13goingon30_kelleher

__“//13 Going on 30//: The Classic Fairytale”__ Written By: Caryn Kelleher

As most people know, all classic fairytales have a “and they lived happily ever after” type of ending. Knowing that you can figure out within the first few minutes of this tale, that //13 Going on 30// is not exception to this theory, except for the fact that it is more modern.

At 13, Jenna Rink (played by [|Jennifer Gardner]), wanted to be, as most teenagers do, the well known term, “popular”. She receives a dollhouse with magic fairy dust as a birthday gift from her best friend Matt Flamhaff (played by [|Mark Ruffalo]), and out of anger she wishes she was 30 years old. As like most fairytales, her wish comes true because of the magic fairydust and she gets everything she’s always wanted except for one thing, her best friend Matt. Jenna Rink travels this odd and wondrous road in hopes to make her life normal again and return to the age of 13. She learns the morals of how one should be satisfied with what they have and honesty with one’s self.

The acting is what makes the movie as successful and entertaining as it is. Jennifer Gardner is spunky, spontaneous, hilarious, and exciting, which makes her perfect as Jenna Rink, while Mark Ruffalo is smart, sophisticated, but knows have to have fun at the same time, which makes him just right for the part of Matt Flamhaff. The younger versions of these two characters (played by [|Christa B. Allen] as Young Jenna and [|Sean Marquette] as Young Matt Flamhaff).The casting was a key piece to the puzzle that makes up this modern fairytale.

The costumes make the movie just delightful; hitting the 80’s style note at the beginning with perfect pitch and transforming to the modern day style just perfectly like a delightful symphony for the viewer. Throughout the movie, style is revolved and portrayed beautifully, whether on Jenna, Lucy, Jenna’s right hand at 30 but once enemy and 13, or on the people in //Poise// magazine, the magazine in which Jenna is editor.

Released on August 3, 2004, it was a hit the moment it met the shelves. With the DVD extras of Director’s commentary, Producer’s commentary, 18 deleted and extended scenes, Blooper reel, “I Was A Teenage Geek” featurette, The making of //13 Going On 30//, Pat Benetar’s “Love Is A Battlefield” and Rick Springfield’s, “Jessie’s Girl” music videos, The 80’s Outfit Challenge, “Then and Now”, Video Gallery. The funky collection of enjoyable bonus features makes this DVD a variety of entertainment.

As a fairytale, it was unique with its modern taste, makes a delightful, entertaining, classic tale for viewing. With its variety of special features and unique standouts, it’s a successful way to portray the classic fairytale.