HTF BLU-RAY REVIEW: 17 AGAIN

17 AGAIN
 

Release Date: August 11, 2009

The Movie
( ½ out of )

17 Again is an entertaining variation in the mind transfer to different body story that we have seen before in films like Freaky Friday, Peggy Sue Got Married, and The Hot Chick. Although 17 Again is not the best example of this genre, it is not the worst either. This reviewer went in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised to find a moderately entertaining film. (How can you not like a romantic comedy that has a light-saber duel as well as multiple references to Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings?)

Matthew Perry plays Mike O’Donnell, a thirty-something parent who has failed to live up to his expectations in life. Mike is failing in his job, in his marriage to high school sweetheart Scarlett (Leslie Mann), and in his role as a father to Alex (Sterling Knight) and Maggie (Michelle Trachtenberg). Just when Mike is at his lowest point, he finds himself transformed into his 17 year old self (Zac Efron). With the help of his geeky and rich friend Ned (Thomas Lennon), Mike enrolls in the same high school attended by his children. Mike is convinced that his transformation is intended so that he can help his children in their difficulties. Mike befriends his son Alex and helps him in pursuing his goals. Along the way, Mike learns some life lessons that may help him in salvaging his marriage and his career.

The story is helped along by the entertaining subplot in which Mike’s friend Ned, who is pretending to be Mike’s father, is making his best efforts to romance high school principal Jane Masterson (Melora Hardin). Ned’s lame efforts at seduction produce some of the most amusing moments in the film.
 

Video

( 1/2 out of )

The movie is in 1080p high definition in a 2.40:1 screen aspect ratio. One would not expect this type of film to have exceptional video quality. Like the film itself, the video quality here exceeds expectations. Screen images are sharp with minimal grain and no apparent DNR or edge enhancement. There are several outdoor scenes that really show off the high-def capabilities of Blu-Ray.

Audio

( out of )

The English TrueHD 5.1 audio track makes fine use of music and ambient noise for sound effects. Dialogue tracks do not get overwhelmed by the ample use of rear speakers for music and traffic noises.
 

Special Features
 

( 1/2  out of )

The special features are located exclusively on Disc 1. Disc 2 contains a digital copy for transfer to portable media device as well as a standard DVD version of the film.

The special features are all in 1080p and include all of the following:

"Way Cool" Tell All Trivia Track: This option plays during the feature with pop-up windows periodically displaying trivia regarding various aspects of the film.

Zac Goes Back(12:32): Cast and crew talk about making of the film.

Going Back to 17(3:12): Cast members talk very briefly about their high school experiences.

Character Outtakes(3:24): Flubs and gags by the cast members while filming.

Zac’s Dance Flashback(2:10): Brief featurette about a dance sequence cut from the final version of the film.

Deleted Scenes(16:07): Some deleted scenes and expanded versions of scenes that remained in the film.

BD-Live enabled players also have access to a commentary by Zac Efron, Zac Attacks, and Tom Lennon and Melora Hardin Unfiltered. As stated earlier, Tom Lennon’s efforts as Ned to seduce the school principal is one of the best things in this film.
 

Conclusion
( 1/2 out of )

17 Again is a moderately entertaining romantic comedy. While it may not be a critical darling, it succeeds to entertain for the most part. If you do not have high expectations, like this reviewer, you will probably be in for a pleasant surprise.