by Alice-Ginevra Micheli, Contributing Writer
At this point, it’s a practice for studios to take the iconic films of around 20 years ago, if not less, and bring in audiences who are willing to don their rose-colored glasses and fork over their inflated cash in order to relive whatever version of their youth the original harkens them back to. Disney has been a particular culprit of this tactic, with their “reimaginings” making their way into theaters pretty regularly. So it’s no surprise that they’ve now started to look to the iconic teen movies of the noughties, which is guaranteed to hit right in the nostalgia feels.
This can absolutely be said for Freaky Friday, a classic body-swap remake from 2003, which has become iconic, memeable, and part of the social consciousness for any millennial that was even slightly aware at that time. Whether it’s Jamie Lee Curtis’ rocking mother-daughter, or Lindsay Lohan’s uptight daughter-mother, the duo had some classic Disney magic that has been embedded in the hearts and minds of many, so it’s no surprise that we now revisit them, 22 years later, for some even more unhinged hijinks.
Over 20 years after that fateful day with her mother, Anna (Lohan) is now a music executive and mother. Approaching her own wedding day, with a snooty English stepdaughter, over-involved mother (Curtis), and dutiful fiancee (Manny Jacinto), it seems that magic, like history, will soon repeat itself.
Like any fan of Disney’s golden era of teen movies, it makes sense to go into this one with a healthy amount of skepticism, as with any remake/legacy sequel/requel being released nowadays. Oftentimes the question is, why not just leave good enough alone? And oftentimes, that is a statement that is only emphasized by the quality of new movies that are ultimately released. However, in this case, it’s surprising to say that Disney has in fact managed to capture the magic needed to justify its existence.
Combining a comforting level of Disney Channel-type cheesiness, with a modern evolution of the themes that were present in the original, Freakier Friday feels good, while also being in turn, quite good.
A lot of this comes down to the perennial likability of the cast, particularly returning stars Curtis and Lohan, the latter of whom is officially making her big-screen re-debut with this title almost 18 years after her last. Although many years have passed, the warmth between the characters is still palpable, attesting to the real-life relationship between the two. They still bounce off each other well, and bring out the over-the-top comedy in ways that entertain without a doubt.
The new cast members such as Manny Jacinto, and daughters Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons, also manage to make their mark, especially when the two young teenagers are having to act as the adult versions post-magical story point. In classic kitschy Disney form, Jacinto and Hammons are inexplicably asked to put on mediocre British accents, which are fine. They drop out from time to time, and don’t quite pass for most of it, but given the type of film the audience is sitting through, it’s not exactly a deal breaker.
Really, that’s the magic that Disney manages to capture again here: the corny elements that made the noughties movies as iconic and quotable as they still are, that border on being over-the-top and schmaltzy, but still manage to bring it all together at the end with some pulled heartstrings, and a strong emotional core. If you find yourself shedding a tear or two toward the end, it wouldn’t be surprising, as what these films have always been good at is hitting right at the center of family dynamics in a way that is suddenly shocking, and genuine, inspiring real emotion from its audience.
Combine that with a healthy dose of nostalgia and Easter eggs in the form of popular cameos, rehashed jokes, or just allusions to other infamous parts from actors’ past (a sneaky Mean Girls reference might just pass your eye if you’re not careful), the film manages to toe the line just enough throughout its runtime to keep any fan of the ‘original’ on board until the end.
In short, if you love Freaky Friday from 2003, you’ll also love Freakier Friday. It’s just that simple.
With a very similar plot, dynamic, story turns, and even message, any fan should know exactly what they’re in for when they purchase their ticket.
Sometimes legacy sequels can feel like revisiting leftovers long past their due date — you can see that it was once delicious, but now it just belongs in the bin. However, sometimes it’s like going back home and seeing your bedroom exactly as it was when you were a teenager: warm and memory-inducing. That’s what Freakier Friday is:a warm hug from your past, redelivered in the modern day.
Rating: High Side of Liked It
Freakier Friday is currently playing in theaters
You can read more from Alice-Ginevra Micheli, and follow her on Instagram and Letterboxd