13 Going On 30 (2004)
Also known as "Suddenly 30"
For some, 13 feels like it was just yesterday. For Jenna, it was.
Starring: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis, Kathy Baker, Phil Reevs, Samuel Ball, Marcia De Bonis, Christa B. Allen, Sean Marquette, Kiersten Warren, Joe Grifasi, Mary Pat Gleason, Susan Egan, Lynne Collins
Director: Gary Winick
Running Time: 98 minutes
US MPAA rating: PG-13UK BBFC rating: 12a
Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
If you go to see '13 Going on 30' hoping for a kiddy-adult transformation flick to match 'Big', chances are you'll be disappointed. Sixteen years on from its release, Big is still the best of the body-swap-type movies by quite some distance, and in this reviewer's opinion remains Tom Hanks' finest piece of live action work. But there's little denying that this latest spin on the idea manages to produce a little bit of warmth and charm all of its own.
It's not quite a remake of Big, for two obvious reasons. For one thing, lead character Jenna - as you might be able to guess from the name - is a girlie (played at first by Christa B. Allen and then, for the most part, by Jennifer 'Alias' iGarner). Secondly, there's a time-skipping aspect to this one. Jenna doesn't just wake up one day aged 30 - she literally leaps 17 years into the future, with the effect that everyone she knows is suddenly all grown-up as well.
It also has to be said that the guys making these sorts of films seem to be putting less and less thought into how the age change actually comes about. In Big, we had the creepy Zoltar machine. In 'Vice-Versa' an ancient mystical skull was used. Even Freaky Fiday managed to come up with a mad old Chinese bird who was going about placing hexes on people. What do we have here? "Wishing dust", apparently bought from a regular common-or-garden store. Hell, they could at least have gone to the effort of calling it "Oriental wishing dust".
Anyway, as you can probably guess, 13-year-old Jenna wishes she was 30-year-old Jenna, and hey presto - she is. Of course, she soon discovers adult life has its own problems, such as she's turned into a complete battle-axe who nobody likes. That includes childhood chum Matt (first Sean Marquette, and then Mark Ruffalo), who gave up on fancying her years ago and has since gotten engaged to a TV weather-gal (Lynn Collins). Cue blossoming love story…
In terms of actual comedy, there's a bit of a gulf here. What few chuckle-out-loud moments there are you'll already have seen in the trailer, and the rest of the dialogue is pretty weak stuff. What saves the film is Garner. Despite a lack of previous comedy experience, her infectious enthusiasm often carries the project, and there's a believable chemistry between her and leading man Ruffalo. The result is a movie with a dearth of laughs, but bags of spirit.
It's Got: Plenty of opportunities for 80s nostalgia, be it gazing longingly into Rick Springfield's 'Jessie's Girl' video or getting in line for some 'Thriller' dancing.
It Needs: To have put a little more thought into the actual moments of transformation - and perhaps give us a less hurried ending.
Alternatives: Big, Freaky Friday, The Hot Chick
Summary: Likeable but uninspiring, it'll be most memorable for exposing Jennifer Garner's potential as a rom-com lead - so expect to be sick of the sight of her within five years!
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 9th August 2004
External Links
Official Web Site
13 Going On 30 at the IMDB
Comments55 Comments |
| Ed: SPOILER WARNING - If you don't want to know the ending don't read this! I.m lia from Indonesia. i think i'm crazy about this movie. The love story between jena and mat, and the happy ending. i like watch when they married and mat take a picture when they kiss (ooh my God) I wish i have a wedding like that and a man like mat. this a good story and the player is so relax and very good. Jenifer and Mark you're the best. I always think about the movie everyday. Alot of word to saying but its very hard to describe. |
| Comment by:- Lia | | 15 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| Oh my god! I've seen this movie a total of 7 times. There is just something great about this movie. However, many of my friends disliked it... I think its a love-hate movie. See it though! |
| Comment by:- Fiona | | 16 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| Really a good movie to watch!!!Good picture to see!!I think i've a crush with Matt n i really want to be Jenna!!=) Bravo!!! |
| Comment by:- Frida | | 25 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| Hi I m from Poland and I ve just seen this film. it really make me more sensitive. the true love won:)i m sorry that this story isnt posible in our life... you must see it!!!if you enjoy it, please mail to me.i will answer for your opinion:)greatings |
| Comment by:- gabi | | 28 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| jen garner is the best actress....i have ALL the alias dvd's |
| Comment by:- stacey | | 29 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| I just finished watching the movie..like 10 minutes ago, and I loved it, it just made you feel good in the end, I was in the mood for that. Although in real life thing could not be that way, it atleast felt like it for a moment. I overall loved it, rent it today and go watch it!!!!!! |
| Comment by:- Happy | www.movie-gazette.com/cinerevi... | 29 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!JEN GARNER IS THE BEST! |
| Comment by:- Calise | | 29 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| all i wanted to do was read a review of this movie before i made up my mind on whether or not i should go see it as i won tickets and it is a very cold night and i am only goig if it is worthwhile. i came to this site for the review and POP i read the comments and POP i found out the ending. im not very satisfied, i would never give away an ending to those who only know the begining. a message to you all, LET OTHERS FIND OUT FOR THEMSELVES OR DONT LET THEM FIND OUT AT ALL!!! |
