13 Going on 30 (2004)

Thirty, flirty and stuck in a staff meeting: that’s the weird middle of 13 Going on 30. The movie spends way too much of its 98 minutes on a magazine redesign and a rival publication, as if the fate of the world rides on a font choice. Everything else runs on Jennifer Garner. She plays a 13-year-old in a grown-up life with total commitment, from the gawky walk to the slumber party enthusiasm, and she never winks at the audience. Mark Ruffalo makes Matty so gentle and sad you want to call him to check in. Judy Greer is great as the frenemy who leveled up. Andy Serkis has fun as a boss who actually dances. Then Thriller comes on at a stiff work party, and Garner drags the whole room onto the dance floor. It’s pure joy. It made $96.5 million worldwide on a reported $37M. A 6.1 because Garner is a delight and the plot is a meeting that won’t end. $81.73 says your next birthday wish is way more specific than thirty, flirty and thriving.

What works: Jennifer Garner is fully convincing as a kid in a grown-up’s body, and the Thriller dance scene is an all-timer.

What doesn’t: The magazine rivalry plot is flat and takes up too much screen time, and the ending wraps everything up too fast.

Who it’s for: Anyone who grew up wishing to be older, and sleepover crowds who want a sweet comedy with a great 80s soundtrack.