13 Going on 30

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13 Going on 30 ★★½ 2004 (PG-13)

Broadly appealing Garner makes the successful leap to bona fide big screen lead in this harmless bodyswitch comedy. Jenna (Allen) is an insecure 13-year-old who magically becomes the “30, flirty, and thriving” fashion magazine editor played by Garner. Comedy ensues when she is forced to deal with adult concerns foreign to a 13-year-old, including work at the magazine; her new, mature body; and her hockey player boyfriend, all of which she does with an endearing childlike zeal. Along with the perks, Jenna's transformation has also alienated her former best friend Matt (Marquette), once a chubby nerd who is now, 17 years later, a handsome and engaged hunk (Ruffalo). Of course, Jenna would like to get reacquainted. Garner and Ruffalo elevate a soso vehicle into an appealing romantic comedy. 97m/C DVD . US Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis, Christa B. Allen, Kathy Baker, Phil Reeves, Joe Grifasi, Courtney Chase, Maz Jobrani, Robine Lee, Jim Gaffigan, Sean Marquette, Alex Black, Alexandra Kyle, Renee Olstead; D: Gary Winick; W: Josh Goldsmith, Cathy Yuspa; C: Don Burgess; M: Theodore Shapiro.