18 Again! (1988) User Reviews (27)

The old switcheroo.

[vertigo_14 · 6/10 · 20 April 2004]

18 Again is another one of those 80s role reversals, which for the decade, seemed to always involved young men and their fathers or grandfathers. Here, a young man switches bodies with his grandfather, and both see what it's like to live young and old.

Charlie Schlatter is David Watson, a college kid who's quiet, and far too held back in saying what he wants to say, especially around girls. But all that changes when he switches bodies with his grandfather Jack (George Burns), a charismatic, funny old guy with a whole lot of energy who, in switching bodies with his grandson, gives David a lot of appeal. Suddenly, he does the 180 from quiet to cool. It's your typical story about learning about self-confidence aside from sharing experiences about being that age these days in the same that Vice Versa, Dream a Little Dream, and Like Father Like Son did when they were released.

But this one is much more appealing than those previously mentioned, particularly driven by George Burn's great sense of humor and universal ability to charm, and also with Charlie Schlatter doing a pretty good job trying to act like George Burns would. Schlatter is hardly an annoying or selfish teenager, and neither is Burns, and I think that's what sets this movie apart from the others as well, despite being one of many using that plot. It's well worth the time. Plus, Pauley Shore has a small part as David's cooky friend.

This is better than the IMDb rating - plus GEORGE BURNS stars!

[BobbyT24 · 7/10 · 11 January 2016]

This is a fun comedy. It hits all the right notes for a very tired "soul-switching" genre that tended to dominate in the late-80s/early-90s. The difference is "18 Again" is the best of that genre hands-down. "Big" is a better movie, but that isn't soul-switching as much as a "child/grownup" genre. Match "18 Again" against other soul-switchers like "Dream A Little Dream", "Vice Versa", "Freaky Friday", or the horrific "Like Father, Like Son" from the same era - and you'll see a story with a heart unlike the others. In modern terms, this movie is closest to "17 Again" - although again, that isn't soul-switching as much as "child/grownup". However, I would take "18 Again" over "17 Again" simply for two reasons: Charlie Schlatter's uncanny physical mimicking - and the comedy talents of George Burns.

Charlie Schlatter is absolutely PERFECT as both David/Jack. His lovable-but-worthless "deer in the headlights" college freshman vs. that of his world-wise, confident grandfather, played by the irrepressible George Burns. The story twists with young David going through a series of let-downs that only a college freshman could experience with all the put-downs and disappointments we could expect. Enter his amazingly spontaneous and funny grandfather, Jack. Once Jack's soul enters David, we see all the confidence David needed to solve so many of his difficult situations.

The supporting cast is fine, if not a bit caricatured. However, watching Burns "inhabit" Schlatter's 18-year-old body is a joy. Schlatter should be teaching young actors/actresses on how to mimic body movements. He is simply that mesmerizing once Jack is "inside" him. It's a hoot. The part where "young" Jack tells his best friend, Charlie (Red Buttons) who he really is... It's a gem of a scene. Two legendary comedians using the body of a very capable young actor to convey joy and happiness from a bygone era... Loved it.

This is not a classic college comedy like "Animal House", "Revenge of the Nerds" or anything like that. But as a feel-good, happy little story that is well worth watching simply to watch George Burns at his best as the old gent with a wicked wit, this is a good one.

The same old formula, "Again!"

[Mister-6 · 7/10 · 9 November 1999]

The '80s was a good time for this kind of movie. Obviously.

Not only was there "18 Again!", but there was "Big", "Like Father, Like Son" and "Vice Versa", all with the same basic idea - regaining lost youth. And in comparison with the others, this falls sorta mid-way.

Burns, as always, is great and in fine form. Schlatter does a great Burns imitation in his early scenes especially. Runyon plays basically the same character she did in "Up the Creek" an just about every other part she'd played in movies before this. But she does okay. Morris, slinky and sultry as ever, doesn't disappoint. Everyone else just kind of hangs back and lets the story take care of itself. But that's okay; it does.

