Jennifer Garner and Judy Greer in 13 Going on 30.
During this pandemic I find I want lighter entertainment. One of my favorite go-to movies is 13 Going on 30, which came out in 2004.
Jennifer Garner does a really nice job playing 13-year-old Genna, who has magically been granted her birthday wish and is suddenly “30, flirty, and thriving.”
Genna wakes up and finds she has everything she wanted: she’s a successful fashion magazine editor, she’s popular, she has a stunning wardrobe, and she’s all grown up! But she soon realizes that adult life is not so perfect.
This is a sweet film, funny and lighthearted. Garner is very watchable – she really tapped in to all the innocence and vulnerability of a young teenager and she does some excellent slapstick comedy. Mark Ruffalo with his boyish charm plays her love interest and Judy Greer plays a convincing bratty frenemy.
The early aughts fashions are fun, but the real fun is a peek back at teenage 80s fashion and music (Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield). Also, there are many great shots of New York City.
13 Going on 30 is a total escape film that makes me smile and recently lifted my pandemic-stricken spirits.
OverDressed for Life 
Leave a Reply