17 Again (2009)
Synopsis:
In 17 Again, Mike O'Donnell is a 37-year-old man who feels stuck in life, regretting the choices he made in high school. After a mysterious encounter, he wakes up to find himself transformed back into his 17-year-old self. With the help of his best friend, Ned, Mike enrolls in high school to relive his glory days. As he navigates teenage life again, he interacts with his own children, Maggie and Alex, who attend the same school. Mike tries to help them with their struggles while also dealing with the challenges of being a teenager in a modern world. Throughout his journey, Mike faces various comedic and awkward situations as he attempts to balance his youthful appearance with his adult mindset.
Where To Watch: 17 Again
Parental Feedback
17 Again, released in 2009, is a comedy-drama film aimed at teens, featuring a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. The movie explores themes of second chances and self-discovery, resonating well with its intended audience. While many parents appreciate its positive messages and entertaining storyline, some express concerns about certain mature themes, making it a film best suited for older teens.
Why Teens Should Watch 17 Again
The movie is praised for its engaging storyline and relatable themes.
- Promotes the idea of appreciating life’s opportunities and making the most of them.
- Features a strong performance by Zac Efron, whose character undergoes significant personal growth.
- Offers a blend of humor and emotional depth that appeals to teens.
- Highlights the importance of family and relationships.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch 17 Again
Some parents are concerned about the film's mature themes and suggest guidance.
- Explores themes of regret and missed opportunities, which may be emotionally challenging.
- Includes scenes of teenage partying and mild sexual innuendo that may be inappropriate for younger viewers.
- Some humor may be confusing or inappropriate for less mature audiences.
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to the film's exploration of mature themes and teenage behavior.
What Parents Should Know About 17 Again
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film deals with themes of regret, life choices, and the impact of decisions, which are explored through dialogue and character development. |
| Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | There are scenes involving teenage partying and drinking, but these are generally addressed with a critical perspective. |
| Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | The protagonist starts as a dissatisfied adult but learns to appreciate his life and relationships, showing significant personal growth by the end. |
| Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | The film portrays family dynamics and relationships in a way that encourages reflection and growth, though some gender stereotypes are present. |
| Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | Topics such as the importance of family, making the most of opportunities, and dealing with regret can lead to meaningful discussions. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
17 Again is generally well-received for its positive messages and engaging storyline, though it does contain some mature themes that may require parental guidance. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes and messages with their teens. For those seeking similar films, options like "Freaky Friday" or "13 Going on 30" might also be enjoyable and offer valuable life lessons.
Official 17 Again Trailer
The Core Values Learned From 17 Again
17 Again's most common core values include Appreciating family, Learning from failure, and Making good choices. In the story, teens experience these values as Mike, transformed back into his 17-year-old self, interacts with his own children, Maggie and Alex, at their school. He learns to appreciate the importance of family by seeing his children face their own struggles. By taking a step back, Mike understands how significant his presence is in their lives. He also learns from his past mistakes and tries to make better choices this time around, showing how everyone can better themselves with another chance.
Appreciating family shines when Mike realizes how much he has missed in his children's lives and tries to help them with their problems. One memorable moment is when he gives his son Alex the courage to stand up for himself. Learning from failure becomes clear as Mike sees how some of his past choices were not the best and decides to change them. He demonstrates making good choices by choosing to be more supportive and present for his family, helping them grow rather than just focusing on his own regrets.
Other Core Values Explored: Being a good friend | Building confidence. | Family love | Forgiveness | Friendship | Growth mindset | Self-discovery | Taking responsibility.
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From 17 Again
Believing in Second Chances: The movie showcases the idea that life sometimes offers second chances, giving Mike an opportunity to relive his teenage years and make different choices to improve his future and family relationships.
Accepting Yourself: Through his journey, Mike learns the importance of embracing who he is now, understanding that his experiences have shaped him into a better person, and that self-acceptance is key to happiness.
Importance of Family: Mike's reconnection with his children and wife highlights the value of family ties and shows how being supportive and present for loved ones can lead to stronger bonds and a more fulfilling life.
Learning from Mistakes: As Mike navigates his high school life again, he becomes aware of his past errors and focuses on making better decisions, illustrating the importance of using previous mistakes as lessons for improvement.
Valuing Deep Connection: By interacting closely with his children and experiencing their daily lives, Mike realizes the significance of nurturing deep and meaningful relationships with those around him.
Other Lessons Learned: Appreciating the Little Things | Choosing Right Over Easy | Letting Go of the Past | Supporting Personal Growth | Recognizing Your Potential.
Why Kids Love 17 Again
Teens love diving into the wild life of high school with a twist in this movie. When Mike gets a second chance at being 17, he faces a mix of hilarious disguises and awkward situations that keep viewers laughing. As he navigates teenage life again, he brings humor and chaos by literally stepping back into the classroom to help his own kids. Teens find it fun watching him try to fit in — his antics in the school hallways and during basketball games are filled with slapstick comedy that never gets old. Each move he makes is unpredictable, mixing both teen antics and adult perspectives in a way that feels fresh and amusing.
As Mike maneuvers the modern world of high school, the excitement builds with unexpected friendships and comical attempts to stand out. Teens love seeing him take on bullies and awkward social dynamics, doing things his own quirky way. The story is a roller-coaster of laughter, packed with fun moments like makeovers and Mike stepping into roles teens wouldn't believe. From dodgeball games to solving teen problems in unique ways, the element of surprise keeps viewers engaged. Discovering how Mike tries to fix problems or become a hero in his kids’ eyes without giving things away too soon is all part of the fun that keeps the energy buzzing throughout the movie.