Let's face it: you can only say good in a movie where Pauly Shore play a halfway tolerable person.

Seven stars. Watch "18 Again!" and if you have before, do it "Again!"!

A fun and entertaining comedy!

[jellyneckr · 30 August 2001]

In this delightful fantasy comedy, George Burns plays a 81-year-old bachelor who smokes a lot of cigars. After an involving his grandson, David [Charlie Schlatter] his soul ends up in Charlie's body and Charlie's soul ends up in his body. That is when things start to get a little weird which is one of the many problems I had with this movie. Though a lot a things about this movie annoy and bother, it is pretty funny. George Burns provides loads of laughs in some really fun scenes and Charlie Schlatter makes this movie extremely entertaining. Pauly Shore has a little, but great part as one David's friends. The supporting cast is excellent, the music is fantastic, the movie was shot beautifully, and out of all the other body-switching comedies, this one is by far the best. Compare this to the Corey Haim and Corey Feldman body-switching comedy, DREAM A LITTLE DREAM and 18 AGAIN! looks like a masterpeace. This is actually one of the funniest comedies of the 1980's. I'm surprised that it isn't very popular. It's probably because it is hard to find. I had to go to four different video stores before I could find this, but it was well worth it!!!

I Wish I Were 18 Again...

[Uriah43 · 7/10 · 12 May 2017]

"David Watson" (Charlie Schlatter) is an 18-year old college freshman who is in the process of attempting to pledge to a fraternity. His worst antagonist is a senior in that same fraternity named "Russ" (Anthony Starke) who just so happens to have a girlfriend by the name of "Robin Morrison" (Jennifer Runyon) who David is also quite smitten with. In any case, one night while out with his grandfather, "Jack Watson" (George Burns) an auto accident creates a situation in which the soul of Jack is transplanted into David-and vice versa. So now, rather than being 81 years old, Jack is now 18. And being extremely outgoing, Jack becomes quite determined to make the most of the situation. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that I thought that this was a pretty good comedy all around with both George Burns and Charlie Schlatter performing in a fine manner. Likewise, having an attractive actress like Jennifer Runyon certainly helped to improve the scenery as well. Be that as it may, I enjoyed this movie and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.

Cheesy 80's Comedy with Serious Charm

[fatcat-73450 · 6/10 · 11 October 2021]

One of the many supernatural "body switch" comedies of the 80's in the tradition of Big (1988) and Like Father, Like Son (1987).

First the weaknesses:

• Extremely predictable three-act comedy.

• Over-the-top cartoonish 80's bully villains;

And why is the female lead always a nice and smart girl while her boyfriend always such a genuinely bad guy? There is some seriously discordant bad judgment going on here. If "nice guys finish last" is just a false stereotype, it must be perpetuated by these types of movies.

• When the grandson puts on the suspenders and all that and tries to lay on the old-man acting thickly it's often overdone and not believable.

• There are several confusing scenes where a character makes a remark about something that is in disagreement with what could be reasonably interpreted by watching the scene (eg. Characters often insult each others' clothes but they seem to be dressed normally to me).

• Lots of loose ends (eg. The young protagonist's best friend disappears in the middle of the movie; his artistic endeavors seem to be very important but also just dealt with for a very short while)

That being said, I can't rate this movie lower because it has some seriously strong aspects. The director's use of physical touch is superb. A hand coming to another person's shoulder can cause such strong emotions as revulsion, regret, or sadness in this director's hands.

I don't know who the actor playing the grandfather is, but he's bursting with personality (I know his name is George Burns but I'm not otherwise familiar with his work). You don't often see actors of this age in lead roles, but despite the apparent limitations in mobility and facial expressiveness, he beats out the likes of Dudley Moore and other older halves of the lead duos in these movies by being funnier and more effective in the emotional scenes (nothing against against Moore and company, Burns just does an outstanding job here).

