FREAKIER FRIDAY Is an Effervescent Sequel For All Generations (Review)

by

Lately, it appears as if every day, we’re witnessing more and more nostalgic sequels making their debut. These films certainly have several appealing aspects, such as an established fanbase, a foundation of affection, and a universe that is already in place. However, crafting a successful nostalgia sequel can be quite challenging. For one, they must demonstrate why they are necessary. Secondly, the original fans may have significantly changed since their initial attachment to the film. Lastly, the movie must resonate with both old and new viewers. Interestingly, Disney’s latest attempt at a nostalgic sequel, titled “Freakier Friday“, managed to be an exceptional example of a successful nostalgia sequel by being vibrant, delightful, and sweet. The sequel to “Freaky Friday” skillfully utilized its nostalgic foundation to create a film that stands on its own merits.

In the updated version of “Freaky Friday,” the story now involves three generations: Anna Coleman, portrayed by Lindsay Lohan, has grown up and is a mother herself to a teenage daughter named Harper. However, Anna’s mother, Tess Coleman, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, continues to meddle in her life, preventing Anna from fully maturing. To make matters worse, after an incident at Harper’s school involving her arch-nemesis, Lily, Anna is on the verge of marrying the father of her daughter’s rival.

When Eric Reyes, portrayed by Manny Jacinto, is the father and he’s not just an award-winning chef but also a graceful dancer and a goofy, emotional man, it’s no surprise that we can’t fault her. However, the girls don’t feel the same way; their animosity towards each other makes them dead set on dismantling the budding family. Yet at Anna’s bachelorette party, an encounter with a psychic who specializes in various fields results in a strange twist of fate… Or rather, a change of circumstances that borders on the bizarre, as if it were a Freakier Friday.

This version aims to maintain the original meaning while making it more conversational and easy to read.

In simpler terms, the film “Freaky Friday” manages to skillfully navigate complex character swaps without becoming confusing or hectic. Each character gets their moment in the spotlight, providing comedic situations when they inhabit each other’s bodies. The movie avoids inappropriate or uncomfortable scenarios, ensuring that it remains entertaining for all audiences. As for the term “make it weird,” it’s debatable whether today’s kids still use that phrase, but the body swap concept serves as a source of humor and emotion without crossing into the frightening.

What stood out to me most in Freakier Friday was the genuine and sincere portrayal of its characters. In this film, Gen Z character Harper is taken aback by her mother’s headlines that come across as millennial awkwardness, but the movie handles it gracefully. It appears to understand its target audience and knows when to strike a chord without resorting to excessive attempts to appeal to any particular group. Instead, it seems to strive for an authenticity that should resonate with viewers of all ages. Sometimes boomers can be out of touch, sometimes millennials can be cringeworthy, and at times Gen Z can be irritating. Yet, beneath these labels, everyone is simply seeking a sense of belonging and a family to cherish.

In the reimagining of “Freakier Friday,” it appears the storytellers are aware that the original audience who related to Tess in “Freaky Friday” has grown older, while the teen fans who adored teenage Anna have matured into middle-aged individuals. Typically, a nostalgia sequel might struggle under such circumstances. However, “Freakier Friday” cleverly demonstrates that maturity doesn’t diminish Anna and Tess’s youthful charm.

Despite Lindsay Lohan’s character Anna no longer performing in the movie, her career remains impressive and she continues to embody her dreams powerfully. On the other hand, Tess is flourishing in her later years, with a podcast, book tour, and a devoted spouse. While they could use a refresher, it’s all too common for stories about aging heroes to portray their lives as dull and unpleasant, a far cry from their former glory. However, “Freaky Friday” defies this trend and deserves recognition for that.

In a more real-life, intense manner, “Freaky Friday” doesn’t disappoint. I was genuinely taken aback by how cruel the girls are to each other, even in front of their parents. However, it’s interesting to note that children can often be quite unkind to one another. The genuine animosity between Harper and Lily adds depth to their gradually blossoming friendship and sisterhood, making their eventual bond all the more satisfying.

In essence, the real brilliance of Freakier Friday is found in its outstanding performances. Lindsay Lohan’s portrayal of Anna is endearing and heartwarming, reflecting a modern generation of moms who understand that respect and empathy are crucial for effective parenting. Lohan brilliantly transforms herself into a hilarious teen character as well. Sophia Hammons and Julia Butters, playing Lily and Harper respectively, provide an excellent counterpoint to each other and deftly balance portraying their age and much older characters. Manny Jacinto, the actor who plays Eric in the film, is the epitome of what one would desire in a fictional spouse. He’s appealing, kind, perceptive, and an exceptional father; there are no hidden flaws with him, which is refreshing to watch. To top it off, he can dance – a detail that speaks volumes.

The secondary characters in “Freaky Friday” enrich the storyline significantly. Chad Michael Murray’s Jake, with his hilarious portrayal of an absurdly attractive man who has a fondness for older women, is spot-on. X Mayo’s Principal Waldman is captivating in every appearance she makes, while Stephen Tobolowsky’s Mr. Bates consistently elicits laughter from the audience. Madame Jen, played by Vanessa Bayer, is a multitalented and dynamic character who mirrors a unique type of person we can all relate to (and adore, for the most part), as she is not only a psychic but also a financial advisor, barista at Starbucks, and more.

Indeed, it was heartwarmingly nostalgic, in a delightful sense, to listen to Pink Slip performing once more during Freakier Friday.

Of course, Jamie Lee Curtis is another notable figure. Her performance in “Freaky Friday” stands out remarkably, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She demonstrates that she’s a seasoned professional who can switch between being hilarious, heart-wrenching, irritating, infuriating, charming, whimsical, and everything in between effortlessly. Curtis consistently outshines, but in a story so focused on character development, her radiance is particularly intense.

The timeless classic “Freaky Friday” emerged during the heyday of Teen Girl Movies. Regrettably, such youthful narratives have become increasingly scarce nowadays, as children seem to mature too quickly and teenagers are often presented with adult-oriented content instead of films tailored specifically for them. Remarkably, “Freakier Friday” evokes the spirit of those bygone movies, appealing not only to actual teenage girls but also to the inner teenager in anyone who has ever experienced adolescence. To put it positively, I’d say it had the charm of a Disney Channel Original Movie. Despite drawing inspiration from its predecessor, this sequel skillfully crafted a universe that audiences new to the story could easily immerse themselves in and develop an affection for.

By the close of the evening, I found myself roaring with laughter during “Freaky Friday”. The youngsters on my left joined in the merriment, and my mom, seated next to me, was reduced to tears from laughing so much. Could there be a stronger endorsement for a movie bridging generations than that shared moment of hearty laughter about motherhood?

Freakier Friday releases in theaters on Friday, August 8.

Freakier Friday ⭐ (4 of 5)

Read More

2025-08-05 19:07