After 22 years, Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis have reunited for a sequel to the beloved 2003 film “Freaky Friday.” The new installment, released on March 15, 2024, continues the story of a mother and daughter who experience a body swap, this time with a twist that introduces additional characters and complications.
In the sequel, Curtis reprises her role as Tess, a therapist, while Lohan plays Anna, now an adult and a single mother to a rebellious teenage daughter named Harper, portrayed by Julia Butters. The tranquil life of Anna is disrupted when she falls for a British chef, played by Manny Jacinto. Tensions arise as Harper’s school rival, Lily, daughter of Tess, complicates matters. The plot thickens during Anna’s hen night, where an encounter with a psychic leads to a four-way body swap: Anna finds herself in Harper’s body, while Tess swaps with Lily.
The film has garnered mixed reviews from critics. According to Tom Shone in The Sunday Times, while the premise is intriguing, the execution is uneven. He notes that the charm of such body-swap films lies in watching actors impersonate each other. However, critics have pointed out that while Butters effectively captures Lohan’s mannerisms, both Lohan and Curtis often resort to “generic immaturity.”
Conversely, Dana Stevens from Slate highlights Curtis’s ability to channel youthful exuberance through her character’s transformation. She emphasizes Curtis’s knack for physical comedy, portraying the blend of freedom and horror that teenagers experience. The juxtaposition of age and behavior adds a comedic layer, making the film enjoyable despite its flaws.
While not as well-constructed or humorous as the original, the sequel is described as “endearing” by Clarisse Loughrey in The Independent. The film features moments that resonate with audiences, though it may not capture the same magic as its predecessor.
Overall, “Freaky Friday” serves as a nostalgic revisit for fans of the original. Although it may not achieve the same critical acclaim, it offers a heartwarming exploration of family dynamics and generational differences. As Lohan and Curtis step back into their iconic roles, the sequel aims to entertain a new generation while appealing to long-time fans.
