Cool As Ice

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: October 18, 1991

DVD Release Date: I can't even find it on DVD. Can there only be a VHS version out there? For shame!

Plot 411: A group of motorcycle-riding strangers roll into a sleepy town and shake things up.

Review: When a friend told me that Vanilla Ice aka Rob Van Winkle had his own movie (aside from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret Of The Ooze) I just HAD to check it out. And boy, it did not disappoint. From the opening dance scene (above) to the final act, this movie was so bad it was good. I mean, if the obviously dated wardrobe didn't kill you, you probably faired well against the music, rapping and dancing. The acting was clunking and stilted. The dialogue was horrendously overwrought with contemporary (at that time) slangs. And yet somehow, it managed to surpass being completely awful. When you step back from all the in-your-face attitude, glow-in-the-dark colors and music video-quality production, there are subtle things about the movie that make it worthwhile. Vanilla Ice's character even has an arc, which is shocking isn't it? There's a decent message behind the madness, which is to be true to yourself. It's kind of nice for the pre-teen and teen crowd that probably went to see this in the theaters. Yeah, most of this was bad and has taken 90 minutes of my life that I'll never get back, but there were still a couple of good moments in there somehwere.

Watch It: If you were around in the 1990s as this is a total flashback. What were people thinking when they wore all those outrageous colors and patterns, buzzed designs into their hair and thought dancing consisted of things like the running man and pelvic thrusting?

Skip It: If you're sane. This is, after all, the guy who made white rappers look bad.

Now And Then

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 20, 1995

DVD Release Date: December 21, 1999

Plot 411: Four small-town girls discover that the only people the can count on is each other.

Review: This is definitely the answering call to Stand By Me but for girls. It stars Christina Ricci and Rosie O'Donnell as Roberta, Thora Birch and Melanie Griffith as Teeny, Gaby Hoffman and Demi Moore as Samantha and Ashleigh Aston Moore and Rita Wilson as Crissy. The movie opens as the friends are reunited in present time when Crissy's pregnancy calls them back together. But, it takes place mostly during a summer in the 1970s, when the girls are about 12 years old. During this one great summer they learn all kinds of life lessons while discovering boys, uncovering town secrets, overcoming misconceptions and confronting mortality. They spend what is their last summer of childhood together before they become too old to continue to pretend life is perfect. They experience lives that are sometimes difficult and disappointing, thus taking that final step toward adulthood. It's a great coming-of-age story for girls that extols the power of friendship (plus, it has a rockin' soundtrack to boot), but it's definitely no Beaches.

Watch It: At your next slumber party with all your BFFs around and a tub of popcorn.

Skip It: Because it's a little saccharin even for my tastes.

Can't Hardly Wait

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 12, 1998

DVD Release Date: December 22, 1998

Plot 411: One high school graduation party stands between between them and the rest of their lives.

Review: This movie definitely feels like a throwback to the teen comedies of the 1980s, especially those starring anyone of Brat Pack fame. In this film of multiple characters and plotlines, Preston (Ethan Embry) has finally decided to man up to his four-year crush on Amanda (Jennifer Love Hewitt). The popular girl has just been dumped by jockstar Mike (Peter Facinelli), who can't wait to hook up with college girls. Nerdy William (Charlie Korsmo) plans to seek his revenge on Mike for all the bullying and embarrassment he has been responsible for throughout the years. Outsider Denise (Lauren Ambrose) likes her independence and thinks everyone else is just a lemming but is forced to accompany her best friend Preston in his quest for love. At the party, she meets up with wigger Kenny (Seth Green) and calls him out on his behavior. I enjoyed the interwoven plots despite the somewhat cheesy high school stereotypes that were used. However, I suppose you can't really get away with a movie like this without sticking to those predetermined characters. In that regard, this is a well-crafted movie.

Watch It: For a taste of the '90s as the movie really does not transcend its time period very well.

Skip It: Because since it is a product of its time, a lot of things are dated and no longer effective.

The New Guy

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 10, 2002

DVD Release Date: August 13, 2002

Plot 411: A geeky guy reinvents himself with the help of some cons in the slammer.

Review: DJ Qualls plays Dizzy, a super geeky high school kid who has been tormented his entire life. During his senior year, some stuff happens and he gets arrested. In jail, he learns the secret to being cool with the help of Luther (Eddie Griffin). When he's released, Dizzy enrolls in a new school as "the new guy" and takes the place by storm. He even unites the geeks and jocks, something people never thought was possible. I haven't watched this movie in a while but remember enjoying it enough to keep watching. I wouldn't say it was a great movie, but it's chock full of stupid humor and nonsense. It exaggerates high school life as most Hollywood films do, which makes it both funny and ridiculous at the same time. This is one of those movies you gotta see with a big group of people and an unlimited supply of liquor.

