Trivia track, Zac goes back, outtakes, going back to 17, additional scenes, flashback

17 Again is directed by Burr Steers, and stars Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Michelle Trachtenberg, Rosemary Harris, Brian Doyle-Murray, and Thomas Lennon. ***

Mike O’Donnell had the perfect life when he was finishing high school. He was an all-around cool guy with a bright future and a potential athletic career. But he decided to do the honorable thing and give it all up when he discovered that he had impregnated his girlfriend, so that he could marry her. 20 years later, his life is hell. Two ungrateful kids, dead-end job, and his relationship falling apart. But through a strange set of circumstances, he reverts to his 17-year-old self – and has a chance to do things all over again in the present day. ***

I didn’t come in to 17 Again expecting much of a movie. After all, this is a premise that has been done to death in slightly different form for as long as movies have existed. But the film comes off as a pleasant surprise in the end. Not a masterpiece, but I can honestly say, due in no small part to the all-star cast, I enjoyed this film. ***

By far the best thing about 17 Again is its cast. Sure, the packaging and the trailers stress the fact that Zac Efron is in the movie, obviously wanting to cash in on his success from the High School Musical franchise. And while he does give a damn good performance here, it’s the rest of the cast that makes the movie work. The real stand-out amongst the supporting cast is Thomas Lennon of Reno 911 fame, who plays the “best friend” figure. The fact that the movie has some sharp writing and is well-paced and directed doesn’t hurt either. 17 Again is a solid film from start to finish, and is easily one of the best movies to cover this premise that this reviewer has seen in quite some time. ---

Image and Sound:

Given the film’s nature as a comedy, 17 Again looks and sounds pretty damn good. Usually you don’t see the film companies making much of an effort to make comedies look good, but this proves to be an exception. There are no negative anomalies in the picture, and it’s a bright, clear and detailed image throughout. Audio fares just as well, mostly being a dialogue-laden front-heavy affair, but there are a few scenes here and there that will give the rear speakers a workout as well.

There is an average amount of supplements on the disc which will appeal to fans. Most of these are behind-the-scenes featurettes with the cast and crew, which will appeal to fans. Also included are 15 minutes worth of extra scenes and some hilarious outtakes. Not the most extras-packed disc on the market, but it’s still a solid package.

Final Words: