On the surface, 17 Again looks like another generic addition to the list of films with a change of age premise. Films like Big, Freaky Friday and 13 Going on 30 have gone there before with varying degrees of popularity. It could just be that I haven't seen an "age changer" in a while, but with 17 Again, though the premise may not seem fresh, the delivery does. Or maybe it's just Zac Efron.

Mike O'Donnell (Matthew Perry, Numb) has reached a dead end with his career, his kids want nothing to do with him, and he is beginning the divorce process with his wife (and high school sweetheart) of 16 years. Needless to say, Mike isn't happy with the way his life turned out, especially when he had so many options when he was seventeen. On a cold and rainy night, when most magical things happen, Mike falls off a bridge and into a strange whirlpool. The next morning, he discovers that he has reverted to his 17 year old self (Zac Efron, High School Musical).

After a discussion with his best friend Ned Gold (Thomas Lennon, Reno 911), the two discover that Mike is most likely on a spirit quest to discover some profound truth. What better place to discover profound truth than high school. At first Mike believes this is his chance to reclaim his basketball fame, but later learns that his quest more than likely involves his children. Using the strength, speed, agility and good looks that he once had, Mike sets out to improve his relationship with his kids, and learn about the normal life he is in danger of losing.

The obvious question on everyone's mind is "Can Zac Efron act in a non-Disney picture?" The answer is an emphatic "yes." There are many noticeable similarities between this role and his previous High School Musical role, but that is merely a method to make to transition to mainstream a bit smoother. Efron plays a much more mature role, and he plays it well. Though his character is only briefly shown in his adult state, older Mike is played by Matthew Perry, and some character assumptions can be made. Perry's acting style can be seen in Efron's delivery so it is much easier to believe that he is playing an older man in a younger body. The dialog given to Efron focuses less on the awkward reverse transition from man to boy, and more on the knowledge that can be passed on by someone who has already experienced a lot. It feels like this part was made for Efron.

The story itself is much more than one would expect after looking at the premise. Most films of this nature focus on informing the adults about the teen experience, but 17 Again is more about personal discovery. Sure, Mike learns about his kids, but he also learns about himself. He discovers what he was doing wrong as well as what he was missing. The majority of his adult life Mike has contemplated and complained about what his life could have been. Throughout his re-education, Mike learns that the life he wanted is actually the life he had. It's a great message that comes across all too clearly.

Once again I am tasked with finding the bad in a genuinely good movie, and I am drawing a blank. The common premise could be viewed as a negative, but as I mentioned earlier, the differences are enough to set this entry apart. It may seem like this movie caters to a younger audience, and for the most part it does, but there are moments for everyone to enjoy. You don't have to be a Zac Efron fan to enjoy this movie. Sure it might be awkward if you are the only male in a theater full of pre/post pubescent females swooning over the exposed "guns" of Efron, but you'll adjust.

17 Again is a winner in my book. Even though the summer movie season doesn't officially start for another week or so, I am counting this film as the starting point. The movie has stars, comedy, and a good message to take with you as you leave the theater. I may even go so far as to call it a must see if only to see a successful acting transition from Disney to mainstream.