| Comment by:- Tielle | none/ | 30 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| i agree with Tielle!! DONT TELL OTHERS THE ENDING!! i think it ruins this movie for everyone! i was going to go and see it with some of my friends but i don't think i will now that i know what happens!! THANX TO U ALL :( |
| Comment by:- annoyed!! | | 30 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| LOVE JENNA!!!!!!!!!!!! great movie all round. really fell in love with jenna. great story line gets my 10 stars |
| Comment by:- chris | | 31 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| This Film Is Fantastic and Whether you know the ending or not, you should watch it. From an 11yr old. |
| Comment by:- DooDabbyDee | | 31 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| i give it a BIG 10 OUT OF 10 |
| Comment by:- carrieann | | 31 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| hi my names kirk ithink jenna is so fit |
| Comment by:- kirk | | 31 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| I Really Loved the the film i would give 10 out of 10 all the times that i watch it . Its defently my favioute film of all time |
| Comment by:- Sarah Hodgson | ip:logged | 04 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| Its really good , its lively,its a love film its funny |
| Comment by:- Tom Hodgson | ip: Logged | 04 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| Its crap its gay its corny and i hate it i would put 0 out of 10 |
| Comment by:- Jack Hodgson | ip:logged | 04 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| I havent Seen it yet but it looks great and funny |
| Comment by:- kayla | www.movie-gazette.com... | 05 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| the movie was extremely entertaining, funny, heartwarming, and just so beautiful romantic comedy. jennifer garner did a great job along with the other cast...hope there will be more movies like this! |
| Comment by:- darlyn | | 06 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| I really enjoyed watching suddenly 30 it was very funny and a nice and light romantic comedy! I thought that Jennifer Garner was fabulous as=nd played her part extreml well |
| Comment by:- k8 | | 06 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| I like the movie because it was heaps funny!! Jennifer Garner was funny and did a great job of this movie. Rcok on!!!! |
| Comment by:- Kazza the 3rd | | 07 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| This movie was awesome and Jen was great!! It was a typical film were everythings good in the end but i guess thats what we all want to see..i loved the different clothes Jen wore and i loved Mark he plyed Mat he was soo cute and really nic. This fil is by far a 10/10 i dont think it matters if u no what is going to happen just watch it it rocks!!!!!!! |
| Comment by:- Noha | | 08 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised..Jennifer's nailed the character and Mark is gorgeous and they had great chemistry. It cured my depression! |
| Comment by:- Jenni | | 10 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| The movie was Fantastic !! But Mark Ruffalo-Matt was just amazingggggggg .....I could watch 'just' him night & day hehe |
| Comment by:- Tina | | 10 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| I think this movie is totally hype1 i loved it!!!!!!!!!!! its my fav movie i've ever seen! |
| Comment by:- ashlee simpson | | 10 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| i have been dying to see suddenly 30 for ages and today i am. you rock |
| Comment by:- Julia Bracano | | 10 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| it was a top movie and I loved the clothes that Jennifer Garner wore and the cast did a great job with the acting. Who cares if you know the ending already just see it cos you don't know what a humourous and good film it is until you watch it! |
| Comment by:- neffy poo | www.movie-gazette.com/cinerevi... | 11 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| Omigod, I jus saw da movie yesteday and i thought it was great, i luv the story line. And the ending is soo cute, me and mum cried it woz so sweet! loving it! |
| Comment by:- Jess | | 12 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| thirteen going on thirty was and is my altime favorate movie. I am a big fan of Jennifer Garner and have watched almost all of her movies. Hope to meet you soon since I am your number one fan. |
| Comment by:- Paige Smith | | 14 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| ITs a f@@ked movie.. totally gay.. a waste of time |
| Comment by:- Tori | | 16 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| matt is cute |
| Comment by:- Lozza | | 16 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| Although I am not a fan of teen movies, this is definitely the best of both a romantic comedy as well as a reality movie..I found the 80's nostalgia bringing back memories, and I adore "Alias" Jen Garner hamming it up here, she is totally awesome. The chemistry between her and Ruffalo is so natural and heartwarming, Ive seen it twice...might see it more times if I feel like it, I am waiting to get the DVDs with all the details. Watch it..AND disregard the crappy review which is not reliable anyway of how a movie will satisfy you.-Mabuhay to all Pinoys who love 13 going on 30!!! |
| Comment by:- Roj | | 16 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| hey dis is liz here i jst watched da movie 2day (4rm australia). da movie is gud...typical girly-luv movie...it was kinda sad so i kinda cried (lol) i'm a sook...anyways i would rate it 3 stars!!! |
