I had the absolute pleasure of taking my nephew, Ethan, to the AMC theater to catch Freakier Friday (2025), the long-awaited sequel to the beloved 2003 body-swap comedy Freaky Friday. As we settled into our plush recliner seats with a giant bucket of popcorn and some candy, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from a sequel arriving over two decades after the original. Would it recapture the magic of the first film? Could it resonate with both a new generation and fans of the 2003 classic? By the time the credits rolled, I was grinning ear to ear, and Ethan was practically bouncing with excitement. Freakier Friday is a delightful, laugh-out-loud, and surprisingly heartfelt film that not only honors its predecessor but also carves out its own identity as a worthy successor. Directed by Nisha Ganatra and featuring the iconic duo of Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, alongside a stellar ensemble cast, this film is a testament to the enduring appeal of family-friendly comedy done right.
A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Storyline
Freakier Friday picks up 22 years after the events of Freaky Friday, where Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her daughter Anna Coleman (Lindsay Lohan) famously swapped bodies due to a magical fortune cookie. Now, Anna is a single mother in her late thirties, managing the career of a rising pop star, Ella (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), while raising her teenage daughter, Harper (Julia Butters). Tess, meanwhile, has evolved into a parenting podcaster and remains a vibrant, meddling presence in her family’s life. The story introduces a new layer of complexity with Anna’s engagement to Eric Davies (Manny Jacinto), a charming British restaurateur and single father to Lily (Sophia Hammons), a fashion-obsessed teen who clashes with Harper. The stage is set for a wedding that brings these two families together, but not without tension—Harper and Lily are rivals, and neither is thrilled about becoming stepsisters.
The body-swap premise that made the original so iconic is taken to new heights in Freakier Friday. Instead of a simple mother-daughter swap, the film orchestrates a four-way body switch triggered by a quirky psychic, Madame Jen (Vanessa Bayer), during Anna’s bachelorette party. The result? Harper ends up in Anna’s body, Anna in Harper’s, Lily in Tess’s, and Tess in Lily’s. This intricate setup could have easily become chaotic, but the screenplay by Jordan Weiss and Elyse Hollander, paired with Ganatra’s deft direction, keeps the narrative surprisingly coherent. The complexity of the swaps amplifies the humor and emotional stakes, making every scene a treasure trove of comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt revelations.
As Ethan and I watched, we couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. He leaned over at one point, whispering, “How do they even keep track of who’s who?” It’s a fair question, but the film’s strength lies in its ability to make the convoluted premise accessible. Each character’s distinct personality shines through, even in another’s body, ensuring that the audience can follow along while enjoying the chaos.
A Cast That Shines Bright
The heart and soul of Freakier Friday is its phenomenal cast, led by the dynamic duo of Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. Curtis, at 65, brings an infectious energy to her role as Tess, who, when inhabiting Lily’s teenage body, delivers some of the film’s funniest moments. Her portrayal of a grandmother trapped in a teen’s body is nothing short of comedic genius—whether she’s marveling at the spryness of Lily’s limbs or hilariously struggling to navigate high school dynamics. Curtis’s comedic timing is impeccable, and her ability to channel a British teen’s snobbish attitude (without fully committing to an accent, a choice that feels intentional to keep things light) is a highlight. Ethan was in stitches during a scene where Tess-as-Lily tries to play pickleball in a championship match, flailing with exaggerated enthusiasm.
Lindsay Lohan, returning as Anna, delivers a performance that is both nostalgic and refreshingly mature. Now playing the “adult” role, Lohan imbues Anna with a warmth and vulnerability that reflect her character’s journey from rebellious teen to devoted mother. When Anna swaps into Harper’s body, Lohan taps into her Freaky Friday roots, effortlessly recapturing the awkward, rebellious energy of a teenager. There’s a poignant moment where Anna-as-Harper reconnects with her musical past, singing a song she wrote years ago, which brought a lump to my throat. Lohan’s ability to convey both humor and heartache makes her a standout, and it’s clear she’s relishing her return to the big screen. Ethan, who hadn’t seen the original, was captivated by her charisma, asking me afterward if she was “always this cool.”
The younger cast members, Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons, hold their own against these industry veterans. Butters, known for her roles in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Fabelmans, brings a grounded intensity to Harper, a surfer girl with an independent streak. Her performance as Anna-in-Harper’s-body is particularly impressive, as she nails Lohan’s mannerisms while adding her own youthful spin. Hammons, as Lily, brings a delightful snootiness that contrasts perfectly with Harper’s laid-back vibe. Their rivalry-turned-reluctant-bonding is one of the film’s emotional cores, and both actresses shine in scenes where they navigate the challenges of inhabiting older bodies.
Manny Jacinto, as Eric, is a revelation. His charm and comedic timing make him the perfect romantic lead, and his British accent (sprinkled with subtle nods to his Filipino heritage, like a “mano po” gesture) adds depth to the character. Ethan nudged me during a scene where Eric tries to connect with Harper, whispering, “He’s so nice!” Jacinto’s warmth makes Eric’s role as a father and fiancé feel authentic, grounding the film’s zanier moments.
