Today’s quick review: 13 Going on 30. After a wish on her 13th birthday, Jenna Rink (Christa B. Allen) wakes up in the body of her 30-year-old self (Jennifer Garner). Jenna soon finds out that she got her dream job as a magazine editor and leads the glamorous life she always wanted. But when Jenna realizes that her personal life is a mess, she sets out to reconnect with Matt (Mark Ruffalo), her former best friend, and make things right.
13 Going on 30 is a romantic comedy about a teenage girl who wakes up as her adult self. Jenna must figure out how to be a grown-up, navigate the disorienting world of the future, and fix all the things her adult self broke in pursuit of her career. 13 Going on 30 features a charming premise, light humor, and a spirited performance from Jennifer Garner. All of this is enough to make it a charming watch for the right audience.
13 Going on 30 perfectly captures the feel of a teenager living out an adult’s life. Jenna marvels at her newfound freedom, listens to her favorite bands from the 80s, shies away from dating, and approaches every interaction with a sunny optimism. Her innocence is refreshing, and it meshes well with the clues that her 30-year-old self is manipulative and cruel. She’s also balanced out well by Matt, who grew into a kind but reserved man.
13 Going on 30’s main drawback is that it skews a little childish. The tone is light and family-friendly, apart from one or two explicit jokes. The plot lacks any real substance, revolving around Jenna’s attempts to fix her life and her belated realization that she has feelings for Matt. And while Jenna’s teenage attitude is a ray of light in the cutthroat world she lives in, the movie makes it a little too easy for her to succeed.
13 Going on 30 is a fun popcorn watch for those in the mood for a light comedy with a dash of romance. The premise is simple and effective, the acting is enthusiastic, and the jokes are entertaining if not necessarily brilliant. 13 Going on 30 will not be for everyone, but its strengths make it worth a watch for anyone who likes joyful comedy.
For another romantic comedy about a woman trying to reconcile her teenage dreams with her grown-up reality, try Peggy Sue Got Married. For a comedy with a similar premise, check out Big. For one where a mother and daughter change places, try Freaky Friday. For a more mature comedy about a man given another chance to choose love over his career, try The Family Man. For a fantasy comedy about a man skipping through his life, try Click.
[6.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337563/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a charming premise and an upbeat tone.