Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

17 Again is the kind of movie that sounds better in the pitch meeting than it plays on screen. The premise is solid—what if you got a do-over with the wisdom you have now?—but the execution is bogged down by PG-13 sex jokes, a formulaic rom-com plot, and Zac Efron doing his best with a script that's more interested in high-school hijinks than genuine insight.

That said, there's a real emotional core here. Mike learns to appreciate his wife, understand his kids, and realize that the 'boring' life he resented is actually the one he chose—and maybe even wanted. That's a message worth discussing with teens, especially if they're wrestling with big decisions or feeling like they're missing out.

But let's be real: this movie is 16 years old, and it shows. The humor is dated, the sexual innuendo is constant, and there's a nude party scene that will either make you laugh or reach for the remote. It's not unwatchable, but it's not a must-see either. If you've got a 13-year-old who loves body-swap comedies and can handle PG-13 content, go for it. Otherwise, there are better ways to spend 102 minutes.

Age Fit

Best for 13+ due to the sexual content and party scenes. Common Sense Media, Australian reviewers, and the MPAA all agree this is PG-13 territory. Younger kids won't get the jokes and will be confused (or exposed to stuff they're not ready for). Teens and adults will appreciate the 'what if' premise, though it's more rom-com fluff than deep reflection.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

58

The film's core message about appreciating family and the choices we make is solid, but it's wrapped in a package of frequent sexual innuendo, party scenes with mild nudity, and comedic violence (a teen taped up in a toilet cubicle, sword fights). The emotional arc is heartfelt—Mike learns to value his wife and kids—but the delivery leans heavily on PG-13 humor that undercuts the wholesome themes. Not toxic, but not exactly modeling kindness either; it's more 'learn from your mistakes via awkward body-swap hijinks.'

Imaginative

52

Body-swap comedies aren't new, and 17 Again doesn't reinvent the wheel. The premise—what if you could redo high school with adult wisdom—has potential for creative exploration, but the execution is paint-by-numbers rom-com. There's no world-building, no invitation to think differently or create. It's a straightforward 'second chance' fantasy that hits the expected beats without much originality. Zac Efron brings charm, but the script doesn't ask viewers to stretch their imagination.

Safe

62

Rated PG-13 for language, sexual material, and teen partying. Multiple reviews flag a brief nude party scene (a teen covering his crotch), 'tongue-bath' make-out sessions, jokes about erections, and comedic violence including a fall from a balcony. No graphic gore or death, but the sexual content and innuendo are pervasive enough that younger kids will either be confused or exposed to material they're not ready for. It's not unsafe for the 13+ crowd, but it's definitely not something you'd want an 8-year-old stumbling into on movie night.

Enriching

64

There's a decent takeaway here: your choices matter, and sometimes the 'boring' life you built is actually the one you wanted all along. Mike learns to appreciate his wife, connect with his kids, and let go of regret. That's a meaningful message for teens and adults. But the film doesn't dive deep—it's more interested in high-school hijinks and romantic comedy beats than genuine reflection. It's entertaining enough and has some emotional heft, but you're not walking away with profound insights. Solid for a conversation about responsibility and perspective, but not life-changing.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The core message—appreciate what you have, your choices shaped who you are—is genuinely touching and worth discussing with teens
Zac Efron is charming and committed, making the high-school scenes more entertaining than they have any right to be
It's a decent conversation starter about regret, responsibility, and what 'success' really means
Light enough for a family movie night with older kids who can handle PG-13 content

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What to Watch For

Pervasive sexual jokes, innuendo, and a brief party scene with a naked teen (covering himself but still visible)—be ready for awkward questions or just wait until your kid is 13+
Comedic violence that's meant to be funny but includes bullying, a sword attack, and a fall from a balcony
The humor is very 2009—some jokes land flat or feel dated by 2025 standards
Teen partying and drinking references throughout

Conversation Starters

"If you could go back and redo one decision, what would it be? Would you actually change it?"
"Mike gave up a basketball scholarship for love. Do you think that was the right call, or does he just convince himself it was?"
"How would you handle being 17 again but with everything you know now? Would you do high school differently?"
"The movie shows Mike reconnecting with his kids as a peer. Do you think that helped them, or was it kind of weird?"

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