Watch It: For the juvenile humor.

Skip It: Because it's not nearly as good as American Pie.

According To Greta

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 11, 2009

DVD Release Date: January 19, 2010

Plot 411: A rebellious teen girl gets shipped off to her grandparents' house for the summer.

Review: Hilary Duff stars as Greta, a highly rebellious teen who sports an enormous attitude. She is sent by her mother to live with her grandparents (Ellen Burstyn and Michael Murphy) in New Jersey, a jail sentence Greta thinks she will never survive. Greta continues to walk around with all her emotional and psychological baggage, which affects everyone around her. She gets a job at a local restaurant where she meets Julie (Evan Ross), who gives her a different perspective about life. I've gotta admit that this is my favorite Hilary Duff movie ever. It's a turn to something more mature and a step away from her previous teen rom com fluff. While this movie is still about young people and essentially a coming-of-age story, it is leaps and bounds ahead of the other stuff she's made. There's an actual sense of character (and a realistic one at that) that is deeper than surface level. Greta is a product of many bad situations in such a short life that I'm positive audiences will be able to relate to her angst.

Watch It: As it captures both sides of the coin and you'll either be able to relate to the teenage rebel or the frustrated adults.

Skip It: Because there is no prince who sweeps her off her feet and saves the day.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 16, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 20, 2009

Plot 411: The sequel to Twilight continues with a heartbroken and despondent Bella when Edward leaves her.

Review: This movie is simply visual and emotional porn for teen girls . . . and yet somehow I liked this better than the first movie. When Edward (Robert Pattinson) realizes that he will never be able to fully protect Bella (Kristen Stewart), he dumps her on the pretense that he no longer loves her. He believes distance is the only way to keep her safe. However, she is completely distraught over the situation and sinks into depression for months. Her friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner) is the only one who makes her nightmares and sadness go away, if only for a while. Even before I saw this movie I was firmly planted on the Team Jacob side of the line. After it, I'm still entrenched in the pack. However, I must note that both guys are provided with equally cheesy lines that simply rival one another. Still what girl wouldn't want to be caught between two dudes who were passionate about her? Even emo chick Bella feels the pull. I found the acting hard to watch because everyone was overflowing with teen angst of some kind. Everyone lived as if their world were ending. It was just too melodramatic for me. This movie also had a ton of music to underscore emotions and introduce characters. I found it a little distracting. I can't say this movie is for everyone. It's definitely better than I anticipated, but I didn't have high hopes to begin with anyway.

Watch It: For the jail bait that is Taylor Lautner and his werewolf buds.

Skip It: If Bella irritated you in the first movie. It's just more of the same here.

The Prince And Me

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: April 2, 2004

DVD Release Date: August 10, 2004

Plot 411: Paige lives every little girl's dream and is swept off her feet by a prince.

Review: Julia Stiles (one of my favorite actresses growing up) plays studious Paige Morgan, a college student set on becoming a doctor. She has her entire life planned out for herself until she meets an obnoxious guy named Eddie (Luke Mably). Unbeknownst to her, Eddie is actually Prince Edward, the heir to the Danish throne. In order to avoid the European papparazzi, he enrolls at an American university. Left without financial support for the first time in his life, the playboy prince finally experiences life and love. Seriously, this is one of those chick lit flicks that are thoroughly predictable and unoriginal. I'm definitely not denying that. However, there's also something a little bit magical with which every girl can relate. The movie hits on a common female fantasy - to fall in love with a prince and become a princess (soon-to-be queen). The prince is handsome, gallant and extremely well-mannered. What's not to love? It plays off the fantasay that wonderful things can happen to regular people, that you don't need to be extremely beautiful to pull royalty. In fact, you can have a brilliant mind and not even need to be a ditz and still land a great catch. This is definitely a fantasy (I only half kid LOL).

Watch It: And be swept away my the magic.

Skip It: Because your fantasies are probably better anyway.

A Cinderella Story

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 16, 2004

DVD Release Date: October 19, 2004

Plot 411: When her father dies, Sam's life with her stepmother and stepsisters mimic the classic fairy tale Cinderella.

