17 Again (2009) Lyrics

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17 Again (2009 Movie Overview)

General Information
"17 Again" is a 2009 American comedy-drama fantasy film directed by Burr Steers. The movie features a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, exploring themes of youth, regret, and second chances. It stars Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann, and Michelle Trachtenberg.

• Release Date: April 17, 2009


• Runtime: 105 minutes


• Language: English


• Country: United States


• Budget: $20 million


• Box Office Gross: $139.5 million

Plot Summary
The film follows Mike O'Donnell, portrayed by Matthew Perry as an adult and Zac Efron as his teenage self. At 37 years old, Mike reflects on his life choices and regrets missing out on his high school basketball scholarship to support his then-girlfriend Scarlet (Leslie Mann), who was pregnant. After a chance encounter with a mysterious janitor, Mike finds himself transformed back into his 17-year-old self.

As a teenager again, Mike navigates the challenges of high school while trying to reconnect with his estranged family and save his marriage. He learns valuable lessons about love, responsibility, and what it truly means to grow up.

Main Cast

• Zac Efron as Mike O'Donnell (17 years old)


• Matthew Perry as Mike O'Donnell (37 years old)


• Leslie Mann as Scarlet O'Donnell (37 years old)


• Michelle Trachtenberg as Margret "Maggie" O'Donnell


• Sterling Knight as Alex O'Donnell


• Thomas Lennon as Ned Gold (37 years old)


• Hunter Parrish as Stan


• Katerina Graham as Jamie


• Melora Hardin as Principal Jane Masterson

Production Details
The film was produced by New Line Cinema and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The screenplay was written by Jason Filardi, and the music was composed by Rolfe Kent. The cinematography was handled by Tim Suhrstedt.

Critical Reception
"17 Again" received mixed reviews from critics but found a solid audience base. It holds a rating of 55% on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 48 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics praised Zac Efron's performance for its charm but noted the film's reliance on familiar tropes.

Awards and Nominations
The film garnered several nominations but did not win major awards. It is recognized for its entertaining premise and performances, particularly that of Efron.

Key Themes

1. Regret and Redemption: The film explores how past decisions shape our present lives and the desire to correct mistakes.


2. Family Dynamics: It highlights the importance of family relationships and communication.


3. Youth vs. Adulthood: The contrast between the carefree nature of youth and the responsibilities of adulthood is central to the story.

Quotes from the Film

"You don't get to choose your family; you just have to deal with it."
"Sometimes you have to go back to move forward."

Soundtrack

The soundtrack features a mix of contemporary pop songs that complement the film's youthful energy. Notable tracks include:

1. "Bust a Move" - Young MC


2. "I Want It All" - Queen


3. "Dancing with Myself" - Billy Idol

Conclusion

"17 Again" remains a beloved film among fans for its comedic approach to serious themes of life choices and personal growth. Zac Efron's portrayal of a teenager grappling with adult issues resonates with audiences, making it a memorable entry in the teen comedy genre.

Exploring the "17 Again" Soundtrack: Full Tracklist and In-Depth Analysis.

Album Overview.

The "17 Again" soundtrack serves as a vibrant companion to the 2009 comedy film, encapsulating the essence of youthful exuberance and nostalgia. Featuring a blend of contemporary hits and classic tracks, the album mirrors the protagonist's journey of rediscovery, seamlessly intertwining with the film's narrative to enhance the overall viewing experience.

Production and Reception.

Released in 2009, the soundtrack was curated to reflect the film's dual timelines, bridging the gap between the late 1980s and the late 2000s. Critics and audiences praised the album for its eclectic mix, noting how it effectively captured the film's themes of second chances and self-reflection. The inclusion of both nostalgic tunes and modern tracks appealed to a broad audience, contributing to the film's commercial success.

Track Highlights.

The soundtrack boasts several standout tracks that resonate with the film's themes. "Bust a Move" by Young MC injects energy into pivotal scenes, while "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins adds a nostalgic touch, harkening back to the protagonist's youth. "Naïve" by The Kooks and "L.E.S. Artistes" by Santigold offer contemporary flair, reflecting the film's modern setting. These selections, among others, underscore key moments, enhancing the emotional depth and relatability of the story.

Musical Styles and Themes.

The album features a diverse array of musical styles, from hip-hop and pop to rock and indie. This variety mirrors the protagonist's journey through different life stages, blending the past and present. The thematic elements of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the passage of time are woven throughout the soundtrack, providing a rich auditory backdrop to the film's narrative.

Movie Background.

"17 Again" follows Mike O'Donnell, a 37-year-old man disillusioned with his life, who miraculously transforms back into his 17-year-old self. Seizing this second chance, he enrolls in high school to navigate his teenage years anew, aiming to rectify past mistakes and reconnect with his estranged family. The film explores themes of regret, redemption, and the impact of choices, all underscored by a humorous and heartfelt narrative.

Main Cast of the Movie.

Zac Efron as Young Mike O'Donnell.

Zac Efron portrays the 17-year-old version of Mike O'Donnell, capturing the character's youthful charm and internal conflict as he relives his teenage years with the wisdom of adulthood.

Matthew Perry as Adult Mike O'Donnell.

Matthew Perry plays the adult Mike O'Donnell, whose dissatisfaction with his life sets the story in motion, leading to his transformation and subsequent journey of self-discovery.

Leslie Mann as Scarlet O'Donnell.

Leslie Mann embodies Scarlet O'Donnell, Mike's estranged wife, whose relationship with Mike serves as a central emotional thread throughout the film.

Thomas Lennon as Ned Gold.

Thomas Lennon takes on the role of Ned Gold, Mike's eccentric best friend, providing comic relief and unwavering support as Mike navigates his second chance at youth.

Michelle Trachtenberg as Maggie O'Donnell.

Michelle Trachtenberg portrays Maggie O'Donnell, Mike's teenage daughter, whose relationship with her father evolves as he re-enters her life in his younger form.

Quotes.

"The '17 Again' soundtrack masterfully blends nostalgia with contemporary hits, enhancing the film's exploration of second chances."

Film Music Magazine

"Each track is thoughtfully selected to mirror the protagonist's journey, making the soundtrack a standout element of the film."

Soundtrack Review

November, 25th 2024

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