Get ready to experience a unique body-swapping adventure with Freakier Friday, a vibrant comedy film that modernizes the classic story for 2025. This fresh take integrates contemporary technology, stylish fashion trends, and an upbeat soundtrack by Chappell Roan. It has been an impressive 22 years since audiences enjoyed the unforgettable performances of Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan in the original Freaky Friday, which was a beloved adaptation of Mary Rodgers’s novel. This sequel reunites the duo as the characters Tess and Ana Coleman. In this updated narrative, Ana (Lohan) is now a single mother raising her teenage daughter, Harper (Julia Butters). Their charming meet-cute occurs when Ana encounters the dashing Eric (Manny Jacinto) in a classic romantic comedy moment, where she accidentally spills her belongings on the ground, and he gallantly assists her in collecting them.
This amusing and somewhat absurd meet-cute perfectly aligns with the film’s commitment to delivering a delightful throwback experience. While it doesn’t aim to revolutionize the genre, it creatively enhances the narrative with modern elements, akin to adding flashy custom rims to a classic vehicle and taking it for an exhilarating joyride. Eric, the father of Lily (Sophia Hammons), finds himself at the center of conflict with Harper, who is struggling with her feelings toward Lily at school. As Ana and Eric prepare to marry, their daughters are far from thrilled about the prospect of becoming stepsisters. Their discontent is humorously captured through a chaotic food fight reminiscent of classic Disney Channel movies, which Freakier Friday occasionally captures with delightful nostalgia.
The plot thickens when Ana and Harper consult a fortune teller, Madame Jen (Vanessa Bayer), setting off a series of body-swapping escapades. In this comedic twist, Ana and her daughter Harper switch bodies, while Lily and Tess undergo the same bizarre transformation. This engaging premise encourages two young actresses to portray older characters, while two seasoned actresses embrace the roles of youthful personas. The ensuing antics create an entertaining experience that pays homage to the legacy of the original film. While The Naked Gun recently delivered a long-awaited sequel marked by exceptional humor, it didn’t bear the weight of preserving the original characters. In contrast, Freakier Friday successfully intertwines familiar characters with new ones, blending them in a literal and humorous fashion.
From beginning to end, Freakier Friday radiates pure joy. Much like the original film from 2003, the chemistry between Lohan and Curtis is palpable. One of the standout aspects of the first movie was the evident enjoyment experienced by the two leading actresses as they embodied different characters. While it was thrilling to see Curtis return to her iconic role as Laurie Strode in the recent Halloween films, those narratives are notably serious and delve into her character’s darker themes. Conversely, witnessing Curtis embrace her comedic side and portray a teenager trapped in an older woman’s body allows her to humorously poke fun at her appearance while engaging in outrageous antics.
This installment also showcases Anna in a fresh light. Previously depicted as the rebellious teen of her youth, she now assumes the role of a mother striving to guide her daughter using therapeutic phrases. In a sense, she has transformed into the mother figure from the original film, often clashing with her moody teenage daughter. The film introduces a variety of new conflicts among the characters, including a tension-filled relationship between Anna and Tess. As Tess takes on the role of the grandmother, Anna sometimes feels that Tess’s interventions disrupt her parenting style. Freakier Friday skillfully weaves in these new character dynamics, allowing them to propel the storyline forward. The evolving relationship between Anna and Tess feels like a natural progression in their journey.
The two young actresses provide some of the best new additions to the cast. Butters shines as Lohan’s daughter, bringing a striking resemblance and an energetic spirit to her role. She leaves a lasting impression with her previous performances in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Fabelmans. Hammons adds a delightful twist with her British accent, displaying an engaging performance both in her own character and when embodying the spirit of Jamie Lee Curtis. Although the new characters, Harper and Lily, aren’t conventionally likable, audiences will find it easy to empathize with them and understand their frustrations regarding the challenges they face in life.
Now, can the body-swap concept match the charm of the original film? Not entirely. While it’s undeniably enjoyable to witness Lohan, now approaching middle age, recapture the essence of a carefree teenager, the complexity arises when the four lead actresses share the screen. Viewers may find themselves needing to delve deeper into the characters, imagining different personas within them delivering their lines. This can create a somewhat chaotic viewing experience, especially when it seems that the actresses are simply relishing the moment rather than fully embodying their respective characters.
Moreover, there was a certain effectiveness in the simplicity of the original film’s plot. In this sequel, while another mother and daughter engage in a body swap, they don’t have enough shared scenes to establish a strong connection. Additionally, the body swap between Lily and her soon-to-be step-grandmother doesn’t present a compelling conflict. However, Freakier Friday manages to deliver plenty of fun. The film includes returning actors like Chad Michael Murray, who brings back his heartthrob charisma, and Manny Jacinto, who adds his charm to the ensemble. This delightful blend of nostalgia and humor can be discovered in the most unexpected moments throughout the film. With the inclusion of the cherished tradition of bloopers during the credits, viewers are left wondering what more could possibly enhance this entertaining experience.
RATING: 7/10 – A Fun and Enjoyable Experience
According to ComingSoon’s review policy, a score of 7 indicates “Good.” This means that Freakier Friday is a successful piece of entertainment worth watching, although it may not resonate with everyone.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Freakier Friday review.
