Written by Megan LaBruna
As someone who was the perfect age when the 2003 version of Freaky Friday was released, I never would have imagined 20 years later that I’d be sitting in the theater watching Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis switch things up again! While the first film was admittedly a bit cheesy, Freakier Friday does not shy away from the fact that it is pure nostalgia-core and not meant to be taken too seriously.
Without spoiling too much, fans of the original film’s soundtrack will be very happy to know they bring back a few memorable bangers from the first movie. And, while not a Pink Slip original, the breakout song in this film, “Baby” is catchy enough—though it will never hit as hard as “Take Me Away”. The film also brings back many memorable characters from the first movie, including Ryan (Mark Harmon), Pei-Pei (Rosalind Chao) and Pei-Pei’s Mom (Lucille Soong), and of course, Chad Michael Murray as Jake, with his long hair and motorcycle. There are a few other fun surprise returns and one clever cameo from another past Lindsay Lohan film for true fans to enjoy. And, though not originally planned according to the writers, a fun little unexpected easter egg exists for Mean Girls fans!
Freakier Friday is almost a mirror of the first film, with Lohan’s character, Anna, now in the role of the single mom who is getting married soon and shaking up the family dynamic. However, the added twist is that both she and her future husband, Eric, (Manny Jacinto) have teen daughters who do not get along in the slightest, and have very different views on where they want to live once they become a blended family. Harper (Julia Butters) wants to remain in California near her grandmother while Lily (Sophia Hammons) wants to return to her home in England, where she lost her mother.
The updated dynamic of having four points of views swapped, and multiple generations experiencing life in each other’s shoes adds more heart to what could have been just another silly soul swap. While watching Tess and Anna act like teenagers in adult bodies was both hysterical and definitely cringy at times, it was a great commentary on how adults don’t always have to be so buttoned up—they can have those moments of unexpected creativity or wearing whimsical, loud outfits. Freakier Friday reminds all of us who watched the original film in theaters that there is still fun to be had—even if we’re adults with more responsibility now. Butters nails being an adult in a teenager’s body. I’ve always thought she was a great actress, but her entire tone and demeanor truly changed when portraying an older soul.
Freakier Friday is truly a film for the fans. It’s nostalgic, corny, embarrassing and over the top at times, but ultimately hits those serious notes and really makes viewers appreciate the importance of family dynamics and how they impact our lives. For the viewers who grew up with Anna, and are now watching her become a mom and experience the swap from a mother’s point of view, it’s a good reminder to appreciate our own mothers and maternal figures. It also reminds us we can still enjoy the hobbies and activities that brought us joy as teenagers—such as making music, in Anna’s case.
Getting to revisit this world again with the release of Freakier Friday was amazing. Anytime I can watch Lindsay Lohan or Jamie Lee Curtis shine on the screen, I’m going to be there, and I highly recommend you be there too!