Review: This is a sweet teen rom com that definitely tugs at the heartstrings and is overly sentimental, but somehow it still manages to make you feel good inside. It stars Hilary Duff as Sam, a teenager living in the hell that became her life when her father died. Sam lives with her demanding stepmother Fiona (Jennifer Coolidge) and two stepsisters who are basically Tweedle Dee and Tweede Dum. Sam works hard at their family's diner with the support of long-time employees like Rhonda (Regina King) and Bobby (Paul Rodriguez). Sam confesses some of her troubles to Nomad, an online friend who invites her to meet him at the school's Halloween dance. Nomad turns out to be the school's most popular kid (Chad Michael Murray), but Sam runs away before he can find out who she is (just like old Ella did). In any case, this film, like many other teen flicks, is about coming into your own and the transition from a child to an adult. As always, Duff has a brilliant glow about her and it carries through the film despite all the non-glamorous things she is tasked to do. I also like how they manage to weave in chating, IMing, texting and all that other technology stuff into the film. It's almost like re-watching history because I suppose I grew up with that techonology as well and can definitely relate.

Watch It: If you're still hopefully dreaming of the day when your prince will sweep you off your feet.

Skip It: If you've long since let go of the idea of a prince because maybe this movie will give you hope again.

10 Things I Hate About You

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: March 31, 1999

DVD Release Date: October 1, 1999

Plot 411: One sister's social life depends on another's. Money exchnages hands. People fall in and out of love.

Review: Kat (Julia Stiles) and Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) are as different as can be despite being related by blood. Kat, the older sister, is more withdrawn from the high school's typical social structure. Bianca is all too willing to become queen B. When their father (Larry Miller), forbids Bianca from dating unless Kat dates, he thinks this is a good way to deter his young, naive daughter because he doesn't believe Kat will ever date anyone. At school, new kid Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) falls for Bianca from afar and tries everything he can to win her over, including bribing the school jock Joey (Andrew Keegan) and aligning himself with the school outcast Patrick (Heath Ledger). This is one of those movies that started it all for young actors. Looking back on it, it's not one of those ground-breaking performances that'll win you an Oscar. But, it is a teen flick that'll get you noticed . . . and that's just what it did for many of these actors. Based on Shakespeare's The Taming Of The Shrew, this movie was probably one of the better teen rom coms to come out of the late '90s. In a very memorable scene, Ledger sings and dances.

Watch It: For a quick look at where some of the best young actors began their careers.

Skip It: Because you're probably better off watching The Taming Of The Shrew in an original remake instead of an adaptation like this.

The Perfect Score

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: January 30, 2004

DVD Release Date: June 29, 2004

Plot 411: A diverse group of kids band together to beat the SATs and achieve their dreams.

Review: An ensemble cast of young actors star in this teen comedy about a random group of high school kids who try to steal the answers to the SATs before the exam. It all begins with two friends, Kyle (Chris Evans) and Matty (Bryan Greenberg), who really need to get great scores to get into their colleges of choice. A plan to steal the SATs hatches and they confront Francesca (Scarlett Johansson), whose father owns the building that houses the SATs. Next the plan is divulged to one of the top-ranking students in school (Erika Christensen) and overheard by the resident stoner (Leonardo Nam). Rounding out the motley crew is the school's basketball superstar (Darius Miles). This movie was definitely not a career builder but one of those things you do because you're trying to be somebody at some point in the future. Evans did manage to make a name for himself afterwards, however, he also starred in Push so I suppose he's still got a ways to go. This movie just didn't do it for me. It seemed to be inspired by hints of The Breakfast Club, yet it couldn't even get its act together. It was like TBC's ugly step-sister for the computer generation.

Watch It: If you're a fan of Evans. Johansson is also not bad. She's cast as one of those emo kids again, which is weird considering how she's all glammed up these days.

Skip It: Completely.

Stick It

Rating:

Movie Release Date: April 28, 2006

DVD Release Date: September 19, 2006

Plot 411: Bring It On meets the X-Games.

Review: I enjoy these mindless teen sports comedies. So sue me! LOL! This one stars Jeff Bridges as Burt, a gymnastic coach, and Missy Peregrym as Haley, a former gymnast-turned-daredevil. After experiencing a personal tragedy, Missy walked out on her gymnastics team and got as far away from the mat as possible. She still caught air, but her equipment of choice was the bmx bike. Unfortunately, she's back in the gym by court order and, despite her initial resistence, is ready to shake up the girls and the gymnastics world. Alright, so the plot is barely there, the dialogue tries too hard to be cool and the acting is just alright, but I still liked this movie. There's just something about the rebellious nature in Missy that compelled me to keep watching. Dare to be different and all that.

