This Halloween was a bit different from most. But no matter what, it was still an excuse to dress up in a fun costume. Even if celebrities didn't have anywhere to go, they still dazzled us with funny and charming attire. Kim Kardashian dressed up as Carole Baskin, Jennifer Garner dressed like a grandma emoji, and actress Christa B. Allen dressed up as … Jennifer Garner. Well, sort of.
Christa B. Allen and Jennifer Garner both starred together in the cult classic hit 13 Going On 30. The movie, which came out back in 2004, is about a 13-year-old who would do anything to be older. And that wish comes true. The character of Jenna Rink turns into 30-year-old Jennifer Garner, and things aren't the way she expected.
Christa and Jennifer took on the roles of Jenna at these different stages of life. But just like in the movie, Christa has grown. Looking more like Jennifer Garner than ever before, she shared her costume on Instagram. Fans of the movie couldn't get enough. While Christa's career has taken off since, playing a young Jenna was actually her very first professional role. So in a way, this was a great way to pay respect.
And Christa really paid attention to detail. The dress she had as part of her costume was almost identical to the one Jennifer wore in the movie.
Christa even made her video similar to the movie. In it, she's getting ready while listening to "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston. "Jenna Rink forever ✨ #13Goingon30," she said in the caption. Since the film is so beloved, a lot of people started following her on social media.
"I see there are some new faces around here, so I thought I'd say hello!" Christa announced in another Instagram post shortly after her big reveal. "You sent me thousands of messages on TikTok about 13 Going on 30, so I had to make some content for you for Halloween. My favorite part, though, was seeing all of your interpretations of this character."
"I love sharing Jenna Rink with you," she continued. "If you're new here, hello, welcome. I post about lots of things but especially skincare, makeup, wellness, mental health, and my dog Luna." It's tough to know if Christa even knew how much appeal her first film would have well over a decade later.
Christa is also likely a big fan of Jennifer, as Jennifer reportedly pushed for Christa to get the role. According to IMDB, she thought that Christa was a lot like her at that age and felt like she'd be the perfect choice. She also requested that Christa play the younger version of her in Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.
Jennifer also reportedly spent more time around teenagers in order to really understand her role. So it's possible that Jennifer and Christa spent a lot of time on set together despite not sharing scenes. Those small details are likely why the movie still holds up. Jennifer did her best to really shine.
In a 2019 interview with Today, Christa noted that she still often gets recognized for the film. "I think because it meant so much to so many people, and it was just such a beloved film, that people are all so excited to see a person that was part of that zeitgeisty moment in the flesh," she said. "People always quote back '30 and flirty, and thriving.'"
She also revealed that she studied Jennifer before filming began, to make sure she could mimic a lot of her natural movements and mannerisms. "She was the same then as she is now," Christa commented. "I think she has this persona of being very sweet, and kind, and welcoming, and she was that then, and she is that now."
She also revealed what it was like filming her famous dance scene. According to Christa, she needed a lot of help with trying to get the moves right. The dance would later be in the movie a second time, with Jennifer Garner doing the moves.
"I was the least coordinated 13-year-old you've ever met," she said. "And so, they actually hired a choreographer, a dance instructor, to work with me for two weeks to get that tiny little clip. And I'm pretty sure whoever that choreographer was, was just like, 'Oh my God, this girl's hopeless. Like, her body just doesn't move.'"
It was even scarier, as that was reportedly the first scene that Christa shot for the movie. "Oh my God, it was so hard. I still feel a pang of anxiety," she said. But overall, the movie was a good experience. And even better, it's a film that Christa thinks is important for all young girls to watch.
"I think the movie teaches kids to appreciate their childhood and to remember where you came from," she said. "Jenna tries to ditch her past and her awkward phase, because she becomes this big-time magazine editor, but she's always going to be that sweet 13-year-old. And she rediscovers that through this magic thing that happens. But the lesson there is to just be yourself."
Being able to morph into Jennifer Garner on-screen must have been amazing. But it's even better that Jennifer really seemed sincere and sweet, serving as a wonderful mentor for a girl who's just starting her career. It's no question as to why Christa wanted to re-create Jenna Rink's iconic moment.
While Jennifer hasn't seemed to comment on the dress just yet, she's likely pretty proud. Halloween has always been a big holiday for the star. While she was a grandmother emoji this year, one of her most memorable Halloween costumes came in 2019, when she dressed as a mailbox. That outfit would have definitely been appreciated this year, as the postal service has once again proved its importance to the world.
It's all a solid reminder that Halloween isn't just for spooky and scary costumes. It's also a good time to dress as someone you respect. Not only did Christa pay tribute to 13 Going On 30 with her costume, she also sent a message to Jennifer Garner that her love and support back in 2004 continues to be appreciated.
