Tis the season for lots of comedies aimed at teens yet with stories broad enough to snag the adult market. 13 Going on 30 fits that bill to a T.

This is the tale of the girl who wanted everything only find what she wanted was what she had to give up. One minute our heroine is 13 trying to be cool, the next she is 30 and the epitome of cool, but all alone. Sort of Freaky Fridayish only she switches places with herself at different points in her life.

Side point, is the 80’s nostalgia movement absolutely horrifying or is it just me? Fashion was wack back then and it looks like fricking alien skin by today’s standards. Neon alien skin with pure Aquanet hair no less.

Anyway, it’s basically a lighthearted film. To say it was a romantic comedy would be a reach because the humor was more sweet than funny.

Three good things about the movie:

1) Jennifer Garner. On a scale of 1 to 10 she’s an 11.

2) The average guy next door got a chance at the hot chick. That gives us all hope.

3) The pacing and delivery was good.

Three bad things:

1) A little light in the laugh department, but the jokes didn’t fall flat so no big deal.

2) Jennifer Garner had to act 13. That made me feel awkward watching her at points.

3) Part of the movie was set in the 1980’s.

My vote – matinee it. It’s worth DVD if you catch the right sale, but it will work just fine on cable or video too.