17 Again MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -2

Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, Melora Hardin, Sterling Knight and Michelle Trachtenberg. Comedy. Written by Jason Filardi. Directed by Burr Steers.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Mike O’Donnell (Matthew Perry) is on the brink of losing his wife, kids and job and longs to relive his life as a star basketball player some18 years ago. He seeks sanctuary with his high school friend, Ned (Thomas Lennon), a nerd who has become a successful computer wizard. Mike’s dream suddenly becomes true and he finds himself (Zac Efron) back in high school, attending classes with his two teenage children, Maggie (Michelle Trachtenber) and Alex (Sterling Knight). Only Ned knows about his friend’s bizarre transformation and hilariously poses as Mike’s father. Billed as a teen comedy, 17 Again laughs come mostly from Ned. His attempts to win the affection of the high school principal (Melora Hardin) are funny.

PREVIEW REVIEW: There’s nothing realistic about the story, and watching the former husband in teenage persona romancing his unsuspecting 37-year-old wife Scarlet (Leslie Mann) may offend adults and teens. Teen sex is a given according to the health class teacher, who passes out condoms to the students. Mike is mortified to find out his daughter is planning to give up a scholarship to live with her obnoxious boyfriend who is the bully making his son’s life miserable. How Mike makes it his mission to counsel students on the consequences of their reckless behavior gives the movie some substance. Can this “reborn” teenager be both a father and peer as he witnesses the hazards Alex and Maggie face in a world of sex, bullies and blatant disrespect? Painting all teens with the same brush as immoral, undisciplined and uncaring isn’t realistic or fair. They deserve better.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Warner Bros.