For example, there's a very memorable song where Burns is just talking along to a melody in the style of Frank Sinatra. Despite that, it works. One doesn't need to jump around or hit all the high notes to create a big impression. It's very impactful and drenched in nostalgia.

Why was this movie so obsessed with Harry S. Truman? It must be the only comedy where Harry S. Truman is a significant plot point.

Honourable Mentions: Back to School (1986). Another university comedy where a seemingly irrelevant historical figure is mentioned obsessively. In this case, it's Kurt Vonnegut.

body-switch movie

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 25 January 2016]

David Watson (Charlie Schlatter) and his friend Barrett (Pauly Shore) are college students. He suffers under his frat brother Russ and pines for Russ's girlfriend Robin Morrison. He has a hard-nosed wealthy businessman grandfather Jack Watson (George Burns). His father Arnie works for Jack and concerned about Jack's wild companion Madeline. On his 81st birthday, Jack wishes to be 18 again. Jack takes David out for the night but they get into a car accident. Jack ends up in a coma. David wakes up with Jack's consciousness. He is surprised at David's sad life and his love of painting instead of business. He confides in friend Charlie (Red Buttons) about the switch.

There are two problems with this body-switch movie. Charlie Schlatter doesn't get George Burns quite right. Sometimes he's good but not always. Schlatter needs to do a better Burns impression because everybody knows how he act. As for Burns himself, it would be great for him to do something different. Instead, he's stuck in a coma for most of the movie. Once he goes into a coma, he only gets a few dream sequences where he is the same Burns. The story is the standard body-switch. It has some fun moments but is mostly a disappointment.

fun enough, but has some flaws

[JamieWJackson · 6/10 · 1 October 2013]

My biggest issue with this one is why didn't the kid have more questions when he "came back" at the end?? If you think about it, everything would have made no sense to him at all.

Aside from that, this is an enjoyable movie, albeit a flawed one. Charlie Schlatter had a lot of fun with the role, and I warmed up to it (at first he struck me as rather annoying). The movie mostly revolves around his performance as a re-young George Burns, and he does a pretty good job with that.

I really liked the Anita Morris character; it was a rather unsympathetic role but she got into it and that made it worth watching.

Jennifer Runyon is a trifle nondescript here; she doesn't get to do a whole lot other than smile and look pretty -- which she does well. She got a fair amount of lines, but there wasn't much interesting about them.

Don't expect greatness here, just some silly fun, and you'll enjoy it.

Pretty lazy comedy

[gridoon2024 · 5/10 · 31 July 2015]

Superficially, "18 Again!" is a harmless, easygoing, sometimes even heartwarming comedy. But you don't need to look too hard to see the unsavory subtexts (like a 80+ year old man flirting with women one quarter his age, which is apparently OK because his mind and personality are inside a young body), which are completely ignored, as is the predicament of the young man, whose mind is trapped inside George Burns' body and remains in a coma nearly for the duration. I called the movie "lazy" because, not only does it give us just one side of the coin, but it shows little imagination even in the presentation of that one side (the sole exception may be a large-scale 1920s-style party that Burns organizes). On the bright side, Charlie Schlatter is likable as "himself" and spot-on as "Burns", Burns as Burns tells one or two good jokes, and Anita Morris is so sexy and busty she stops the show. ** out of 4.

Trading souls concerning Truman's background and a platonic love!!

[elo-equipamentos · 7/10 · 22 February 2024]

After a longevous career on early Hollywood period the charismatic George Burns rises again on mid-seventies in THE SUNSHINE BOYS, OH, GOD! And GOING STYLE, paving a solid career as good old guy aftermaths, then came up fine projects which he portraits such charming character, in 18 AGAIN! He is back in a successful Hollywoodian formulaic pictures of trading souls, usually done by cinema industry through the years, I'd watched it in small parts on the past, now on full length for very first time.

