"Big" for dummies.
I have a tip
for screenwriters and film directors. If you're
going to take a storyline from an acclaimed,
financially successful film you have to find a
uniqueness, a way to improve upon the idea or at
least have the decency to access that film's
strengths and build upon that for your own film.
"13 Going on 30" takes a storyline similar to
"Big", but lacks that film's innocence, charm
and humor. In its place, it leaves behind more
sensualized behavior, attitude and a general
nastiness.
Jennifer Garner, so wonderful in "Alias,"
undoubtedly has acting skill but little of it is
evident here. Mostly, she smiles widely and acts
out a script that forces her to act stupidly
being a 13 year old in a 30 year old body. It's
a tremendous waste of her talent. All the
sincerity and innocence that Tom Hanks put into
"Big" is completely absent here. (Other than, of
course, her ongoing shock and dismay at seeing a
boyfriend's "thingy" and being appalled by the
guys who hit on her).
Mark Ruffalo, in the role of Matt, her teenage
friend who comes back into her life, does a nice
job but really has no life or energy. Plus, I
have to be honest here...I was troubled by all
the other things I've seen Ruffalo in...He's
played so many "sexualized" characters that I
just never completely bought into his role here.
A joy to watch here is Andy Serkis, yes...that
guy who does "Gollum" in the LOTR films does a
relatively normal, fun role here...and is a nice
addition to the cast.
There are some neat lessons here, but they
unfortunately get lost inside the wooden writing
and character development. Garner was never
really convincing as she transitioned from an
upwardly mobile, snobbish young lady to a more
human, real and loving person who actually cares
about someone other than herself.
In short, this is a below average film...while
far from a complete waste of time, if you're
really into this theme I recommend "Big."
©
Written by Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
I enjoyed the
film and believe that Jennifer Garner is one of
the most charming actresses of this era.
She is great in this film.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
