Movie Review: FREAKIER FRIDAY
Freakier Friday jumps back into Tess and Anna Coleman's story (Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan). Luckily, they've long ago recovered from their previous body switching and have moved on to live happy lives. Tess is married and thriving. She's also over-the-moon helping Anna succeed as a single mother. However, when Anna falls in love with a handsome single father (Manny Jacinto), the family blending process proves tricky.
Suddenly, Anna and Tess find themselves switched with Anna's struggling daughter (Julia Butters) and step-daughter (Sophie Hammons). Will they be able to find the peace they all desperately need? Mark Harmon, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Chad Michael Murray and Vanessa Bayer co-star in the movie. Millennials, be sure to keep an eye out for a cameo from Lohan's The Parent Trap co-star Elaine Hendrix. Nisha Ganatra directs Freakier Friday from a script by Jordan Weiss. Freakier Friday
As mentioned, 2025 is apparently Tinseltown's year for nostalgia. However, I'm delighted to report it continues feeling like well-crafted nostalgia. Freakier Friday follows right on the heels of The Naked Gun , with both films reminding us of one thing. Legacy sequels don't have to be soulless cash-grabs. Good job, Hollywood.
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It should come as no surprise that Freakier Friday finds the sweet and sappy Disney 'family' vibe we're all so familiar with. Yes, this critic may have gotten a trifle misty. There's a sugary emotionality here that flows beautifully, especially as the film enters its third act. It was that delightful kind of saccharine where I immediately regretted not bringing my mother. This is a girl's film.
Butters and Hammons, meanwhile, easily step into their roles. Both young actors meet the challenge of joining this complicated legacy sequel with not only an established cast, but a legendary cast. In truth, both performers actually steal scenes playing their older, switched selves. Butters almost channels Lindsay Lohan in a number of instances and gives one of my favorite portrayals of the feature. Body-switching films can't be easy on an actor, but I, for one, love them when they're able to nail the performances. Freakier Friday
At the same time, though, I myself am happiest when the film settles down into an easier, gentler pace. This is when Freakier Friday isn't afraid to let itself shine. When Lohan and Curtis are in the driver's seat, the film is a lot louder. It's brash and almost screechy in a way that didn't work for me. While the actresses were certainly having fun together during these scenes, the performances take a back seat to the film's style. There's fun music, fancy costumes and lots of bright colors.
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At many points, though, the first half of the film relies a little too much on the kid's perspective, and it seems to think kids are obnoxious, dramatic and over-the-top. There's a reliance on 'young people' jokes. We often hear how old and broken Jamie Lee Curtis is. Apparently, Hollywood doesn't understand old and decrepit. Truthfully, the script injects a voice into 'switched' Anna and Tess that feels forced. Heck, Harper and Lily never quite reach the same level of painfully awkward wackiness that we see once the switch happens. I found myself having far more fun with Hammons and Butters until the narrative finally finds its footing towards the end of the second act.
However, I know why you all are really here, though. Nostalgia, right? You're a Millennial, or perhaps a Disney-watching Gen-Z who grew up with the 2003 Freaky Friday . Well, I admittedly watched the previous film for the first time this week. I know, I know. I'll turn in my film nerd card.
Freakier Friday does a great job sprinkling in just enough nostalgia to appeal to fans of the previous film without demanding a rewatch of it. Lohan and Curtis are tasked with a lot of the needed exposition dumps. Luckily, though, it never feels forced. Meanwhile, the film makes great use of Chad Michael Murray. The 'noughties' teen idol returns as Jake with a relaxed and easy portrayal. He has tremendous fun, almost winking at the camera in some critical moments that are sure to delight fans of the first film.
Many will enjoy his loaded (and oddly complicated) relationship with Jamie Lee Curtis' Tess. Weiss's script is having a blast exploring this quirky twosome. When factoring all of this in with the film's heartfelt final act, Freakier Friday cements itself as a must-see for fans of the first film. Freakier Friday understands its nostalgia, and it loves it.
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Kids, don't judge a movie by its poster. When all is said and done, Freakier Friday has no right being as utterly adorable as it is. This is a legacy sequel coming 22 years after the original, yet it never really feels tired or uninspired. Freakier Friday is a well-crafted film that isn't afraid to revel in some nostalgia while continuing to explore this familiar world. This is a sweet film with a tremendous amount of heart. It's perfect for not just the family, but even the girlfriends. Bask in the candy-colored nostalgia and have fun with it.
Freakier Friday opens August 8, 2025, in theaters around the country.
Movie Review: THE NAKED GUN
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