Christa Allen, who starred with Jennifer Garner as 13-year-old Jenna Rink in the blockbuster romcom 13 Going On 30 in 2004, is now 30 years old, flirtatious, and thriving. Today is the 30-year anniversary of the star’s breakout role in the pleasant comedy, and while she isn’t celebrating with a great “Thriller” dance, she is having a little fun with the occasion.
Allen posted the first in a scripted, five-part mini-series named Vienna on TikTok four days ago, a nod to the Billy Joel song that plays during her character’s lowest point in 13 Going on 30. In the series, Allen portrays herself as she is faced by her 13-year-old self (played by Lana Fleischli), who compels her to do some reflection and address the lessons romcoms teach women, such as the age-old notion that women can only be successful professionally or be a wonderful mother. She also gives Christa, 30, some wise words of advice: be present, be patient, and you are the only one who can complete yourself.
Only the first four-minute episodes have been released on Allen’s TikTok as of right now, with the fifth and final clip likely to be uploaded later today. In addition to Allen and Fleischli, actor Mark Dohner plays Allen’s not-so-potential love interest in the short film. Heidi Clements wrote the screenplay for Vienna, which was directed by filmmaker Nick Cho. Oh, and if you want to watch another wonderful film while celebrating Allen’s birthday, you can always watch 13 Going on 30 on Hulu.