17 Again. Directed by Burr Steers. (DVD). ISBN: 9781419873843. Studio: New Line Home Entertainment. Burbank, CA : Distributed by Warner Home Video. 2009.
Plot Summary
At the start of the movie, star basketball player Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron) is playing in the 1989 high-school championship game. He has a chance at a college basketball scholarship and his future is looking bright. During a break in the game his girlfriend Scarlett (Allison Miller) tells him that she is pregnant. Mike decides to abandon his future dreams of becoming a basketball star and leaves the game and proposes to Scarlett. Flash-forward 20 years to Mike (Matthew Perry) whose life is now in ruins: Scarlett has left him, his kids hate him, and he quits his job. Mike is full of regrets about never pursuing his dreams. Mike finds himself at his daughter's high school reminiscing about the past when he runs into a janitor (Brian Doyle Murray) who has the power to transform Mike back into his 17-year old self. Mike takes this as a sign to relive his past and possibly change his future for the better. He enrolls in his children's school and joins the basketball team. He soon realizes his kids have problems of their own and that maybe his life isn't such a bad thing after all.
Critical Evaluation
This is a sweet, funny, and easy to watch film. It deals with topics such as regret, family relationships, and love. The movie does take an uncomfortable turn when Mike goes back to high school and befriends his teenage daughter. She doesn't know that he is actually the teenage version of her father and ends up being attracted to him in more ways than one. Other than the cringe-worthy scenes between father and daughter, the film is a lighthearted and fun. It's definitely not Oscar winning by any means but a great comedy for the whole family nonetheless.
Reader's Annotation
Mike (Matthew Perry) is an adult whose life is falling apart. He gets a second chance at life when he is magically transformed into his 17-year old self (Zac Efron) and attends high school again.
About the Director
Burr Steers is an American actor, screenwriter, and director. He has appeared in films such as Pulp Fiction, The Last Days of Disco, and Fix. Steers wrote and directed Igby Goes Down in 2002. He has directed episodes of the television shows Weeds, The L Word, and Big Love.
Genre
DVD, Humor, Romance
Curriculum Ties
None
Discussion Ideas
1) Would you go back in time in order to get a second chance at something?
2) Have you ever had regrets and did you learn from them?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 13+
Challenge Issues
Mild language
References to sex
Challenge defense ideas
-PG-13 rating
Why Included in Titles Selected
Stars popular actor Zac Efron from the High School Musical movies
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