Contributed by Melissa G. Bagamasbad
Many of us remember the “Freaky Friday” movie from 2003. Headlined by Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, the film was a hit, being one of the best teen movies of that time and successfully remaking the original from 1976. It also cemented Lohan into teen movie queen status.
Now that it’s 22 years later, the sequel, “Freakier Friday,” is finally out–and we’re happy to report that it’s a laugh-out-loud good time at the movies, filled with nostalgia but also with a big heart for parent-child relationships. The sequel is directed by Nasha Ginatra. (WARNING: MILD SPOILERS AHEAD.)
Freakier Friday is finally out–and we’re happy to report that it’s a laugh-out-loud good time at the movies, filled with nostalgia but also with a big heart for parent-child relationships. The sequel is directed by Nasha Ginatra. (WARNING: MILD SPOILERS AHEAD.)
Lindsay Lohan is back as Anna and Jamie Lee Curtis is back as Tess, in the next installment of their body swapping comedy, “Freakier Friday.”
Nostalgia done right
I’m a huge “Freaky Friday” fan. I literally replayed the 2023 movie over and over, was a fan of Lindsay Lohan and Chad Michael Murray’s chemistry, and still play the music on Spotify until now. Since the first film is one of my favorite teen movies ever, I’m relieved that Disney did well with the sequel!
In “Freakier Friday,” Anna (Lindsay Lohan) is a manager for a pop star, and she’s a single mom of a teenager, Harper (Julia Butters). She also meets Eric Reyes (Manny Jacinto), another single parent at her daughter’s school, and they fall in love and are about to get married. Her mother, Dr. Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis) is a successful psychologist with a podcast and books; she’s also still happily married to Ryan (Mark Harmon). The body swap happens to four people this time, instead of two. Anna and Tess swap bodies with Harper and incoming stepdaughter, Eric’s daughter, Lily (Sophia Hammons). It can be a bit confusing but it’s a fun, riotous mess that will have you laughing most of the time.
It’s mayhem when the four-body switch happens. Anna switches with her daughter, Harper (Julia Butters) while Tess switches with Lily (Sophia Hammons), her incoming step-granddaughter.
As a geek of the first movie, I loved the Easter eggs and details from the first movie. They really made the effort to bring back a lot of the supporting cast, from Anna’s brother, Harry, high school teacher, Mr. Bates, and of course, the dreamy Jake, as played by Chad Michael Murray. I was especially ecstatic that they brought back Pink Slip, Anna’s band from the first movie! I was also a big fan of Lindsay Lohan from childhood–there’s charming Easter eggs from her career and two other movies in “Freakier Friday.”
They really made the effort to bring back favorites from the first movie. Chad Michael Murray is back as heartthrob Jake in “Freakier Friday.”
Terrific new cast blends with the old
With Filipino-Canadian actor, Manny Jacinto, being part of the cast, they integrated some Filipino representation into the story and it was spot-on and surreal. Story-wise, the plot also doesn’t just deliver laughs; the film is a love letter to parents and their children too after all, and the film has emotional moments too that are well-executed by the talented cast. It’s remarkable how the ending felt earned—it wasn’t rushed and it wasn’t contrived.
With Filipino-Canadian actor, Manny Jacinto, being part of the cast, they integrated some Filipino representation into the story and it was spot-on and surreal.
Manny Jacinto plays Eric Reyes, Lindsay Lohan’s main love interest in “Freakier Friday.” Watch him play the ultimate romantic comedy male lead this time.
While Lohan and Lee Curtis have always had impeccable chemistry and acting chops, it’s amazing that the actors they cast for the new characters were up to the task. Manny Jacinto was indeed, a dreamy romcom lead and believable dad figure, while Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons played their roles well and weren’t overshadowed by the veteran cast (I especially loved Butters in her role, and the nuances she showed).
Just like in the first movie, expect great music and performances, especially with the return of Anna’s band, Pink Slip. The movie shines with new songs and performances as well as a remake of the old songs.
Overall, “Freakier Friday” is such a solid sequel that I won’t mind a #FreakiestFriday movie if they do it right.
“Freakier Friday” is NOW SHOWING in theaters. Photos courtesy of DIsney Philippines.
