Zac Efron is America’s ‘golden child’, the perfect heartthrob for the girls and a positive role model for youngsters. Disney made him a star through the High School Musical trilogy, but even he admits it’s time to move on onto meatier roles. Unfortunately for him, 17 Again can’t be classified as his starting point in this endeavour – but another fluffy ride never hurt anyone.

Produced by now-mentor Adam Shankman (director of Hairspray), 17 Again sees Mike O’Donnell (Matthew Perry) miserable with his life, who gets to redeem himself through a time warp from an imaginary janitor that takes him back to being – wait for it – seventeen again, in the form of Efron, the basketballer/all-round popular guy. Ringing any bells? He takes the name of Mark Gold, with best friend Ned Gold (Thomas Lennon) playing dad as he tries to follow the correct path in his do-over. The film is basically a reverse on the bigger life-swap movies (Big, Suddenly 30), but done with enough charm to result in minimal cringe and a few good laughs.

Efron is now so familiar with his charm he could do it with his eyes shut, but he still seems to pull you in with ease. Part of that is because he’s done it all before, but he rarely overdoes it. For the most part it’s not cheesy, but that’s where best friend Ned comes in. As the centre of all the popular references (Lord of the Rings has an interesting impact), Lennon provides most of the laughs as the oddball geek trying to catch the attention of a special lady. Surprising, considering Leslie Mann is better equipped in that field. As Mike’s wife Scarlett she’s given a less comedic role than recent fare (think Knocked Up) but is still great on screen. The relationship between Scarlett and Mark comes across unfeasible, and seems to play off Efron’s charm rather than awkwardness – much like the film as a whole.

It’s conventional Hollywood fare with nothing extraordinary from director Burt Steers, a relative newcomer, but interestingly the film can stand as a metaphor for Efron’s fame. His speech on abstinence makes the girls swoon; he stands up for every ‘normal’ guy to the school bully and he helps out his friends (a bonus if it benefits him). A positive role model (as he is within the Hollywood community), the character of Mark is has maturity beyond his years as he teaches a younger generation about self-respect and what high school really represents. But really, most of us know this already, and the morals are better portrayed in smart comedy offerings such as Mean Girls.

Verdict:

17 Again doesn’t present anything we haven’t seen before, but is nonetheless a fun outing. Some great one-liners help its cause, as does Efron’s involvement. Because really, it’s The Zac Efron Show. If you’re not a fan, perhaps stay away.

17 Again opens in Australia on Thursday, April 9. For session times, click here.

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