Hey folks, Harry here... Last week, when Moriarty flew in to see SHAUN OF THE DEAD here in Austin, Mrs Moriarty went to a screening of 13 GOING ON 30 in L.A. instead, and James G told me that she loved the film. Moriarty was going on and on about how he didn't want to suffer through the film, and how this whole last minute SHAUN OF THE DEAD thing I was doing saved him from a fate worse than death. I told him, that I actually liked the trailer for 13 GOING ON 30 -- and was curious about the film, because... the idea I get from the trailer is that you have a 13 year old virgin wake up in her 30 year old life - fully grown - in the midst of a sexually active life, and - I was personally a bit stunned at the themes that that could play with, which are actually quite disturbing. That being said, I think Jennifer Garner is hot - and I've liked her quite a bit in the episodes of ALIAS that I've seen. Somewhere in the world - a guy that goes by the alias flmlvr is probably sweating in anticipation for this one, but here's what a gal in New York thought of it...
Hey Harry,
Although I know the Jennifer Garner film 13 Going on 30 is not your guys usual fare when it comes to scooping and reviewing movies but I felt like it deserved at least a little recognition. I had the opportunity to see a free sneak preview of the film in New York on April 7th and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, I am a girl and yes I do have a soft spot for romantic comedies but as of late there has been nothing coming out of Hollywood that has been any good i.e. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Just Married, blah blah the list can go on forever. Not I am not saying that this movie will be mentioned in the same breath as say When Harry Met Sally but for what it was, a feel good romantic comedy backed by a very popular (albeit more recent) leading lady, I felt it succeeded to the fullest.
There were so many times when this movie could have gone horribly wrong by say, having Garner pull the "EWWW BOYS! I AM STILL 13 IN HERE!" shtick for too long or having the audience hate the love interests fiancé just because they had to like the lead better or any number of other points but the creators were able to pull it all together, steer everything in the right direction and ultimately came out with a wonderful movie for the masses. I never liked Garner or thought she was anything special but her comic timing was spot on and I think this part could have been handled horribly is helmed by a different actress. Her doe eyes only last so long and she really comes into her own in the part as does the character. Mark Ruffalo is hard to dislike and his indie films (You Can Count On Me) have shown his incredible talent and I am pretty sure after this film he will be the next big thing to hit the news stands. Let's just hope he keeps his indie roots (and ego in check).
Revolution has been seriously lacking in their successful films department as of late but I hope this film brings them out of their slump. It's an excellent movie, suitable for almost all ages. It's trite but I laughed, I cried and most importantly, I would have paid the totally exorbitant New York $10.25 to see it when it gets its nationwide release.
Hope this review was good enough for you. Didn't want to give any spoilers because the jokes and moments all carry themselves wonderfully and I hope some people get out there and see it.
Kirstin
