13 Going on 30 (2004)

13 Going on 30 (2004)

7/10

Starring

Jennifer Garner

Mark Ruffalo

Judy Greer

Andy Serkis

Directed by Gary Winick

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of rewatching a movie you loved when you were younger—especially if it still hits the right spots now. That’s exactly how I felt watching 13 Going on 30 again. The nostalgia had a tight grip on me throughout the entire film.

This movie stars Jennifer Garner as the 30-year-old lead and was directed by the late Gary Winick. Garner was outstanding in this role, and the plot is simple to follow, which is one of the film’s strengths. What’s truly admirable is the humor and how it’s delivered. It’s not over-the-top or absurd, like someone completely out of place struggling to grasp their situation. At the same time, it’s not so straightforward that the character immediately understands everything. As the movie unfolds, we see more of who Jenna has become at 30 and the surprises that come with it.

The plot revolves around a young girl named Jenna Rink, who dreams of working at Vogue and will do anything to be part of the popular crowd. She hates being young and can’t wait to grow up and take control of her life. She doesn’t seem to appreciate her current life, including her best friend Matt, who has feelings for her but keeps them hidden. On her 13th birthday, Matt builds her a beautiful dollhouse and sprinkles it with what he calls “magic wishing dust.” Unfortunately, Jenna’s party takes a turn for the worse.

Jenna invites the popular girls to her party, and they agree to come—but only if she does their homework. She complies, and they show up, but they trick her into thinking the boy she has a crush on (whom they brought to the party) is going to kiss her. They tell her to wait in the closet blindfolded, but instead, they take all the food and leave with the completed homework. Matt finds Jenna in the closet, and when she realizes it’s him and not her crush, she freaks out. She chases him away, closes the door, and wishes she were 30. Unbeknownst to her, the magic dust on the dollhouse turns out to be real.

The next thing we know, Jenna wakes up 17 years later as a 30-year-old woman with the mind of a 13-year-old. She has everything she ever dreamed of and more, but being popular and successful comes with its downsides, which Jenna now has to face.

The movie prides itself on its amazing delivery, and every minute feels like a nostalgic experience—as if someone from the ’70s were dropped into the present day. It was a commercial success and received positive reviews from critics. It’s one of those movies that, if it’s on TV, you can’t help but sit through it again. The time isn’t wasted, as you get to relive Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of star-crossed lovers who get a second chance.

13 Going on 30 is one of those movies I can imagine getting a remake in the distant future. But I hope any remake can hold a candle to this 2004 masterpiece of humor and heart.