1. I think that the scriptwriter is familiar with Supernatural. Seriously, at least five things: Sammy, Stanford, either real or imagined supernatural elements, "we'll always be brothers", and ( trailer/SPN S1 spoilers )
Note for Jossverse fans: 17 Again has Dawn (Michelle T.) as the main character's daughter. That was an unexpected thrill. Now, for the movie itself, I had a blast. ( spoilers )