Review of 13 Going on 30 (2004) by Caitlin L — 15 Dec 2014

Review In A Nutshell:

Everyone has those set of films that they have encountered in their youth that stick with them in a positive light even after one has grown so much in emotional and physical maturity. 13 Going on 30, better titled in Australia as Suddenly 30, was a film that I encountered nearly on a daily basis during my days in primary school as my young sister was mesmerized by it, finding an amazing role model to cling onto, hoping that when she becomes older she would also find success in the realm of fashion and still retain that sense of innocence and virtue. I latched onto these films for different reasons; I found myself heavily attracted to Jennifer Garner and the character she plays, a girl who has a bubbly and uncorrupted quality that makes her so damn infectious. Now, I am 20 years old, and seeing this film once again has brought back these emotions and still managed to be charming and romantically sweet.

The film deals with the ideas of choice, direction and how both affect the outcomes of the future. Jenna Rink, the film's protagonist is a girl who aspires to be part of the hottest cliques in their school and is willing to be wrapped around the group's fingers in order to just get her foot in the door. Her close friendship with Matt has allowed her to become grounded and innocent, but an eventful birthday party has pushed her into wishing to be a woman that is thirty, flirty and thriving. After the establishes its premise, it becomes a wonderful adventure of success and glamor, while also touching on contemplation of past decisions and how it affects one's personal relationships; finding the positives and the negatives that come with it.

13 Going On 30 is not an ambitious film but it manages to execute its tone so perfectly that it is difficult to not be charmed by it. Combine this with Jennifer Garner's vibrant and cute quality of her performance, and what we get is something beautiful and fun. It is an entertaining film that understands its flaws and tweaks them to turn them into strengths.

My personal sense of nostalgia will forever keep this film a guilty pleasure of mine, but I do not expect others to feel the same way. 13 Going On 30 is one of the few films that I could endlessly quote and reference.