**Jennifer Garner's performance delights and makes 13 Going On 30 a rom-com classic.**

13 Going On 30 is a fun fish out of water tale with a fantastic lead and some entertaining moments. Jennifer Garner's performance as giddy Jenna Rink nails the excitement of a 13-year-old living with all the resources, freedom, responsibilities, and relationships of a 30-year-old. Jenna's young idealism and optimism inspire her jaded career-focused friends and peers (as well as the audience) to return to the hope and enthusiasm of their youth. 13 Going On 30 has plenty of laughs but also a lot of sincerity. With an ending that will make you want to hug your significant other tight, 13 Going On 30 is a great rom-com that will leave a smile on your face and a little more joy in your soul.

This is another spin on an old idea, largely working thanks to a childish performance from Jennifer Garner. Story-wise, it's nothing special.

Script: 6

This is another take on these "children grow up overnight" films that became a thing after Big. The basic plot is typical for a romantic comedy, but there are derails and seasoning that make it stand out.

There are good gags but also many that are pretty childish and even inappropriate, such as the stripe tease scene or Jenna asking the little boy out. Other than the occasional laugh, there isn't much emotional depth.

All in all, this is a film about friendship and standing up for who you are. No one should let past mistakes define themselves.

Main cast: 8

Jennifer Garner is great as a 13-year-old in a 30-year-old's body, having to figure out what has happened to her life the past 18 years. She captures the adult version of Jenna well, as does Mark Ruffalo with Matty and Judy Greer with Lucy.

Supporting cast: 9

Andy Serkis is lovingly bonkers as Jenna's boss and easily turns out as the best character in the film. A special nod to Marcia DeBonis, who portrays the greatest assistant never lived.

Protagonist & antagonist: 8

Jenna is cute, extremely childish but also quick to tackle obstacles in her path. She remains likeable throughout the movie.

Lucy initially seems to have grown up, but we soon learn that she is the most childish of them all. In her own words: old ways die hard.

Production: 6

The production and cinematography aren't particularly exciting but keep the film firmly together.

Post-production: 6

Once again a movie utilizing a soundtrack true to its time, mixing early 2000s music with classics from the 80s.

Atmosphere: 7

At best, the movie is funny, warm and cute. At worst it ends up being awkward and difficult to enjoy. A real lack of romantic tension between the two leads is a problem.

Pacing: 7

It's pretty nicely paced, even though you know where the story is heading. Some padding in the form of additional scenes that do very little to improve the plot drag the story out somewhat.

Expectations: 7

The film ends up being slightly above average but there are better and funnier movies about the same subject.

Replay value: 7

A lighthearted summer movie like this one survives several replays now and then.

Score: 71/120

"13 Going on 30" is a romantic comedy film directed by Gary Winick and released in 2004. The movie tells the story of Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old girl who wishes to become 30 years old overnight and wakes up the next day in her 30-year-old body, played by Jennifer Garner.

The movie is a classic example of a coming-of-age story, where Jenna, who was an awkward teenager, discovers the importance of friendship, love, and self-discovery. The film is set in the 1980s and has an upbeat and nostalgic tone that captures the spirit of the era. The movie features a stellar cast that includes Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, and Judy Greer.

One of the most significant strengths of the movie is the performance of Jennifer Garner. She captures the essence of a 13-year-old girl trapped in a 30-year-old body, and her portrayal of the character is genuine and heartfelt. Her transformation from a bratty teenager to a mature woman is well portrayed, and she delivers an excellent performance.

The chemistry between Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, who plays her childhood friend, is another highlight of the movie. Their friendship and love story are charming and heartwarming, and their performances complement each other well.

The supporting cast, including Judy Greer, who plays Jenna's frenemy, and Andy Serkis, who plays her boss, also deliver solid performances and add depth to the movie's narrative.

The movie's soundtrack is another strong point, featuring popular hits from the 80s that add to the film's nostalgic feel. The costumes and production design are also impressive, transporting the audience back in time.

One of the drawbacks of the movie is its predictability. The plot is formulaic, and the audience can see the ending coming from a mile away. However, this is a common issue in romantic comedies, and the strong performances and charming characters make up for this flaw.

Overall, "13 Going on 30" is an enjoyable and heartwarming romantic comedy that captures the essence of the 80s and delivers a great performance by Jennifer Garner. Despite its predictable plot, the movie's strengths in acting, music, and production design make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. I rate it 6 out of 10.



Written and Reviewed by RSOliveira

I just like the concept of the movie. Surprisingly funny. We all couldn't wait to get older when we were young. If only we knew how much being an adult sucks, we wouldn't have tried to grow up so fast.

Jennifer Gardner is a good actress, she's great playing a 13-year-old girl at 30, but that doesn't mean she has to, because it's cringe.

Mark Ruffalo does what he does, he moans when he speaks, the best part of the movie is that Tim Curry is gay.