13 Going On 30 is a charming film

Several years ago we had a spate of films about children and/or adults who had to endure suddenly finding themselves as older or younger.

Fri, 06 Aug, 2004 - 18:13

13 Going On 30

Director: Gary Winick

Cast: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis, Christa B. Allen

Cert: 12.

Several years ago we had a spate of films about children and/or adults who had to endure suddenly finding themselves as older or younger. By and large they were successful since, one supposes, all kids wonder what it’s like being grown-up and grown-ups hanker after their long-gone childhood.

Here, in a slight if often quite charming film, we have Jenna celebrating her birthday back in 1987. She finds herself transformed into a 30-year-old - the film explains how - and, with no memory of the ‘lost’ 17 years, she sets out to find out what happened.

There is nothing innovative or truly clever about the film - an opportunity thrown away - yet it isn’t a complete wash-out. At best it is a charming, almost sweet, tale and Garner does shine as the bemused girl-woman. Winick, perhaps personally bereft of originally, lets his cast get on with things and they emerge on the right side, just.

Star Rating: 3/5