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Movie: 13 Going on 30
Most girls can say that we experienced those awkward years in junior year where we strived to be accepted in the popular crowd. We would try our best to look exactly like those models in Teen Beat magazine because that's exactly what the popular girls did. Hair, make-up, clothes- everything had to be perfect on the cool kids on school. We always thought these kids were flawless. So, we'd work so hard to fit into these cliques that we often shafted a loyal friend who truly accepted you for being yourself. In 13 Going on 30, Jenna (Jennifer Garner) is hosting her 13th party in her basement with the popular kids and her best friend on the guest list. Her best friend leaves the party to retrieve an item from his house while the popular crew takes over the party. One of the girls suggests a game of "Seven Minutes in Heaven." Jenna, naively, agrees to play the game. The girl convinces Jenna to be the first to play by confirming that the cutest boy at school would be the guy to join her in the closet for the make out session. Once she is in the closet, the girls lock her in, steal her food, and leave from the party to go drink beer. While in the closet, Jenna makes a wish...to be all grown up.
The next day, she wakes up to find she is now 30 years old. While dazed from the overnight transition, Jenna discovers that she lives in the city, works her dream job as an executive at Poise magazine, and dates a famous hockey player. We follow her around the city as she is ecstatic about her seeing her dream becoming a reality; yet, as the movie goes on, she begins to see her popular self in a not so flattering way. She has gotten everything she could ever want by sacrificing the people that meant the most to her. Jenna soon realizes that fame and popularity are nothing in comparison to the value of family, friends, and respect. After seeing her negative lifestyle, she is determined to change her life around for the better. She, then, searches for her parents and her best friend, Matt. When she returns home, her parents forgive her for losing contact. But, when she finds Matt, she learns that Matt diverged down a completely different road. He is now approaching his final days of being an eligible bachelor. He really has no time for a best friend. Although the future marriage creates tension, Jenna tries to patch things up with their friendship. She asks for his assistance to help her re-invent Poise magazine to save the company. As the two spend more time together, Jenna sees just how important Matt really means to her. But, is it too late to rekindle their friendship?
I will stop there to prevent giving away significant plot points even though the movie is pretty predictable. I had expected this movie to be more humorous than it was. Although, the cute, silly scenes often made up for the lack of humor. I think audiences will enjoy this movie because of the themes of value, time, and love are emphasized in such an uplifting way. It's definitely a movie to make you reflect on your own life. You will walk out of the theater wanting to be unique as well as cherish the times you have with your friends and family. Don't be surprised if you find yourself shedding a tear when Matt and Jenna are having a deep conversation upstairs minutes before Matt's wedding. The scene is very intense to the emotional audience members (including me!). As far as who you should take with you to see this movie, I can't recommend a particular person to share the moment with. Everyone can benefit from seeing this movie. Jennifer does a brilliant job with acting 13 in a 30 year old body. If you're in the mood to live vicariously through a character whose philosophy is staying young at heart, this is the movie you will want to see.
Click here for the Official Movie website
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