Most legacy sequels fall into a common trap: they often spend a considerable amount of time rehashing the original film through clunky exposition or flashbacks. However, “Freakier Friday” avoids this pitfall by respecting the intelligence of its audience. It understands what made the original so special and it amplifies it. The film provides a sense of nostalgia while also creating something entirely new.
“Freakier Friday” revisits its classic characters with a twist. Anne (Lindsay Lohan) is a single mother raising her daughter Harper (Julia Butters) alongside her own mother, Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis). When Anne falls for the father (Manny Jacinto) of Harper’s nemesis, Lilly (Sophia Hammons), a new family feud ensues. To bring the family together, fortune teller Madame Jen (Vanessa Bayer) casts a spell that switches the bodies of all four women until they learn to love one another.
The filmmakers made a clever choice by using the same story structure. This gives longtime fans a sense of nostalgia while introducing a new storyline. It also highlights a natural progression: we all tend to become more like our mothers as we grow. The script is full of jokes about becoming older and Curtis and Lohan skillfully embody the teenage experience, while the newcomers showcase their wit and talent.
Freakier Friday balances humor and cheesiness effectively. It takes some liberties and features typical Disney overacting, but it never goes overboard.
The biggest issues with the movie are related to its editing. In addition to some awkwardly placed cuts, there are noticeable moments of ADR that feel out of place. Some shots also appear a bit overexposed, but it’s not enough to be distracting.
Freakier Friday is not a perfect film, but it is definitely a fun one. You will thoroughly enjoy your time spent in the theater watching it. Fans who grew up with the original will feel like teenagers again, especially when the in-universe band Pink Slip makes an appearance. I strongly recommend watching this film with your kids or mom, as it makes the experience feel extra special.
Review: Freakier Friday
Score
Review Nation Score
Freakier Friday is not a perfect film, but it is definitely a fun one. You will thoroughly enjoy your time spent in the theater watching it. It understands what made the original so special and it amplifies it. The film provides a sense of nostalgia while also creating something entirely new.