As Jenna, Garner embodies a joy that's all too rare on recent movie screens, in adults or kids.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:157
Fresh:101
Rotten:56
Average Rating:6.1/10
Consensus: The plot's nothing new, but Garner shows a lovable flair for romantic comedies.
Runtime: 1 hr 38 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: It is 1987 and Jenna is a 13-year-old girl on the brink of womanhood. The problem is that adulthood is just not arriving fast enough. She's suffocated by her dorky parents, ignored by the hip kids... It is 1987 and Jenna is a 13-year-old girl on the brink of womanhood. The problem is that adulthood is just not arriving fast enough. She's suffocated by her dorky parents, ignored by the hip kids in school and the cute guy she has a crush on barely knows her name. No longer content to spend time only with her best friend and neighbor, Matt Flamhaff, Jenna invites the cool kids to her 13th birthday party. But the party is a disaster. Jenna is humiliated when she's locked in the closet for a game of “Seven Minutes in Heaven” and everyone deserts her. Alone in the closet, Jenna makes an earnest wish. If only she could be all grown up, she'd have the life she's always wanted. Miraculously, her wish comes true. The next day, when Jenna emerges from the closet, it's 2004 and she's 30 years old. What's more, she is a gorgeous successful woman (Jennifer Garner) with a great job and a fabulous Fifth Avenue apartment. She is finally cool and popular. The only hitch? She has absolutely no idea how she got there. Initially frightened but gradually enchanted by her new life, Jenna soon realizes there's something missing — Matt. When she looks him up, she is horrified to discover that she and Matt (Mark Ruffalo) are no longer in contact and he is engaged to be married. Jenna learns that having it all is not enough and decides to take a second chance at first love. Now her biggest wish is that it's not too late. Revolution Studios Presents A Roth/Arnold Production, A Gina Matthews Production 13 Going on 30, a Columbia Pictures release starring Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis and Kathy Baker. The film is directed by Gary Winick from a screenplay by Cathy Yuspa & Josh Goldsmith and Niels Mueller, and a story by Yuspa & Goldsmith. The producers are Gina Matthews, Susan Arnold and Donna Arkoff Roth. The executive producers are Todd Garner and Dan Kolsrud. The director of photography is Don Burgess, ASC. The costume designer is Susie DeSanto. The production designer is Garreth Stover. The film editor is Susan Littenberg. The music is by Theodore Shapiro. The music supervision is by John Houlihan. 13 Going on 30 has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for Some Sexual Content and Brief Drug References. -- © Columbia Pictures [More]
Starring: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis
Starring: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis, Kathy Baker
Director: Gary Winick
Director: Gary Winick
Screenwriter: Cathy Yuspa, Josh Goldsmith, Niels Mueller
Producer: Gina Matthews, Susan Arnold, Donna Arkoff Roth
Composer: Theodore Shapiro
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Reviews for 13 Going on 30
Thank you Jennifer Garner. You made a thoroughly mediocre movie a bit better than it has any right to be
Jennifer Garner takes the stock moments found in all of these movies - the first kiss, for example - and makes them charming and funny.
You don't have to be 13 or 30 to have fun with this entertaining escape.
Lacks even one scene people will be talking about when today's 13-year-olds are 30.
You won’t stop expecting Tom Hanks to jump in and dance out ‘Chopsticks’ on the big flat piano on the floor...
Garner's performance is uplifting. She's been touted recently as yet another possible heir to Julia Roberts' throne, and her attainable girl-next-door quality makes it's plain to see why.
Though the film is less substantial and less magical than Big, it still frames an exuberant, often-funny performance by Garner.
a harmless bit of fluff that will do much to consolidate Ms Garner’s big screen status even while it’s distinctly not blazing any new cinematic trails
Just when you think there is nothing left to mine in the body-switch genre, 13 Going on 30 is an unexpected pleasure, a buoyant comedy that will make you feel young again.
Like the song ['Thriller'], the movie strikes an overly familiar chord. But it's an infectious one.
Likable two-for-one combo of Big and Regarding Henry offers stars whose charms help cover up script flaws.
Garner makes the most of her chance to shine here ... Mark Ruffalo is also charming, and it's their sweetness that gives this otherwise ho-hum flick any distinction.
A spirited comedy of complications whose derivative plot is bolstered by worthy messages, quaint '80s nostalgia and agreeable mush.
13 Going on 30 manages to worm its way into the hearts of even the most cynical moviegoers.
God knows, a thirteen-year-old would have more sense. But that age is too sophisticated for dreck like this.
Garner looks really nice, and that's the only thing that kept me from bolting out of the theatre like I had diarrhea.
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