But just like many episodes ofFriendsin 2023,13 Going on 30hasnt aged all too well.
Funnily enough,Mean Girlsalso came out in 2004.
It was the era of wanting to be part of the cool girls … and not quite cutting it.
13 Going on 30 / Sony Pictures
But in both films, the way to get cool is to be mean, which isnotcool at all.
But considering she has no idea how she got there, shes understandably distraught.
So, she seeks out her middle school bestie, Matt, now played by the handsome Mark Ruffalo.
And although Matt was dorky back in middle school, hes now an attractive New York City photographer.
He had the definition of a glow-up.
Naturally, this makes him Jennas love interest.
And this prioritization of looks over personality feeds into the ideals of the male gaze.
She became the cutthroat queen bee she admired and ditched Matt in the process.
And in her heart, Jenna is a kind and generous person.
But this message is also a major feminist red flag.
Because what is Jennas happy ending?
She ends up with Matt in a home in the suburbs.
We have no idea if she ends up working for Poise.
But if the career piece of antifeminism isnt resonating, dont fret.
The fact that Jenna falls for her male bestie is also a classic patriarchal movie trope.
Its hinted that Matt is clearly in love with Jenna during their teenage years.
But today, we can easily cut right through the patriarchal drivel.
Why should Jenna like her forlorn friend back just because he likes her?
Its a deceptive ulterior motive.
Matt is still a supportive friend to Jenna, but hes also possessive of her.
And instead of pursuing her dreams and female friendships, she focuses on making a life with Matt.
She puts him before herself, and thats the least feminist thing she could do.
But heres the thing.
I dont want to be a party pooper.
I still loved rewatching13 Going on 30!
So I had to find a lesson that doesnt make me hate a film I once loved.
Jenna does her best work at Poise when she goes against the grain and follows her heart.