Watch It: If you enjoyed Bring It On.

Skip It: Because The Mighty Ducks is a better movie any day of the week.

The Perfect Man

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 17, 2005

DVD Release Date: November 1, 2005

Plot 411: A single mom uproots her family whenever her heart is broken and her eldest daugther finally puts her foot down.

Review: Heather Locklear and Hilary Duff star in this film about female empowerment . . . well, sorta. Locklear plays Jean, a single mom who is struggling to raise her two girls Holly (Duff) and Zoe (Aria Wallace). She is also desperate to find a man because she's tired of struggling on her own and doesn't feel fulfilled unless she has one. Because of her desperation, she continuously picks losers who let her down. When (not if) her heart gets broken, she packs up her house and kids and moves to another city. This is their family's new adventure. During their recent move to Brooklyn, Holly decides that enough is enough and creates a perfect man for her mom. This man is based on her friend's uncle, played by Chris Noth. She takes his advice and through the power of ingenuity and technology she is able to create a virtual suitor in hopes that her mother realizes she is perfect the way she is. While watching this film, I couldn't help but wonder whether Noth chose his films because of their location (New York) more than plot. From Sex and the City to Law & Order, the guy doesn't seem to leave the Big Apple. Also, Locklear and Duff look really good as mother and daughter. Their blonde hair and blue eyes are really striking. Other than that, this wasn't a really notable rom com or teen flick.

Watch It: For a chance to see Mr. Big?

Skip It: Because it's pretty unforgettable anyway.

First Daughter

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: September 24, 2004

DVD Release Date: January 25, 2005

Plot 411: A president's daughter finally experiences the world outside the White House.

Review: Katie Holmes (very much pre-Tom) plays Samantha, the 18-year-old daughter of the president of the United States (Michael Keaton) who is going off to college in California. Despite her desire to have a normal college experience, Samantha must also deal with secret service agents watching her every move. Samantha's roommate is the outspoken Mia (Amerie), and the two learn to maneuver through some uncertain circumstances. During her time in college, she meets an RA named James (Marc Blucas) and falls for him. However, as uncertain as she is about the whole college experience, she's also tentative on love. But when Samantha's antics get out of hand, her parents pull her out of school to help solidify the perfect family in hopes to win at the polls. Her father is fighting to be re-elected and every vote counts. The film was told as a modern day fairy tale, which was an interesting interpretation. I suppose the White House can somewhat resemble a castle of sorts, and the first family is definitely our version of royalty. The movie poses interesting questions about identity, responsibility and growing up. Despite the fact that most people do not have secret servicemen outside their doors, it's easy to relate to overprotective parents. This film demonstrates that concept in the extreme.

Watch It: For Katie before she got all grown up and serious and became Kate.

Skip It: Because, of course, the acting isn't the greatest.

Fired Up!

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 20, 2009

DVD Release Date: June 9, 2009

Plot 411: Two football players ditch training camp to attend cheer camp instead.

Review: This movie is definitely not groundbreaking in either plot or genre, but it did have a couple of good laughs. Nicholas D'Agosto plays Shawn and Eric Christian Olsen plays Nick, two jocks whose goal in life is to hook up with as many girls as possible. When Nick suggests they go to cheerleader camp, the boys think they've hit the jackpot. They hope to seduce all three hundred girls during the three-week camp and continue on their way. What they don't plan for is Carly (Sarah Roemer), the head cheerleader who actually has some morals and brains. She intrigues Shawn because of her obvious distaste for all that he stands for. Nick, on the other hand, is still playing the field and even tries to come on to the cheer coach (Molly Sims). The rest of the movie is exactly what you think it is - young things prancing around in near nakedness and piercing, rhythmic cheering. The movie was actually better than I thought it'd be, but I didn't really have high standards for it anyway. It's a somewhat irreverent teen comedy with good looking people and a few gay male cheerleaders thrown into the mix. It's an interesting addition to the cheerleader genre.

Watch It: If you think you'll like a cross between American Pie and Bring It On.

Skip It: If you've got high quality film standards.

Dakota Skye

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 2, 2008

DVD Release Date: July 14, 2009

Plot 411: Plagued with always knowing the truth behind people's lies, a teen discovers someone who doesn't lie at all.

