franceseca_orr

I've just returned from the cinema after watching this film and I have to say, my friends and I laughed like a bunch of hyenas (probably to the annoyance of anyone behind us) all the way through it. The story of course is nothing original, but you knew that going in, and yes, there are some seemingly ridiculous or stereotypical character setups, again acknowledged beforehand, but the direction and the acting, more than makes up for this. Most of the actors, especially Efron, who proves he's definitely not just a wanna-be pretty boy and actually stores away some talent, play their parts well. Matthew Perry seemed slightly misplaced, even if he was the reason I went to see the film in the first place. Not to mention the director being Burr Steers who directed one of my favourite films. I could kind of tell how in the wrong hands this movie could have been embarrassingly bad, but Steers manages to balance the right amount of comedy with drama and turn it into something really worth seeing. Efron blew me away. I have to say, I didn't see it coming, and I never thought I'd say such a sentence, but this boy can do better than TV Disney movies. I'm kind of glad he has turned down re-make, Footloose, not only because it's a 're-make of footloose'.

On the negative side of things the writing lacked in terms of Mark's relationship with his daughter. The daughter didn't really seem to have a personality, now I'm not totally sure if this is down to Trachtenbergs terrible acting (one of very little who deliver poor performances actually) or poor character development but something was wrong there.

I don't really rate the cinematography, but I don't think it's something to be taken quite seriously in teen films. It's all about the characters and the comedy - but what was up with that image of Zac right before 'Mark' falls into the water? Some interesting choices of music. One of the funniest movies I've seen in a while. Quite moving and Mark is a much more 3 dimensional, well developed character than most PG-13 rated movies you see. I genuinely cared about him, where as, even in Mean Girls, (which is particularly hilarious and legendary as far as contemporary teen films go) I didn't care too much for any of the characters. It's probably because this film went that little bit further than most and took itself seriously, if only for parts of the movie. It makes a big difference.

So, yeah, '17 Again', fairly well written, hilarious, well and sometimes greatly acted and awesome direction for the most part, and a genuinely good, enjoyable and moving film. Take a look and you'll probably be surprised... but don't go in hoping for anything Oscar worthy. I get the impression there is only so much a director can do with a film like '17 Again' and he did it alright.

Trustworthy director and impressive lead, I'd say. Can make all the difference.

p.s. I'd also watch out for that Sterling Knight actor - he plays Marks awkward son. He gave a genuinely good performance also.

Well, I think the title tells you most of what you need to know. This is a coming of age film about the consequences of five teenagers taking action against the high school bully. An often used premise you would think, but it is done in a completely different way to anything I've ever seen, bringing up new principles in an overly used subject. The film conveys a unique realism that catches your breath and keeps you sitting up straight in your seat.

The acting by Carly Shroeder, Ryan Kelley, Scott Mechlowitz, Josh Peck, and Trevor Morgan is superb, and Estes manages to catch the realism of teenage life extraordinarily. The film had to be rated R/18 because of foul language, but it would not have come across as, as realistic if not for the bad language, in which most teenagers use in their every day life. So Estes chose realism over a wider population seeing 'Mean Creek'. I'm not sure which one I would have chosen.

Despite this, I think it is the kind of film that every teenager should see and it is very relatable on every level. One character I could see a little of myself in was the shyness of Clyde, and his pain over being laughed at(Because of his parents being two gay men). The expression on his face is something I can recall on my own, and I'm sure all of the other characters are relatable to someone out there. Anyhow, I don't want to give away too much of the story, and the consequences of its unique though often followed plot, so I'll go now, but trust me, this is a must see.

The only negative thing I can say about it is that the ending bugged the hell out of me, so don't expect a huge conclusive ending. Despite this I pleasantly and thoroughly enjoyed this provocative and once in a life time movie. Hope you will be too, though don't go into the cinema expecting the best film ever, because you'll just wind up walking out of there thinking "Well it wasn't 'that' good".

[**** out of *****] Later ppl, Luv Cesca, x

Although, this film is quite disturbing, it has some brilliant performances and is a very realistic look on institutional abuse in children's home. Harry Eden for instance, was quite phenomenal playing the young abused Russell and I'm sure we'll be seeing more of him in the future, in fact he is making his hollywood movie debut, in the new peter pan movie. But back to the point, if you dont like un happy disturbing films, I dont recommend this to you, but for all who could get through it I recomend it to you, because it is better everyone knows the truth about these things, so we can help stop them. Granted this is a fictional peice, these things still go on, probably even more than they used to, and it happens to millions and millions of poor kids. So watch it!

Cya, for now, luv, cesca

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