This turn a shy teenager David Watson (Charlie Schlatter) in dire straits with his brotherhood at college, whereof doesn't get much attention of the girls, however his old wealthy grandpa Jack Watson (George Burns) a wisdom and bon vivant who knows the secret of life, on his birthday party of 81 years old he make a wish that comes to happen on a car's accident with his beloved grandson back from a night dinner, well the remainder everybody already figure out properly, underling George Burns in grandson's body making several jokes thru his mind, simply priceless, including he refers Pauly Shore companion on gir.ly spirit.

Charlie Schlatter a tiny guy, soon gets George Burns's mannerism at once at early sequences, mainly in walking and smoking cigars, the highlights quite sure are two secondary characters, the hoity-toity mistress Madeline (Anita Morris) and the loyalty Butler Horton (Bernard Fox) often talking on sarcastic mood over the hu.ssy Madeleine's behavior, furthermore the picture brings back the Golden Age era of the late twenties, a fancy outfits attached finest music and stylish dance, also focusing President Harry S. Truman's background info, without forget the early weirdo Pauly Shore and the auburn Red Buttons, woefully the writers stumbled upon disgracefully at athletic racing sequence, a so farcical outcome.

Thanks for reading.

Resume:

First watch: 2024 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.

Why didn't Charlie Schlatter become a film legend?

[pkzeewiz · 3/10 · 2 April 2010]

This was one of 5 movies with similar plots to come out all around the same time; Big, Dream A little Dream, Vice Versa and Like Father Like Son. Now 20 plus years later were still getting them, and this movie didn't have much of an impact on me. Its a fun little 80's comedy with some people I do enjoy seeing on the screen though and that's all that carries it for me.

Its about an old man making a birthday wish to be 18 again and you guessed it he gets his wish. He trades places with his 18 year old grandson and goes out into the world and lives his life. The boy was pretty much a loser and a nobody but gramps makes him a cool cat.

Director Paul Flaherty shot the film and he's a straight forward director, but hey this is comedy and you gotta let the actors tell the story . The man directed Who's Harry Crumb? and Clifford so he's got my vote.

The writers were a bunch of nobodies who mostly spent their careers writing for various TV shows.

Acting wise we had the legendary George Burns in his final movie role. He played 81, but in reality he was 92. Burns just smokes his cigars and makes a buttload of money so its cool for him, I have nothing against the guy, but I wish he didn't have to sing in everything. Charlie Schlatter played the 18 year old and I don't know why he wasn't a legend. Hes a great actor, good looking, charming, great personality and just never really did a lot. He played the title role in the short lived Ferris Bueller show in 1990 and he was in the 7th Police Academy film and done a few other films and a ton of voice over work, he should've been huge..

Of course great work from Tony Roberts, Red Buttons, love interest Jenny Runyon and one of the 80's best bullies Anthony Starke...great casting .. and then you have Pauly Shore and you wonder how in the hell he ever found work in the film business...hes horrible and he knows it.. Glad he wasn't in this film much.

I hated the whole 20's theme dance at the end acting as if anything is cool about that, cause that style of music just seems so lame and could never imagine a Frat party using it as a theme. Also on a musical note, the wild group The Dickies did some music and actually appeared on here..

It's worth a watch if you like 80's comedy and haven't seen it, I could name thousands better but I gave it 3 stars it was decent.

ONE OF THE BEST COMEDIES OF ALL TIMES

[bibi-3 · 10/10 · 26 December 1998]

I saw this movie almost ten years ago, and I still haven't seen a better comedy.

I enjoyed every minute. Don't miss it !!

A nice piece of movie but the comedy feels awkward

[Seraphion · 4/10 · 9 July 2014]

The story premise of body swap is surely rare for the movie's time. Yet the thing is that even for a movie of that time, the overall feel is like of one that's not too well organized. The pace is kept stable almost all the entire movie. But it jumps drastically and unprepared to the climax point.The mood is acquired nicely through the use of props and reminiscing of old nostalgia. But it gets a bit carried away when Tony Roberts sound like he's using an accent common in the movies of 1950s. The acting is a so-so. Everyone just acted out below expectation. Although, it must be said that Charlie Schlatter did nice to impersonate older folks.