Review: Wow, I really loved this flick. Granted, I'm a sucker for those coming-of-age indie movies about love and loss so I might be a little biased. Dakota (Eileen Boylan) is a girl who knows when people are lying. This superpower has made her cynical about life in general and she disconnects herself from much of the world. She's dating Kevin (J.B. Ghuman Jr.), a somewhat lovable yet superficial and sometimes dense musician. It's not because she loves him but because she doesn't not love him. When Kevin's friend Jonah (Ian Nelson) blows into town from NYC, he also blows Dakota away. No, she doesn't fall for him instantly. Instead, she's intrigued and really bothered by the fact that he doesn't lie. After years of hearing people's hidden truths, she's practically beside herself when she can't catch him lying. What's wrong with him? Moreover, what's wrong with her? This movie isn't so much a sci fi, superhero movie as it is one girl's quest to find herself. The superhero nonsense is actually a turn off for me. I think they could've done much better without that part, but I guess it'd be hard to set the rest up. As an audience member (perhaps it's a female thing though), I was completely spellbound by the Boylan/Nelson chemistry. You could seriously see the sparks zinging back and forth between them in a first love/soulmate kind of way. Their performances were right on, which I think is quite difficult to do considering the teen angst period of their character's lives. The hand's down best part of the film is the soundtrack. Awesome, awesome songs if you're into a somewhat unplugged indie/emo/pop-type sound (although Kevin's band is definitely trying to be more pop rock).

Watch It: For a somewhat Juno-like film with more heart and less laughs.

Skip It: If the recent indie hipster movies irk the hell out of you.

The Hot Chick

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 13, 2002

DVD Release Date: May 13, 2003

Plot 411: A high school cheerleader and a small-time crook switch bodies when they both get their hands on magical earrings.

Review: Rachel McAdams is Jessica, a spoiled little rich girl and one of the cool kids in school. She has a crew of other mean girls that includes her BFF April (Anna Faris). While at the mall one day, Jessica pinches a pair of earrings. Unfortunately, she loses one side at a gas station that Clive (Rob Schneider) has just robbed. He picks up the earring, which leads to the body swap the next morning. This is a cross between Mean Girls and Freaky Friday that has its funny moments but again isn't groundbreaking. I'd say it was probably on par with Schneider's other comedic attempts and just another teen comedy for McAdams. Can't really say I'd recommend it, even to its teen demographic. There are other teen comedies that rock and this one just isn't one of them.

Watch It: If you really feel the need to do so.

Skip It: If at all possible.

Never Been Kissed

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: April 9, 1999

DVD Release Date:October 26, 1999

Plot 411: A copyeditor gets her chance to prove herself as a reporter when she's assigned to go undercover at a high school.

Review: This is a sweet romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore as Josie Geller, an awkward young copyeditor with dreams of becoming a reporter. When her editor (Garry Marshall) gives her a chance to write, she jumps at it even though she must return to one of the worst times in her life. To get a feel of today's youth, she must go undercover at the local high school and make her way into the popular crowd. Unfortunately, Josie doesn't have much experience with the popular crowd because she was and still is a geek. With the help of her brother Rob (David Arquette), who was a popular jock in high school, Josie is able to tread through the social politics that is high school. Josie does well in English and develops a friendship with teacher Sam Coulson (Michael Vartan). But, because of her supposed age of 17, a relationship is forbidden. This is a fun high school rom com - one of many during the late '90s and early '00s. Barrymore is a good selection for the role of Josie because she has a youthful and innocent look about her. She still speaks with a short tongue though but that doesn't seem to keep her from acting jobs. Arquette is funny as her slacker brother. For this genre of film, I think Never Been Kissed is a pretty decent entry. This movie was also the training ground for some of young Hollywood's elite - Jessica Alba, James Franco and Leelee Sobieski - as well as the playground for established actors like Molly Shannon, John C. Reilly and Octavia Spencer.

Watch It: If you dream of being a reporter one day because this is the kind of commitment it'll take.

Skip It: If the lisping Barrymore is more than you can handle.

Love And Debate / Thanks To Gravity

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 1, 2006

DVD Release Date: August 25, 2009

Plot 411: A Hispanic Jewish girl from Miami learns about life and love.

