the performance of Zac Efron, who was praised for his comedic timing and charm.
Legacy
Despite its mixed critical reception, "17 Again" has gained a cult following over the years. The film is often cited as one of the better entries in the body-swap genre. It has also been praised for its exploration of adolescence and the concept of second chances.