After Jenna Rink's 13th birthday party where her friend Lucy plays a cruel prank on her, she promptly makes a wish that she could skip adolescence and be 30. With the help of some wish dust given to her by her unpopular best friend Matty, her wish comes true. She wakes up to find that her 13-year-old self is now inhabiting the body--and life--of a 30-year-old, high-powered, New York magazine editor. Frightened by her new adult life, Jenna (Jennifer Garner) seeks the help of Matty (Mark Ruffalo), but he hasn't spoken to her since high school. Unfortunately, as she uncovers the details of the time she skipped, she learns that perhaps she hasn't made the best decisions.
Similar to the 1988 Tom Hanks vehicle BIG, 13 GOING ON 30 benefits from the undeniable appeal of Garner, who amusingly exudes the awkwardness and energy of a teenager. Meanwhile copious '80s pop culture references, an energetic soundtrack, and vibrant colors provide instant, foolproof nostalgia. Director Gary Winick (TADPOLE) has crafted an undeniably fun picture for any age or gender.
Theatrical Release: APRIL 23, 2004
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Special Edition
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English, French
Additional Release Material:
Bloopers
Deleted Scenes (18)
Featurette:
1. "I Was a Teenage Geek"
2. "The Making Of A Teen Dream"
Audio Commentary:
1. Gary Winnick - Director
2. Susan Arnold, Gina Matthews, Donna Roth - Producers
Music Video:
1. Pat Benatar - "Love Is A Battlefield"
2. Rick Springfield - "Jessie's Girl"
Interactive Features:
The 80's Outfit Challenge
Then and Now
Executive Producer
Dan Kolsrud: Executive Producer, SERVING SARA (2002)
Executive Producer
Todd Garner: Executive Film Producer, TOMCATS (2001)
Director of Photography
Don Burgess:
Review 1:
"Any movie that telegraphs its fondness for its cast automatically has something going for it that is rare in contemporary comedy..."
Source: New York Times
p.E13 04/23/2004
Review 2:
"Garner has moxie to go with her jumping muscles. She also has expert support in her equally attractive costars Mark Ruffalo, as her former neighbor, and Judy Greer, as her current sidekick."
Source: Los Angeles Times
p.C1 04/23/2004
Review 3:
"Move over, Julia Roberts. Jennifer Garner has a smile that's a big, lush, wide-screen dazzler....13 GOING ON 30 is the rare commercial comedy that leaves you entranced by what can happen only in the movies."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.138-9 05/01/2004
Review 4:
"Talented at physical comedy, Garner has the all-elbows-and-knees feel of an adolescent and effectively conveys a goofy innocence."
Source: USA Today
p.9E 05/07/2004
Review 5:
"A winsome fairy tale about growing up too fast..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.89-90 09/01/2004
Review 6:
"[I]t has a few shrewdly funny scenes....You'll chuckle..."
Source: Uncut
p.128 09/01/2004
Review 7:
"[S]urprisingly smart and sharp..."
Source: Rolling Stone
p.74 02/23/2006