Kids today are in such a hurry to grow up. Fortunately, not all of them are able to do so simply by wishing for it. Unlike 13-year old Jenna Rink who, desperate to have the adult life she envisions for herself, propels herself 17 years into her future only to discover that her life didn't exactly turn out as she planned. 13 Going On 30 is Big with breasts, a female spin on the now classic Tom Hanks vehicle. Filled with enough fresh ideas to avoid being a complete rip-off of its predecessor, 13 Going On 30 is buoyed by an exuberant performance by Jennifer Garner as the girl/woman struggling to come to grips with her new circumstances.

       There is little in the way of surprises in terms of plot. All of the standard rom-com elements are present and, I suppose, the only real surprise is the discovery that grown-up Jenna hasn't exactly placed herself on the short-list of Miss Congeniality candidates. It seems that her heartfelt desire to be ‘thirty, flirty, and thriving' has led to stepping on a few toes and Jenna begins to understand that fate has dealt her an opportunity to make things right.

       Garner does nice work as she transitions Jenna from wide-eyed teenager unsure of who she is or how she connects to the people in her life to confident career woman determined to bail out the sinking magazine she now finds herself editor of. Garner sheds her tough Alias image in favor of sweet innocence and it works simply because she has the sort of personality that doesn't seem to be very far removed from that of a teenager.

       Mark Ruffalo is Garner's love interest and best friend, Matt. After years apart, he's not sure what to make of Jenna's sudden reappearance. Matt has moved on with his life, having become engaged in an attempt to lay to rest the secret love he harbored for Jenna. Her renewed interest in him has turned his feelings upside down and Ruffalo is wholly believable as a man struggling to trust in the idea that the past can be rewritten.

       The rest of the cast is admirable, especially Andy Serkis who steps out from behind the green screen to play Jenna's boss at the magazine.

       13 Going On 30 worked for me on other levels as well. It features a great 80's soundtrack and the fashions and music of the decade that marked MY teen years are carried throughout the film. The story, despite its clichés and predictability, is fun and lighthearted, filled with funny moments that either made me smile or laugh outright. This isn't world changing stuff, but it makes you feel good.

Despite a marketing campaign geared toward teen girls, there's a lot to like about 13 Going On 30 even if you're not in that demographic – especially if you've ever wished you could have a ‘do over'.