18 Again! (1988)

Wonderful!

This is one of my very favorite body switiching movies, and the best part is Charlie Schatter playing a young George Burns. He is so convincing you almost belive Burns actually inhabited his body. The prior reviews are right on the money, it is a great film. Watch it, you won't regret it! May 25, 2007

THE OLD BODY SWITCH TRICK WORKS AGAIN!

This premise has been used so many times,I didn't think they could do anything more with it......I was wrong! Charlie Schlatter seems to be having a ball doing a very funny George Burns impersonation in this body switching movie and he carries the film. I've seen this film quite a few times and it is one of the better films using this premise. March 26, 2007

Terrific Sequel

Oh, my goodness, what a delight this movie is!

When an old man and a young man switch bodies, it leads to all types of comedy (mostly because people see the older gentleman and think, "oh, here's a young man." And vice versa for the young man. There was another movie like this but I can't recall it's title).

In any event, George Burns is a howl in the role of the old man, and it makes me want to go rent the first movie in this series ("18"), although I haven't been able to find it anywhere. I did get "8 1/2" and "10" because I'm hoping they will explain some of the backstory behind the lovable characters in this lovable film.

As for me, I would not want to switch bodies with anyone who smokes cigars, because of possible throat polyps. This movie is a scream! June 15, 2006

George Burns final starring role...

George Burns was 92 years old when this movie was released. It would be the last time he appeared on the big screen in a leading role.

There were a bunch of similar movies released in a short period of time, where the older man and the younger guy switch bodies. This was one of the best; it still holds up as a funny film. Touching, too, as the love between Grandfather (Burns) and Grandson (Charlie Schlatter) is handled very realistically.

Burns, as Jack Watson, doesn't have nearly as much screen-time as Charlie Schlatter, who plays Jack's grandson David. The body switching occurs during a car accident that lands Burns unconscious in the hospital for the middle section of the film. Burns expresses his thoughts through voice-over narration while experiencing life in his grandson's body.

As much as this is George Burns's movie through and through, much credit must be given to Charlie Schlatter. Schlatter very convincingly emulates Burns as a young man. Red Buttons portrays Burns best friend, and Pauly Shore portrays Schlatter's best friend.

The DVD is pretty much bare bones. We are given a widescreen presentation along with the film's original theatrical trailer. For the budget price, Burn's fans can't go wrong. Special note to parents: be aware that despite the PG rating, the film contains a fair amount of mild profanity and some brief nudity. July 20, 2002

A top performance by Charlie Schlatter with George Burns

Just when I felt the old "body-switching" ploy had run it course, along comes superb Charlie Schlatter as the 18 yr. old grandson of George Burns (playing 81 yr. old swinger, Jack). Jack has everything in the world except youth, and after blowing out his birthday candles he breaks into a Burns-only song "I Wish I Was 18 Again".

A serious injury causes Jack to suddenly realize he is walking around in the healthy, youthful and handsome body of his 18 yr. grandson, David. David is unconscious, hooked up to life support in the fast-lane-living, worn out, aged body of his grandfather, Jack.

While David is by nature introverted and socially inept, Jack is outgoing and flamboyant. In David's body, he suggests and helps plan a lavish, swinging Roaring Twenties party at David's school. The dance scene between Charlie Schlatter and his girlfriend shows incredible talent and style. The circa 1920's dance is probably the highlight of the party and definately is the apex of the movie.

While switched to David's body, Jack hears and sees what his friends really think of him. Red Buttons plays an old friend, Charlie. When Jack learns the hospital is preparing to pull the plug on his grandson, frantic action begins. The comedy is worthwhile and the acting superb.

This movie is replete with comparisons between youth and old age, and diverse personalities in switched bodies. It contains a fair amount of comedy with plenty of story line, topped with excellent acting. Charlie Schlatter's talent as two diverse persons is probably the highlight and makes for enjoyable repeated viewing. June 4, 2000

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