Brings a smile :)

[SmileyGreg17 · 6 August 2000]

This is a heart warming film. I'm not a typical person to like 80's cinema, though i do like all manners of comedies, though this is great. I've never seen a George Burns film & i really liked it. He obviously passed his comedy talent on to Pauly Shore and it was interesting to see a film in which Pauly was an actor & not a comedien playing an actor. You know what really would have been interesting. If this was made once Pauly had his image established, there could've been a couple of great scenes with Burns trying to understand what he was saying & stuff. This film is great, & you don't have to be a fan of 80's cinema to enjoy it throughly. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up. Also, some might say that this has played too much on a body switching premise of the late 80's but i think it had a nice angle on it, and i loved this film

18 again,I wish......

[dunsuls-1 · 5/10 · 6 October 2012]

OK,I love these "switch"bodies or conscience or whatever sort of out of body experience films you want to call them and so I seek them out.Sadly this film has only one reason to see it and thats the late great George Burns.He has a quite grace that transcends any foolishness his roles call for and this movie calls for a few,least of which is any even remotely believable explanation of why a 81 year oldster switches conscience with his college aged grandson.The grandson, played by Charlie Schlatter, slowly grows on you and the in between'er role played by Tony Roberts is wasted.Red Buttons,Anita Morris and a VERY low keyed Pauly Shore are the only other actors worth noting.The plot is standard older gets younger one last time.Nothing new or earthshaking and the lack of science and VERY dated feel of dress and style makes it fairly boring unless you are really into these sort of films.See a lot better ones first, than see this for Mr.Burns ONLY.There was a sort of funny scene in a history class room about what the "S"inHarry S.Truman's name stood for but that was one of too few.

Underrated 80s comedy

[richspenc · 8/10 · 18 January 2016]

Some people didn't like this film, but I did. It was one of the four body swap comedies that came out in the same 12 months during 1987-1988. I remember them all very well cause I was 12 and 13 then and I was always going to the movies.

"18 again" was the second best of the four. ("Vice versa" was best due to very convincing and humorous acting from Fred Savage and Judge Rhinehold when they switch. "Like father, like son" was my least favorite due to very unconvincing and stupid annoying acting from Kirk and Dudley when they switch. And "Big" was Tom Hanks as a 13 year old in a 30 year old body acting more like was 6 instead of 13 when he switched and not acting anything like he did when he was actually 13). George Burns was always a good comedian, and I liked him in the "Oh god" movies. Here he switches places with his 18 year old grandson, Charlie Shlatter. The swap comes after Burn's birthday party when he says how he's happy about how he has everything he wants, except youth. Then, Burns and Charlie, in the car together, have an accident.

When he comes to, Charlie in Burn's body, he discovers he's been swapped. He's shocked for a moment, but then he is ecstatic and excited, he has gotten his wish. He goes back to school and things for him change due to Burn's soul now being in Charlie's body. Before, Charlie was always being pushed around by the bullies in his fraternity, and he had no confidence with girls. Now, Burns in Charlie's body, he stands up to those bullies, makes a jerk of a teacher look bad in front of the whole class by outsmarting him and being a wise ass about it. He now, with confidence, improved his track abilities. And he now, with confidence, was able to attract and win the girl he couldn't get when Charlie was Charlie. I also liked the scene when Burns/Charlie throws a roaring 20s style party, but some of that is cause I'm a big fan of movies from Hollywood's golden age. It being an 80s movie though, I am a tad bit curious how a bunch of 80s kids were automatically able to jump into a 20s style party like that, right away knowing all the dance moves and styles from that era. I like how Burns/Charlie's girlfriend dresses and dances just like a flapper (same with all the girls at that party). I also liked how Burns/Charlie mentioned bathtub gin and said "let's roar like the stock market crash is just around the corner". I also liked the scenes of Burns/Charlie and his old friend Red Buttons when he was convincing him what really happened with him and his grandson switching. And I liked their suggestive version of "By the light of the silvery moon" that they had sang many years ago when they were younger.