Review: This movie came up under both of the listed titles, but I'm not sure why. I think Love And Debate more accurately describes the plot. Thanks To Gravity is almost like a mantra throughout the film. In any case, this movie is about Jordan (Gina Philips) and her transition from her senior year of high school through her senior year of college. During this time she struggles with herself, her identity, her dreams and her future. I enjoyed how this coming-of-age romantic drama realistically portrayed Jordan's struggles. This current generation has many options and are told they can be anyone they want to be. Yet, they are still confined to the traditions of their culture and upbringing. These two things can, at times, be opposing forces. While her friends are living it up during their last year of high school, the debate coach (Sean Astin) recruits Jordan onto the team. She discovers a new side to herself and becomes aware of all of life's possibilities. During Jordan's freshman year of college she becomes more independent, rebellious and falls in love with a non-Jew. An earlier experience has left her wary of men, but she hopes this relationship will last. As she becomes more involved with her boyfriend, she falls behind in debate and is kicked off the team. She proceeds through college and meets up with Elias (Adam Rodriguez), a family friend, who has more in common with her than she first gives him credit for. This is an interesting romantic comedy where culture, religion, identity and family meet at a crossroads and the protagonist is faced with the choice of several possible roads to her future.

Watch It: For a rom-com with a bit more substance and a lot more heart.

Skip It: If you're looking for a straight up mainstream coming-of-age flick.

Save The Last Dance

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 12, 2001

DVD Release Date: June 19, 2001

Plot 411: When her mother dies, Sarah moves to Chicago's inner city to live with her astranged dad

Review: After failing her ballet audition for Juilliard, Sarah (Julia Stiles) discovers the reason her mother was late was because she died in a car accident. After this blow, Sarah decides to give up dancing and must move to Chicago to live with her father. She enrolls in a predominantly black high school in a gritty area of town. Despite being a fish out of water, she is soon befriended by Chenille (Kerry Washington). Sarah also meets a wise-cracking boy named Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), who turns out to be Chenille's brother. When Sarah goes to a club called Stepps, she encounters hip hop for the first time and realizes that there is more to dance than her classical education has taught her. She also encounters Derek's ex-girlfriend Nikki (Bianca Lawson) and the drama begins. Nikki is trying to win Derek back and sees Sarah as a threat. However, as Derek teaches Sarah hip hop dancing, they grow closer and fall in love. When Derek and is friend Malakai (Fredro Starr) are targets of a drive-by shooting, Malakai wants to take revenge. Derek is torn between helping his friend and looking toward his future. When this movie came out, I was thoroughly entralled by it like most teens. It had a good love story, great music and dancing, action and drama. It felt as though the underdog would prevail despite all obstacles. Now that I'm older, I can see it for what it is. It's a fairly average movie of this type and kind of predictable. I think it did a good job at appealing to its demographic when it was released but don't think it is anything special. The idea that opposites attract is definitely not new and have already been captured on film in Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story, Dirty Dancing or Step Up.

Watch It: For a notable performance by Julia Stiles, who was just breaking out at that time.

Skip It: In favor of West Side Story, which contains much of the same plot points.

17 Again

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: April 17, 2009

DVD Release Date: August 11, 2009

Plot 411: A guy in his 30s regrets a lot of things in his life and is given the opportunity to go back to high school and change things.

Review: On the surface, this is just another remake of 13 Going On 30 or Freaky Friday where a character relives the past. However, surprisingly this movie is a lot more and is better for it. Zac Efron and Matthew Perry play Mike, a guy who gave up his chance at a baskeball scholarship to support his pregnant girlfriend. (There is no way Perry looked like Efron growing up, but I guess we're supposed to overlook that and several other things to make this film work.) Despite believing that it was the right thing to do, Mike still has regrets about the things that could've been. His wife (Leslie Mann/Allison Miller) is on the verge of divorcing him when he magically reverts back to his 17-year-old self and gets a do over. Yes, the transformation is pretty farfetched, but whatever. This is Hollywood. Even though this is a cheesy teen flick, I've gotta admit that it had more substance than most films of this genre. It deals with adult issues despite taking place in a teenaged world. The movie also deals with those weird interactions between the character who goes back in time (Mike) and the real teens of that generation (his children). I think that's a first. And for the very first time, I see what millions of teens and tweens around the world see in Zac Efron - well, besides the pearly whites and crystal clear blue eyes that is. He's really good in this role and is more than just man (boy) candy. I might just go back and watch all those High School Musicals because of it. If he could only get away from the mainstream Disney stuff and try his luck with some real indies, we'd get to see his full potential. Oh well, I digress.

Watch It: To learn of the true beauty that is Zac Efron.

Skip It: If you're so over his sweaty basketball-playing bod.