| Comment by:- Elizabeth | | 19 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| i think mark ruffalo is sooooooooooooo cute!!!omg omg omg!!!!!he's like such a hottitude.he's the no 1 cutie on my list!the girl who played young jenna was good too.i felt like standin up n clappin wen lucy wyman got dissed!and the wedding.....ooooooh!!i want a wedding like that..even tho im still 12.jennifer garner does a good job...she acts ditzy so well!NOTE-she bears a striking resembelance to julia roberts! |
| Comment by:- anupama | | 19 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| i reackon it is a freaking gay show and y is all the freaking girls saying all the goodies stuff y isn't there any guys... |
| Comment by:- your mum | | 20 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| i think i agree with "your mum" isn't there any guys today who actually wanna say something?.. |
| Comment by:- Who cares | | 20 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| u suk hu cares and ur mum if u h8 it den dn't watch da movie duh????suc it! |
| Comment by:- ... | | 22 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| well i really loved 13 going on 30 |
| Comment by:- lisa | | 23 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| Hello, my name is livvy and i just went and saw Suddenly 30 (as it is called in AUS.) It is a real feel good movie, i had heard bad things about it, but went and saw it anyway.. and im very glad i did. Very Entertaining and also a bit sad in some bits.. Jennifer Gardner does a fantastic job in her role, i reckon that she is a bloody good actress, and i hope to see her in more BIG movies. and.. MARK RUFFALO IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!! He looks really hot in dis movie, so if u like perving on hotties, go and see it for mark. I am definitly inlove wiv him... i think im obsessed, lol. But overall its a real "feel good" movie, u gotta see it! |
| Comment by:- Livvy. L | | 01 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| I soooooooo adore Mark Ruffalo a.k.a. Mat.. Wish I could meet u in person!!!!!!!!! |
| Comment by:- purple | | 04 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| Yer da movies pretty good.. But i'd have 2 say da best guy in da movie was Alex Carlson (Samuel Ball). Seriously, how cool is the strip tease he does.. I recommend you play it in slow motion. His facial expressions are hilarious!!! |
| Comment by:- i luv samuel ball | | 05 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| Im from Ecuador South America, this film its amazing! I LOVE Mark Ruffalo! he is so sweet. |
| Comment by:- gigi | | 05 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| Mark Ruffalo.. Mark Ruffalo.. Whats wif all da god damn Mark Ruffalo lovers.. He aint even hot.. Samuel Ball definately the hottest guy in the whole film.. Samuel Ball is like THE COOLEST.. Samuel Ball please call me.. 1800 1LUV SAMBALL.. and maybe you can show me how to do some of those moves 'on the ice and off the ice' |
| Comment by:- i luv samuel ball | | 05 October 2004 | ip: logged |
i really liked the movie and i love jenna, she is the best . |
| Comment by:- edna | | 08 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| this movie is the greatest movie ever.................. |
| Comment by:- melly | | 14 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| i love it!!!!!!!! |
| Comment by:- i love jeremy beer | | 14 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| it was a great movie |
| Comment by:- em | | 18 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| RICKI-LEE IS THE BEST SHE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!U ROCK |
| Comment by:- lisa | | 21 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| THE MOVIE IS THE BEST MOVIE I THINK I'VE EVER SEEN GO JJJJJJEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNIIIIIIFFFFFFEEEEEERRRRRR GGGGGGAAAAAARRRRRRRNNNNNNEEEEEERRRRRR |
| Comment by:- Ricki-Lee | | 21 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| omg this is the best movie since i dont know when!!!!! |
| Comment by:- michael's girl | www.movie-gazette.com/cinerevi... | 04 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I loved Suddenly 30 It was such a good wholesome Chick Flick which i THOUGHT WAS SO FUNNY A MUST SEE FOR A GIRLZ NIGHT OUT |
| Comment by:- Cassie | www.gazette.com/cinereview... | 29 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I did't like this movie too much.About the music videos, they sound fake and I'm having problems with "Love is a battlefield".They want to fight off love. But Nicole Kidman says "a kiss on the hand may be quit continental, but diamonds are a girls best friend". I think Nicole Kidman is way better than Pat Benater. |
| Comment by:- Anonymous | | 27 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| To the 6 girls from 30 year old Jenna's slumber party, WHY DO YA'LL KEEP IGNORING ME WHEN I'M TRYING TO SHOW YA'LL HOW IMPORTENT LOVE IS.YA'LL MUST FREAKING KNOW THAT DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND.I TRIED TO SHOW YA'LL THAT.BUT DO YA'LL LISTEN, HECK NO. |
| Comment by:- Anonymous | | 27 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| Oh and by the the way. 13 years old is not a stinking kid or a preteen.Its a first year teenager.I'm about to turn 13.I am getting tired of being treated like a kid.I wanna be treated like a Teenager and thats final. |
| Comment by:- Anonymous | | 03 January 2005 | ip: logged |
| 'I wanna be treated like a Teenager and thats final.' You know what that sounds like? A toddler. Don't hurry to grow up, sweetie. Enjoy your youth. And mind your tone. ;) |
| Comment by:- silver_waves | | 22 July 2005 | ip: logged |
| I'm going to watch the movie very soon. Managed to skip over the giveaway ending'. Not a good idea to post it, it ruined many people's nights. Still. Anonymous, honey, if you want to be treated like a teenager, you'd better change your attitude. Don't hurry growing up :) |
| Comment by:- silver_waves | | 22 July 2005 | ip: logged |
