Reviewed by FRANCESCA RUDKIN
Herald rating * * *
Jennifer Garner's last comedic performance was in Dude, Where's My Car? but in this female version of Tom Hanks' Big, Garner headlines, showing off her comedic acting range and delivering a cute, goofy and infectious performance.
It's 1987 and self-conscious Jenna makes the mistake
of inviting the cool kids to her 13th birthday party. When she is duped into getting into the basement cupboard to wait for a kiss from the boy of her dreams, her guests do a runner. All except her geeky best friend Matt, who gives her "wishing dust" for her birthday. Jenna wishes that she was 30.
The next morning Jenna wakes up in a fabulous apartment in New York, with a dork of an ice hockey player boyfriend and a wardrobe any girl would envy. It's 2004, she's 30 and the editor of her favourite magazine, Poise. But life has not turned out as Jenna wished. She's got everything she wished for, but unfortunately she's also a hard-faced bitch who has long since ditched her best mate, Matt.
As a 13-year-old in a 30-year-old body, Jenna finds being 30, flirty and thriving is tougher than she imagined. Dealing with office politics, faux friends, boys and alcohol, Jenna's experience preaches to young girls in the audience that its okay to grow up nice.
Christa B. Allen, who plays Jenna as a 13-year-old, captures the awkwardness of being 13 perfectly. Garner's sweet, innocent performance has you forgiving the corny nature of the film, and the 80s nostalgia provides the laughs. Historical facts might be askew but it's a nice piece of fluff.
Cast: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Christa B. Allen, Andy Serkis
Director: Gary Winick
Running Time: 98 minutes
Rating: PG (sexual references)
Screening: Village
