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Home > Movies > Reviews > 2009

17 Again
Review by Lisa Ann Cockrel | posted 4/17/2009

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Thomas Lennon as Ned

Most people have at least fantasized about what they would change if they could live certain parts of their lives over again. 17 Again indulges that fantasy and offers its own fantasy—that you wouldn't want to change a thing, even if you could. And more importantly to this target audience, you get to watch Zac Efron be the hero of it all.

Next on Efron's plate? A film called Me and Orson Welles with indie icon Richard Linklater. And if, in 25 years, Zac's working steadily, getting acting award nominations here and there, and adopting children from countries around the world, just remember, I totally called it.

Talk About It

Discussion starters

The sex ed teacher said that it's unrealistic to expect high school seniors to abstain from sex. Do you agree with this attitude? Why or why not?
Do you think Mike should have married Scarlet at such a young age? Why or why not? What were the other options? Did he "throw his life away"?
If you could be 17 again, what would you want to do differently?

The Family Corner

For parents to consider

17 Again is rated PG-13 for language, some sexual material and teen partying. There is mild language throughout and depictions of teens trashing a house (alcohol is implied, but not shown). And though the movie doesn't seem overwhelmingly about sex and there is no explicit content, innuendo is pervasive throughout the movie. Also, though the "magic" aspect of Mike's transformation isn't explored, the transformation is chalked up to the work of a "spirit guide."

Photos © Copyright Warner Brothers

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[Reader Reviews]

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person

Posted: June 12, 2009 3:01 PM

After reading several reviews, i must say that i was hesitant to go see this movie. I saw it and there was quite a bit of sexual content, but when you think about it, seriously, this is the stuff the people my age are exposed to every day. Granted, there were parts that i wished that I had not seen, but there were many uplifting parts about it too. it really did show the value of good family relations. this movie was like real life. people go through the troubles and situations expressed in the movei all the time. overall i thought it was a good movie; however, i would not want small children to see it. 17 again presented the choices in life and also showed the concequences of bad choices.

Realistic Dad

Posted: May 22, 2009 9:38 AM

As a Christian dad who believes no adolescent is more at risk than the naive who have been shielded from reality and bullied into following rules by their parents...I was more than fine with the content in the movie. They need to know that sex makes babies and that the sex act itself is way overrated and that there are many other ways to feel loved and validated and cherished than through sex. It was pretty tame, actually, and the overall message was pretty good. Not great, but pretty good. Kids are going to make their own decisions at some point and the sooner they are allowed to think for themselves, the better. I don't want my kids saying no (to whatever) because I told them so. I want them to say no because that's their decision. Heed the rating (PG 13, as in THIRTEEN).

Jasperinlove

Posted: May 19, 2009 2:48 PM

intheworldnotoftheworld you need to get a life!!!! if you think this film is not for anyone to watch then don't watch any movie don't watch TV dont use a computer in fact.... don't live a single little tinny bite of life! get over and life life... this film was great and for once they are promoting no sex out of marriage... Freak man!! People like you is the reason people don't want to be Christians... sorry for being so straight forward!!! GOSH!!!