After a 22-year hiatus, the beloved film “Freaky Friday” has returned with its original stars, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, reuniting in a sequel that explores new dynamics of motherhood and adolescence. The sequel picks up in the present day, with Tess (Curtis) continuing her work as a therapist and Anna (Lohan) now a single mother to a rebellious teenage daughter named Harper, portrayed by Julia Butters.
As the story unfolds, Anna’s life takes a turn when she becomes romantically involved with a British chef, played by Manny Jacinto. Complications arise when Anna’s daughter Harper faces off against Lily, the chef’s snooty daughter, at school. The plot thickens during Anna’s hen night when an encounter with a psychic leads to a four-way body swap, with Anna waking up in her daughter’s body and Tess switching places with Lily.
Critics Weigh In on the Sequel’s Charm and Flaws
Critics have expressed mixed feelings about the film’s execution. Tom Shone of The Sunday Times described the sequel as “uneven,” pointing out that while it doesn’t quite reach the comedic heights of the 2003 original, it still manages to be “endearing.” The challenge of the body swap theme is navigating the age differences, which can be confusing for viewers.
In her review for The Independent, Clarisse Loughrey noted that one of the joys of body-swap films is witnessing actors portray characters outside their age, yet she felt that while Butters effectively captured Lohan’s mannerisms, Curtis and Lohan resorted to what she called “generic immaturity.”
Conversely, Dana Stevens from Slate praised Curtis for her ability to embody a teenager, highlighting her physical comedy skills as a significant strength in the film. She noted that Curtis successfully conveys the freedom and trepidation of youth, particularly the shock of seeing an older face reflected back in the mirror.
While the film may not be hailed as a classic, its charm lies in the nostalgia of its original stars and the humorous situations that arise from the body swap concept. Critics agree on the film’s endearing moments, suggesting that, despite its flaws, there is enough warmth and comedy to entertain audiences.
As “Freaky Friday” makes its way back onto screens, fans of the original will find a mix of nostalgia and new challenges in the lives of Anna and Tess, proving that while time may change circumstances, the complexities of family relationships remain timeless.
