This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 176! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey friends!
So last night I watched a film that took me back to the days of awkward middle school dances and wishing I was, well, older. I’m talking about the 2004 film “13 Going on 30.” This flick, directed by Gary Winick, is like diving back into those awkward teen years but with a magical twist that kinda makes you wish you had a little magic dust of your own, you know?
Alright, let’s dish out the plot! So the movie kicks off with Jenna Rink, this sweet but kinda overlooked 13-year-old girl who’s just dying to fit in with the cool kids. Her birthday party goes totally sideways, thanks to some mean-girl antics, and that’s when the magic happens. Jenna makes a desperate wish on those magical wishing powder things (because apparently those were a thing in the early 2000s?) to be “thirty, flirty, and thriving.”
Well, guess what? Wishes do come true in this movie, because Jenna wakes up the next morning as a full-blown 30-year-old woman! Now, Jenna, played by Jennifer Garner, who is absolutely adorable in this role, finds herself living this chic, high-powered life as a magazine editor in NYC. And oh, the fashion—hello, dream wardrobe! But despite all the glitz, Jenna quickly realizes that this adult world is trickier than it looks.
Jennifer Garner absolutely kills it as the grown-up Jenna. She perfectly captures that essence of a teenager trapped in an adult body. Her confusion about adulting, from navigating the treacherous waters of office politics to rocking a mini skirt without feeling like everyone’s staring (because, let’s be real, that’s a struggle at any age!), is hilarious.
The other star here is Mark Ruffalo, aka Matty, Jenna’s childhood best friend who, shocker, is still totally smitten with her (even though she’s technically still 13 in her head). He’s all grown up too and, let’s be honest, kinda dreamy. Ruffalo brings this grounded, sweet vibe that perfectly balances Jenna’s over-the-top enthusiasm for adult life. Their chemistry? It’s just spot on, making you root for them through all the ups and downs.
What I absolutely love about this movie is how it dances between the funny moments and the touching ones. Like, one minute you’re laughing at Jenna’s outrageous ’80s dance moves at a fancy party, and the next, you’re kinda choked up when she realizes how much of her and Matty’s friendship she missed out on.
I thought “13 Going on 30” does a fab job at showing how tricky and messy life can be, but also that it’s never too late to change your path and embrace your true self. It’s a sweet reminder not to rush through life, wishing to be somewhere or someone else. Sometimes, what you’re looking for is right there where you started from, you know?
So, if you’re looking for a movie that’s equal parts funny, heartwarming, and will make you seriously question your own life choices (guilty!), then “13 Going on 30” might be your jam. This movie is a total blast from the past, and it definitely holds up! Just maybe skip the wishing powder after watching it .
Hasta Mañana 👋
Roger