“Freakier Friday” – Here we go again!
By: Alex Nichols, Delta College Student Submission
“Freakier Friday” brings a new and chaotic twist to the beloved body swap chaos, combining nostalgic charm with fun modern updates. This sequel sees the return of the original stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, and it’s a joy to see them back together on screen. Lohan, returning to the spotlight after a long hiatus, reminds us she’s still got it. Her energy and timing with Curtis are as strong as ever. I’m proud of her. She hasn’t lost that spark.
It’s great to see familiar faces like Mark Harmon, who reprises his role as Ryan, the stepfather, and Ryan Malgarini as Harry, the younger brother. Their appearances help tie the new story back to the original film, giving longtime fans a sense of continuity. But this film doesn’t just rely on nostalgia; it introduces a fresh set of characters who add to the fun.
Introducing Harper, the daughter of Lohan’s character, played by Julia Butters, best known for her role as Anna-Kat on American Housewife. She brings humor, emotion and a strong screen presence. Alongside her is her British stepsister Lilly, played by Sophia Hammons, who previously starred in Under Wraps. Together, these two younger characters bring a new layer to the story and handle their roles with confidence and charm.
This time, the body swap chaos doesn’t stop at just mother and daughter. In the film, it’s a full-on multi-generational switch: mother, daughter, grandma and stepsister all find themselves in each other’s bodies. The stakes are higher than ever, with the clock ticking until Lohan’s character walks down the aisle. The result is a whirlwind of misunderstandings, awkward moments and heartfelt discoveries as they all race to return to their rightful selves.
When the sequel was first announced, reactions were mixed. Some fans were skeptical about how a follow-up could live up to a film that came out over 20 years ago. In my opinion, this was a solid sequel. It doesn’t try to outdo the original, but instead leans into the humor and emotion that made the first film great.
The script balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine heart, and there are several clever references to the 2003 version that fans will appreciate. The story touches on themes of family, understanding and the importance of walking in someone else’s shoes literally and emotionally. Freakier Friday may not reinvent the body swap genre, but it fully embraces its chaotic charm. The performances are strong, the pacing keeps things moving and the ending ties everything up in a satisfying and heartfelt way. It’s a sequel that respects the original while bringing something new to the table.
This film has everything: the laughs, the nostalgia, the family feels and a few surprises along the way. It’s freaky, but in all the right ways.
Final Rating:★★★★☆