Alright, fellow tapeheads, let's rewind to a time when the body-swap comedy wasn't just a trope, it was practically a genre unto itself. Flickering on the old CRT tonight is a charming, if slightly creaky, entry from that very specific late-80s wave: 1988's 18 Again!. You might remember seeing its slightly goofy cover art nestled on the rental shelf, perhaps right next to Vice Versa which, almost unbelievably, came out the exact same year. Talk about a concept hitting the zeitgeist! But 18 Again! had a secret weapon, a comedic ace-in-the-hole that still makes it worth revisiting: the legendary George Burns.
### Grandpa Goes Back to School
The premise is pure high-concept heaven, the kind studios couldn't get enough of back then. Jack Watson (George Burns, radiating timeless charisma even at 92 years old during filming!) is a mega-successful businessman, millionaire playboy, and general life-of-the-party who, on his 81st birthday, makes a wistful wish to be 18 again. Meanwhile, his sweet but hopelessly awkward grandson David (Charlie Schlatter) is navigating the treacherous waters of high school, dealing with bullies, girl troubles, and the general indignity of being a teenager. Cue a convenient car accident, a touch of cosmic intervention (or maybe just bad wiring?), and voilà! Jack's sharp, confident mind finds itself zipped into David's youthful frame, while poor David is left contemplating mortality from Grandpa Jack's bewildered perspective.
What follows is pretty much what you'd expect, but executed with a surprising amount of heart. Jack, now inhabiting David's body, uses his decades of worldly experience (and let's be honest, his swagger) to turn David's life around. He stands up to the jocks, impresses the teachers with unexpected wisdom, woos the unattainable dream girl (played by Jennifer Runyon), and generally injects a dose of Vegas-style confidence into suburban high school life. It's wish fulfillment sprinkled with gentle life lessons, all set to a distinctly synth-heavy 80s soundtrack.
### The Burns & Schlatter Show
Let's be real, the main draw here is George Burns. Seeing him deliver those wry observations and flirtatious lines, even when they're coming out of Charlie Schlatter's mouth, is a joy. Burns, who was already a living legend by this point, brings an effortless charm and impeccable timing that elevates the material. There's a genuine warmth to his portrayal of Jack, even when he's acting like a mischievous teenager trapped in an old man's body (briefly, before the swap). You can almost hear his signature cigar smoke crackle in the dialogue.
But the heavy lifting falls squarely on Charlie Schlatter, and he pulls it off remarkably well. This was a big early role for him, landing the same year as his appearance in Bright Lights, Big City, and he really had to carry the film. His initial portrayal of the nerdy David is fine, but it's his embodiment of Jack-as-David that shines. He nails Burns' mannerisms, that slight head tilt, the cadence of his speech, without ever tipping fully into caricature. It's a performance that requires him to be both the comedic engine and the romantic lead, juggling physical comedy with channeling a nonagenarian icon. Was it easy? Probably not. Fun fact: Schlatter reportedly spent time just observing Burns to get the nuances right, a dedication that pays off on screen. Tony Roberts, always a reliable presence, does his usual exasperated-but-loving dad routine as David's father, caught completely off guard by his son's sudden personality transplant.
### Peak 80s Aesthetics and That Familiar Feeling
Directed by Paul Flaherty, who came primarily from the world of television comedy (like the brilliant SCTV), 18 Again! has that comfortable, slightly bright, network-TV feel common to many comedies of the era. The pacing is brisk, the conflicts are relatively low-stakes (even the villains feel more cartoonish than threatening), and everything resolves neatly. It doesn't aim for the sharper satire of Heathers or the emotional depth of Big (another 1988 release, that was a busy year!). Instead, it offers pleasant, predictable fun steeped in late-80s aesthetics – think popped collars, big hair, and school dances that look suspiciously well-funded.
The film wasn't a massive blockbuster; it earned around $5 million against its budget, getting somewhat lost in the shuffle of similar comedies. Critics were generally lukewarm, often comparing it less favorably to its body-swap brethren. But like so many films from this period, it found a solid second life on VHS and cable, becoming a familiar comfort watch for many of us. I definitely remember grabbing this one off the shelf at 'Video Village' back in the day, intrigued by Burns and the simple, funny premise. It delivered exactly what the box promised: laughs, a bit of heart, and a chance to see George Burns figuratively cut loose one last time.
### Does It Still Hold Up?
Watching it now, the formula is undeniable. You can see the plot points coming a mile away. Some of the jokes feel a bit dated, and the high school dynamics are pure 80s movie cliché. Yet, there's an undeniable sweetness to it. Schlatter's performance remains impressive, and the sheer novelty of George Burns driving the comedic engine gives it a unique flavour. It lacks the edge or lasting impact of some contemporaries, but it makes up for it with sincerity. It’s like finding a favourite old sweater – maybe not high fashion anymore, but comfortable and full of good memories.
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VHS Heaven Rating: 6/10
Justification: While predictable and deeply rooted in 80s comedy tropes, 18 Again! is elevated by a genuinely charming central concept and winning performances. Charlie Schlatter's channeling of George Burns is the highlight, and Burns himself provides the irreplaceable anchor. It suffers from a lack of originality compared to other body-swap films of the era and feels lightweight, but its good-natured spirit and nostalgic appeal earn it points. It's exactly the kind of pleasant, amusing discovery you'd hope to make scanning the comedy aisle back in the day.
Final Take: A time capsule comedy that proves even a familiar formula can sparkle when you've got a legend like George Burns pulling the strings, even from the 'other side'. Pop it in when you need a dose of uncomplicated 80s charm.