18 Again!

Charming comedy about the fate that intervenes in the lives of Jack, a swinging 81 year old bachelor who has everything but youth, and his grandson David, who change souls after a freak accident. Burns is lovely, but it is Schlatter who steals the picture with a witty and youthful version of Burns.

This is a fun comedy. It hits all the right notes for a very tired "soul-switching" genre that tended to dominate in the late-80s/early-90s. The difference is "18 Again" is the best of that genre hands-down. "Big" is a better movie, but that isn't soul-switching as much as a "child/grownup" genre. Match "18 Again" against other soul-switchers like "Dream A Little Dream", "Vice Versa", "Freaky Friday", or the horrific "Like Father, Like Son" from the same era - and you'll see a story with a heart unlike the others. In modern terms, this movie is closest to "17 Again" - although again, that isn't soul-switching as much as "child/grownup". However, I would take "18 Again" over "17 Again" simply for two reasons: Charlie Schlatter's uncanny physical mimicking - and the comedy talents of George Burns.

Charlie Schlatter is absolutely PERFECT as both David/Jack. His lovable-but-worthless "deer in the headlights" college freshman vs. that of his world-wise, confident grandfather, played by the irrepressible George Burns. The story twists with young David going through a series of let-downs that only a college freshman could experience with all the put-downs and disappointments we could expect. Enter his amazingly spontaneous and funny grandfather, Jack. Once Jack's soul enters David, we see all the confidence David needed to solve so many of his difficult situations.

The supporting cast is fine, if not a bit caricatured. However, watching Burns "inhabit" Schlatter's 18-year-old body is a joy. Schlatter should be teaching young actors/actresses on how to mimic body movements. He is simply that mesmerizing once Jack is "inside" him. It's a hoot. The part where "young" Jack tells his best friend, Charlie (Red Buttons) who he really is... It's a gem of a scene. Two legendary comedians using the body of a very capable young actor to convey joy and happiness from a bygone era... Loved it.

This is not a classic college comedy like "Animal House", "Revenge of the Nerds" or anything like that. But as a feel-good, happy little story that is well worth watching simply to watch George Burns at his best as the old gent with a wicked wit, this is a good one.

I saw this movie almost ten years ago, and I still haven't seen a better comedy.

I enjoyed every minute. Don't miss it !!

"David Watson" (Charlie Schlatter) is an 18-year-old college freshman who is in the process of attempting to pledge to a fraternity. His worst antagonist is a senior in that same fraternity named "Russ" (Anthony Starke) who just so happens to have a girlfriend by the name of "Robin Morrison" (Jennifer Runyon) who David is also quite smitten with. In any case, one night while out with his grandfather, "Jack Watson" (George Burns) an auto accident creates a situation in which the soul of Jack is transplanted into David-and vice versa. So now, rather than being 81 years old, Jack is now 18. And being extremely outgoing, Jack becomes quite determined to make the most of the situation. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that I thought that this was a pretty good comedy all around with both George Burns and Charlie Schlatter performing in a fine manner. Likewise, having an attractive actress like Jennifer Runyon certainly helped to improve the scenery as well. Be that as it may, I enjoyed this movie and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.

This is the best movie of all the switched personality movies. It's so funny because its true! The funniest part was when that old guy did the dance at the party and all the girls wanted to go out with him. I hope I can do that when I'm 81! This is the best thing Charlie Schlater has done since "Fish Police". I think everyone should go out and see "18 Again!", again!