The one thing that bothered me a bit more in this film is how the other half, Charlie in Burn's body, was basically unconscious through most of the movie, since the souls were swapped, and Burn's body was in a coma from the car crash. But I guess it did give us more time to explore the different experiences Burns was having in Charlie's body. Still a good movie.

18...or 81?

[farnum · 16 May 2001]

This is the best movie of all the switched personality movies. It's so funny because its true! The funniest part was when that old guy did the dance at the party and all the girls wanted to go out with him. I hope I can do that when I'm 81! This is the best thing Charlie Schlater has done since "Fish Police". I think everyone should go out and see "18 Again!", again!

Affable comedy

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 11 April 2019]

Supremely confident 81-year-old bachelor and business mogul Jack Watson (robustly played with rascally charm to spare by George Burns) has his mischievous spirit placed into the body of his nice, but nebbishy 18-year-old grandson David (a fine and likeable performance by Charlie Schlatter) and vice versa.

Director Paul Flaherty not only keeps the enjoyable story moving along at a snappy pace, but also maintains an amiable good-natured tone throughout. Moreover, it's acted with zest by an able and enthusiastic cast: Tony Roberts as Jack's earnest, but underappreciated son Arnie, Anita Morris as vampy gold-digging tramp Madeline, Miriam Flynn as Arnie's perky wife Betty, Red Buttons as Jack's loyal old pal Charlie, Jennifer Runyon as the sweet Robin Morrison, Bernard Fox as snooty butler Horton, Kenneth Tigar as smarmy history professor Swivet, and Pauly Shore as David's loopy buddy Barrett. Schlatter captures Burns's distinctive mannerisms well and has a ball with his juicy role as Jack surmounts David's wimpiness and makes the kid a big man on campus. Best of all, there's some genuine touching heart to go along with the expected laughs. A nice little film.

18 Again!

[Coxer99 · 9 July 1999]

Charming comedy about the fate that intervenes in the lives of Jack, a swinging 81 year old bachelor who has everything but youth, and his grandson David, who change souls after a freak accident. Burns is lovely, but it is Schlatter who steals the picture with a witty and youthful version of Burns.

Don't worry about the rating, this movie was very good!

[Irishchatter · 9/10 · 7 January 2016]

I honestly admired the whole film and I really didn't think I was gonna be satisfied because the rating on the film here was low including a couple of bad reviews. Regardless of what people think, I decided on this movie myself!

I just couldn't get over the fact, George Burns was 92 years old when he played Jack Watson. To me, I thought he looked younger like in his late 70's! Seriously, that man really is a legend and for a man who smoked so much, Christ almighty that's so amazing yet so odd that normally people who smoke lose 14 years of their lives! That guy should've won more then an Oscar, I think he truly deserves more since I never even heard of the man before!

Charlie Schlatter looked absolutely gorgeous in this especially when George Burns' character was suppose to be stuck in his body. He honestly would melt every girls heart from having the grandfather's fancy attitude. Yknow whenever he has that attitude, it gives you the feels of self confidence and being positive within yourself, I think it does make you feel good when a character doesn't give a crap on what anyone says! He was also an excellent actor who should deserve more!

Very enjoyable movie!

