With the help of some magic wishing dust, 13-year-old Jenna Rink (Garner) becomes 30 and gorgeous overnight, with everything she ever wanted, except for her best friend Matt (Ruffalo). Now this grown woman must create some magic of her own to help the little girl inside find the true love she left behind.

CRITIQUE

Jenna Rink is tired of being a teenager – the wrong friends, parents, school. She wants to be “thirty, flirty and thriving.” With the help of some magic wishing dust, that’s exactly what she gets. She goes to sleep in 1987 and wakes up in 2004, knowing nothing of where she lives, modern conveniences, or who the strange man in her shower is. The last 17 years have gone by without her, and she has awoken with everything she ever wanted.

Comparisons to Big, Vice Versa, or the more recent Freaky Friday are unavoidable, but 13 Going on 30 does not dwell on the conceit of an adult being inhabited by a kid. This film is more about Jenna’s efforts to get the struggling magazine she works for back to the realm of high circulation it had previously occupied, and trying to reconnect with Matt, her childhood friend.

As we come to find out, Jenna has become quite a different person in the last 17 years. She stopped talking to Matt after her 13th birthday party, her secretary is afraid of her, and she learns that as an editor she is duplicitous and back biting, something she could never imagined for herself. The focus is less on being a kid in an adult’s body (or the other way around), but on being thrust into the world before one is prepared. Jenna is 30 before she knows it, and she cannot fathom how she got there. This is much more an adult theme than one that might appeal to younger viewers.

The cast is terrific, starting with Garner, who is as charming as ever. Mark Ruffalo and Andy Serkis handle their characters well, as both could have easily overacted and made the performances too over-the-top. Judy Greer is hilarious as the friend who may be anything but. All in the cast are clearly having fun and aiming to please. 13 Going On 30 makes a great date movie, good for teens and adults.

THE VIDEO

13 Going on 30 is presented in its original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio. The picture is crisp, with all color levels being well translated. This is an uncharacteristically pristine transfer.

THE AUDIO

This film is presented in 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, both in English and French language tracks. The sound is crisp, with a good range throughout. This is a solid presentation.

THE EXTRAS

The bonus material on this disc is quite extensive. There are better films that don’t get near this kind of treatment.

Director’s commentary: Director Winick (Tadpole) talks about how the film came to be, and his transition from making low-budget indie films to big budget Hollywood productions.

Producer’s commentary: Producers Susan Arnold and Donna Arkoff Roth talk about their experiences on the film and how certain decisions were made.

18 deleted and extended scenes: Some of these are more interesting than others.  It is clear why most of them were cut.

Blooper reel: The cast flubbing their lines and having fun on the set.

“I Was A Teenage Geek” featurette: A look at the cast in their high school years.  This is a fun feature.

The making of 13 Going On 30: A behind-the-scenes look at how the film came to be and how the cast was chosen.

Pat Benetar’s “Love Is A Battlefield” and Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl” music videos: The original 80’s videos for two songs that are prominently featured in the movie.

The 80’s Outfit Challenge: A game where the object is to put together the best 80’s outfit.

“Then and Now”: A game where you match modern conveniences to their 80’s counterparts.  Both games are fun to play.

Video Gallery: Behind-the-scenes photos of the cast and crew.

FINAL THOUGHTS

13 Going on 30 is a fun movie that can be enjoyed by adults and younger viewers alike. The charm of this cast elevates the familiar material and makes it enjoyable to watch. The detailed bonus materials make this disc definitely worth checking out.