Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray and Mark Harmon
Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Director: Nisha Ganatra
In Irish Cinemas: 8th August 2025
Over the years, Freaky Friday has cemented itself as a beloved teen comedy classic, thanks to its unique blend of heartfelt humour, catchy original songs, and standout performances from Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Their pitch-perfect comedic timing and undeniable chemistry gave the original body-swap tale its staying power, turning what could have been a gimmick into something genuinely charming. Now, two decades later, Freakier Friday arrives as a spirited sequel that both honours the original and attempts to modernise it for a new generation.
Set in the present day, Freakier Friday cleverly picks up the story twenty years on, introducing us to the next generation of chaotic family dynamics. Lohan returns as Anna, now a single mother navigating adulthood and parenthood. At the same time, her daughter Harper (Julia Butters)—a beanie-wearing, surf-loving teen with Gen Z attitude—represents the film’s youthful heartbeat. Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Tess, now a hip, boundary-pushing therapist and doting grandmother, who can’t help but meddle when asked to bond with Harper. The familial dynamics are immediately fun and familiar, re-establishing the emotional warmth and generational tension that fueled the original film’s success.
The premise takes a sharp turn when Anna falls head over heels for the dashing and delightfully British Eric (Manny Jacinto), a charming restaurateur with a flair for modern culinary trends—and a daughter, Lily (Sophia Hammons), who’s every bit as fashionable as she is sceptical. As Anna’s whirlwind engagement and plans to relocate to London throw Harper’s life into disarray, tensions rise—and so does the body-swapping chaos. This time, however, the film ups the ante with a four-way swap, triggered during Anna’s bachelorette party by a well-meaning amateur psychic.
What follows is an energetic, if occasionally overcrowded, rollercoaster of mistaken identities and misfired attempts at navigating other people’s lives. The multi-generational mind swaps allow both Lohan and Curtis to tap back into their slapstick roots, with the added twist of having to channel teenage attitudes from an even more digitally-savvy era. Watching Curtis strut around in Harper’s oversized hoodies or Lohan attempt to rein in Tess’ over-the-top antics brings a renewed sense of fun and absurdity. But the film occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambition. In trying to juggle nostalgia, fan service, and appeal to a younger demographic, Freakier Friday spreads itself a bit too thin. The pacing becomes frenetic at times, jumping between plot beats without giving key emotional arcs room to breathe.
Still, when the film works, it works. A standout moment involving the surprise return of Chad Michael Murray’s Jake—Anna’s biker heartthrob from the original movie—sparks one of the sequel’s funniest sequences. As Tess (in Lily’s body) tries to coach Anna (in Harper’s body) through an awkward flirtation, Lohan’s gift for physical comedy shines with delightful awkwardness. It’s in these moments—when the film leans into its ridiculousness—that it finds its charm.
What also elevates Freakier Friday is its dedication to showcasing its characters’ quirks and growth, primarily through visuals. Lily’s passion for fashion brings flair to Tess’ wardrobe, transforming her into a whirlwind of pink sunglasses, statement jackets, and DIY punk accessories. Montage sequences that would feel tired in another context are refreshed here, thanks to the film’s vibrant energy and stylistic self-awareness. The younger cast—particularly Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons—hold their own admirably, capturing the chaotic essence of teens trapped in adult bodies with sharp comedic instincts.
Ultimately, Freakier Friday may be bursting at the seams, but its heart remains in the right place. It thrives as a nostalgic reunion for longtime fans and a madcap introduction for first-timers, anchored by the magnetic dynamic between Lohan and Curtis. They’re having a blast—and that infectious energy spills into every scene they share. While the film doesn’t quite reach the streamlined brilliance of its predecessor, it delivers enough laughs, warmth, and generational chaos to remind us why this oddball family comedy still works in 2025.
Overall: 6.5/10
Movie Reviewer