Not the Best of the Body-Swap Genre But Definitely the Most Fun

[sundialpictures-01657 · 20 April 2019]

I must have a thing for body swap stories because I've liked nearly every film with this premise. 1987-88 was the peak year for this type of flick and you had a bunch of good ones: Like Father, Like Son, Vice Versa, and Big all came out that fall, spring, and summer. 18 Again is the one that came and went. It lasted about three weeks in theatres and then disappeared. The thing is, I think I like this one more than the others that I've mentioned. Maybe it's because George Burns is in it, maybe it's because of the gorgeous Anita Morris, or maybe it's the idea of being an older man getting a second chance at youth. It's possible that all of the above contribute to the appeal. Regardless, when I want to watch a movie in this genre, 9 times out of 10, I stick in 18 Again and enjoy it every time. It's not the best of the genre but it's probably the most fun.

Still a classic over 30 years later

[ykjdh · 10/10 · 25 August 2023]

Saw this movie when I was 12 years old on vhs with a few body switching movies Vice Versa and Like Father Like Son. Of the the 3, I remember liking this one best. So I found it on Tubi and decided to check it out again and it still held up with its charming characters. Especially George Burns who's really in the movie for minutes as his character is in a coma. During the 87-88 time frame the body switching movies with teen idols of that time (Kirk Cameron, Charlie Schlatter, and Fred Savage???--wait, really??) were a fad. While the most successful of the three movies was Like Father Like Son, this one was the best in terms of story and characters we actually liked.

If you're expecting a lot of George Burns you might be disappointed as his character's coma is central to the movie's plot.

I think had this movie come out before Like Father Like Son, this could have had a better opportunity at success in the box office. While it was released around Vice Versa, it was ignored compared to that movie. Charlie Schlatter is pretty decent playing opposite a legend like Burns, a comedy legend for decades. So if you want to revisit your childhood like me, or just want a good little decent heartwarming story that has aged well, give this one a try.

Not Again!

[tfrizzell · 1 August 2002]

Shortly after George Burns' 81st birthday he is involved in a terrible car accident with his 18-year-old grandson (Charlie Schlatter) and the two have their souls switched in the venture. Now Schlatter's soul is trapped in Burns' comatose body while Burns' soul is in Schlatter's body (which was not injured in the accident). The typical insanity then takes place as Burns enjoys living in Schlatter's body, but then he realizes that the fun must stop and that he must do what he can to save his grandson's life. A tedious little comedy that just never does work. The formula is just lacking on the silver screen. 2 stars out of 5.

A much better movie than the average reviews

[MoviezFun · 8/10 · 2 March 2018]

There were plenty of movies in the 1980's where a kid would trade places with a parent, but the best of these in my opinion is 18 Again! The take away I got from this movie is the powerful bond that can develop between a Grandparent and their Grandchild. Also, what it would be like for someone at the end of their life to have one chance to go back and be 18 again if just for a short time.

George Burns rocks!

[PredragReviews · 8/10 · 6 April 2017]

I love this film! It is a fun, playful film that is great for a Saturday afternoon. George Burns plays a man celebrating his 81st birthday. He makes a wish to be 18 again and after a car crash with his 18 year old grandson (Schlatter), they swap bodies. Schlatter is fantastic in this film and gives a great energetic performance. His big cheesy grin throughout is definitely a reason to watch this film. Despite being mostly a fantasy film, this movie packed a lot of wit and humor to the racial stereotyping of the times (which may still be just as valid today). C Thomas Howell was able to perform the transmutation into a black man without a hitch (even if he only on rare occasions actually spoke like a black man). James Earl Jones is the "black" teacher we all dream of having, which few of us ever do.

Despite its flaws, this movie manages to get it's point across reasonably well and can be appreciated by both adults and kids. One of the biggest reasons for my liking this film is the fact that I like the way the romance subplot was handled. Rather than having the love-interest fall into the hero's lap right away (like they do in most movies, books, or stories), in this movie, the hero had to actually EARN the girl's love rather than just get it for free! In that way this movie is quite rare and I respect it for that reason. More movies should handle romance stories the way this one does since one of the biggest flaws society suffers from is the fact that very few people really have to earn anything anymore and thus do not really know the true value of something as a result.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.