Iffy for 12+
So-so comedy will amuse young Efron fans more than parents.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that they may want to think twice before letting young tween High School Musical fans see this PG-13 rated comedy, which is edgier than most of star Zac Efron's previous work. There's a scene of teens drinking at a party and a fair number of sexual references. It's generally more talk than action, but there's some making out, a teen girl gets pregnant, and one character hoards condoms. But curse words are few and fairly mild ("ass" and "bitch") and violence is at a minimum (of the two "fight" scenes, one is cartoonish, the other lukewarm). Parents may appreciate the fact that Efron's character implores his fellow teens to make so-called "smart" decisions about sexual activity and college.
- Families can talk about what this movie teaches teens about the importance of their behavior and decisions, particularly when it comes to things like sex. Are those messages clear amid the comedy? Is it easier to hear those messages from Zac Efron than from parents?
- Families can also talk about the ongoing popularity of movies aboutadults revisiting their younger years. Why is that kind of story soappealing?
- How does this movie compare to others in that genre?
The good stuff
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Messages: Characters learn lessons about appreciating family and making smart decisions. But to get there, they navigate some tricky situations (for instance, a high school senior gets his girlfriend pregnant and gives up college to marry her and find a job, leaving him frustrated and resentful).
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Role models: Some students clearly relish bullying others; some girls practicallythrow themselves at guys (one says a guy doesn't even have to rememberher name as long as he sleeps with her), and vice versa. A teen boybinges on junk food.
What to watch for
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Violence: One scene features intense slapping. In another, a grown-up swings a hatchet and light saber against a teen, but the scene is played cartoonishly. Some bullying and brief fistfights.
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Sex: More references than actual sex/action. A teen girl makes out with her boyfriend frequently. In one scene, a teen girl tries to seduce a guy with animal role-play. Conversations sometimes include sexual innuendoes; one guy hoards condoms because he says he has "needs." Discussion of abstinence and why it works (or not) for teens. A teen boy kisses a woman old enough to be his mother. A teenage girl gets pregnant, and her high school boyfriend offers to marry her. Girls throw themselves at a guy, essentially offering sex. Adult couple show in bed together. A boy wearing nothing but a shield (nudity implied) walks out of a party.
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Language: Fairly mild; some use of "ass," "bitch," "dick," "whore," "oh my God," and the like. One "s--t" in a song.
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Consumerism: Products featured in the movie include Captain Crunch, Pringles, Nutella, and Old Milwaukee Beer. Much is made of a character's American Express Black Card.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: One scene shows teens drinking (some of them drunk) at a party.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
Luv Zac Efron by LisBaby
....but the movie was kind of lame. Not as funny as I thought it would be.
5
You know you want to experience the thrill. Don't miss out. by baktruth
Let me start off my saying that this movie captures your heart. With the starting scene to the last, you come to love every second of the film. This movie is so cute and Zac Efron is unbelievably gorgeous. I expected this movie to be great but it went beyond my expectations, IT WAS AWESOME. Also with some of its witty and comedic scenes, it really pulls you in. I never wanted it to end. Oh and to all you Zac Efron fans.... you won't be disappointed. gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. :)
4
17 Again by conradwsba1
This was a good movie. Zac Efron did a really good job. The movie is more for people over 10 years old because there our a lot of parts for teens.
5
Loved it! by jrclowery
From the beginning to the end this movie is heartwarming, funny and witty! I'm 48 and I saw it with a 10y/o, 14y/o & 35 y/o- we all loved it. We laughed out loud many times. I thought Zac Efron did a great job (I had my doubts!) and not to mention the HOT factor (careful my cougar claws are showing)!!!! Will see it again and buy the movie when it comes to DVD.
5
Hilarious! by MrsKristaB
Hilarious movie! A girlfriend and I went to see this movie and were a little unsure of how good it would be considering it's a "teen movie". However, we didn't stop laughing and the story line was a pretty good one. Efron's acting was pretty impressive and the message anything but "teenish". Definitely go see this.
4
17 Again by thecoolone
This is a good movie, did enjoy it. The PG-13 rating a very accurate. I made the mistake of taking my 7 years old daughters just because of the other reviews said it was a family movie. Many scenes that were not kid appropriate but by the end of the movie I think most of those scenes were forgotten. This movie had a very good story line, yes played out, but this generation doesn't remember most of the other films like this one. Even my 8 year old son liked it, even though the girls dragged him to it. I would watch it again and I think even my husband will like it.
5
Great Movie! by movie_assessor
I went to see this movie with my daughter, son, husband, and my childrens' friends. Me and my husband were reluctant to go, but had to because none of our children or their friends were over 13. I was quite surprised in the outcome though, because the movie was excellent. The humor and comedy were perfectly balanced, and my 10 year old was not seeing anything bad, nor was my 7 year old or their friends. I highly recoment this movie, it is fantastic.
5
Great Movie for Both Teenagers and Parents by seanj288
My wife and I are in our forties and we don't have kids. Saw the movie by chance even though we don't normally care for teenager movies - meant to go see Angels and Demons before it was released. Anyway, while the script was funny and well-written, and we got quite a few laughs, and Zac is a good actor esp. for his age - much better than Perry & mom, there's also something that we could relate to even though the story has no resemblance to our lives. It also has a good moral message unlike typical teenager movies of these days. It started slow and got better and better.
Far far better than Big and 13 going on 30 - it's very different and heart warming, excellent script. Would see it again in a heartbeat.
4
SHyea, it's Zac Efron! by drumlinechic06
I really enjoyed watching this movie. It had many funny moments, that I probably laughed too loud at, but I was in a good mood. I thought it had it's own originality. I would recommend this to others as a worthwhile movie. Plus I didn't mind looking at Zac for a while.
4
17 Again by wilbear
I'm past 60 and took the 10-year-old daughter of a friend. We both loved the movie. Zach really made me believe he really was an adult in a teen's body. I wouldn't have thought he'd be so mature in any role at his age. Obviously, great for all ages and an afternoon of fun.