Supporting performances, including Vanessa Bayer as the eccentric psychic and Chad Michael Murray reprising his role as Jake, add to the film’s charm. Murray’s cameo, complete with a nod to the original’s Pink Slip band, elicited cheers from the audience, including a particularly excited squeal from Ethan, who caught the nostalgic reference after I explained it to him on the way home.
A Perfect Blend of Humor and Heart
Freakier Friday excels at balancing slapstick comedy with genuine emotional resonance. The body-swap antics provide endless opportunities for humor, from Harper-as-Anna fumbling through a wedding dance rehearsal to Lily-as-Tess struggling with “old people things” like arthritis and shopping at Walgreens. These moments are played for laughs but never feel mean-spirited, thanks to the cast’s commitment to their roles. The film also incorporates clever homages to the original, such as a joyride scene reminiscent of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, which had Ethan and me cracking up.
Yet, what sets Freakier Friday apart is its exploration of family dynamics. The film delves into themes of single motherhood, second-chance romance, and blended families with a light but meaningful touch. Harper’s fear of moving to London and losing her identity as a surfer resonates with anyone who’s faced a big life change, while Lily’s struggle to accept Anna as her stepmother adds depth to her character. The swaps force each character to see the world through another’s perspective, leading to revelations that feel earned rather than contrived. A particularly moving scene involves Harper-as-Anna learning about her mother’s sacrifices, which hit home for me as a parent. I glanced at Ethan during this moment, wondering if he was picking up on the same lessons about appreciating family.
The film’s pacing is brisk, clocking in at 111 minutes, but it never feels rushed. Ganatra’s direction keeps the energy high, and the script weaves in enough nostalgic nods (like the return of Pink Slip) to satisfy longtime fans while introducing fresh elements for newcomers like Ethan. The soundtrack, featuring throwbacks to the 2003 film and new songs, adds to the nostalgic vibe without feeling dated.
A Memorable Theater Experience
Seeing Freakier Friday at the AMC theater was an experience in itself. The theater was buzzing with families, teens, and millennials like me who grew up with the original. Ethan, at 12, was the perfect age to enjoy the film’s humor and relate to Harper and Lily’s teenage angst. The AMC’s sensory-friendly screening option, which we didn’t need but noticed on the schedule, was a thoughtful touch for families with different needs. The sound system amplified the film’s energetic soundtrack, and the vibrant visuals popped on the big screen, making the theatrical experience well worth it.
Ethan’s reactions were a highlight of the outing. He laughed uproariously at Curtis’s antics, gasped during the chaotic body-swap scenes, and even got a little teary during the film’s emotional climax (though he’d never admit it). After the movie, we spent the car ride home debating who had the hardest body swap (he voted for Tess-in-Lily, I leaned toward Harper-in-Anna). It was one of those rare moviegoing experiences that sparked real conversation and connection, reminding me why I love sharing films with him.
Why Freakier Friday Works
Freakier Friday succeeds because it knows its audience. It delivers the comfort of nostalgia while pushing the story forward with new characters and themes. The four-way swap could have been overwhelming, but the cast’s chemistry and the script’s clarity make it a joy to follow. The film’s PG rating ensures it’s accessible for families, though it includes enough witty humor and emotional depth to keep adults engaged. Critics have praised its heartfelt approach and the performances of Curtis and Lohan, with a 74% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 94% audience score, reflecting its broad appeal.[](https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2025/08/08/freakier-friday-reviews-critics/)[](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/freakier_friday)
For me, the film was a reminder of the magic of Disney’s early 2000s comedies, updated for 2025 with a modern sheen. It’s not perfect—some critics noted the opening feels rushed, and the logic of the swaps occasionally stretches believability—but these minor flaws are overshadowed by the film’s charm and heart.[](https://film-book.com/film-review-freakier-friday-2025-jamie-lee-curtis-steals-the-show-in-a-nostalgic-sequel-full-of-laughs-and-heart/)[](https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Movies/2025/08/05/Freakier-Friday-movie-review/7931754371941/)
Final Thoughts
Freakier Friday is a triumph of a sequel, blending nostalgia, humor, and heart into a film that’s as fun as it is meaningful. Taking Ethan to see it at the AMC theater was a highlight of my summer, and the film’s ability to entertain both a 12-year-old and a nostalgic adult speaks to its universal appeal. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan prove they’ve still got it, while Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, and Manny Jacinto add fresh energy to the mix. Whether you’re a fan of the original or a newcomer, Freakier Friday is a must-see for anyone looking for a good laugh and a warm fuzzy feeling. I can’t wait to rewatch it with Ethan when it hits streaming, but for now, I’m grateful for the shared laughter and memories we made at the theater.[](https://screenrant.com/freakier-friday-movie-review/)
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