Jamie Lee Curtis shines in the “Freakier Friday” (PG), as does her movie daughter Lindsay Lohan, a comedy that’s playing in theaters now. Curtis and Lohan reprise their roles from the 2003 movie “Freaky Friday.” Although 22 years have passed since the two films, both actresses felt the time was right for a reunion, especially since Lohan is now a mother and plays a mom in the movie. They were both excited not only to revisit their characters but also to work together again, and that joy is palpable on screen, adding a positive energy to the film.
This laugh-out-loud movie features Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess Coleman, a successful psychologist who has written a book and is soon to go on a promotional tour. Although, she means well, she can’t help but get into everyone’s business. Lohan is Anna, a single mom raising her teenage daughter, Harper, portrayed by the talented Julia Butters. There’s a particular scene where Anna is trying to get her daughter Harper up for school, which is hysterical as the mildly turbulent teenager gives her a hard time. And just like Anna two decades ago, she keeps her door shut to keep people out of her bedroom. Next, in a comical moment, Mom yells, “Prepare to be triggered,” as she barges in.
Here, there’s double body-swapping, and that wasn’t easy to keep track of, especially who was playing who at times. Four different persons are involved as Anna, Harper, Tess, and Anna’s soon-to-be step-daughter, Lily (Sophia Hammons). Lily is the daughter of Eric, Anna Coleman’s fiancé, played by Manny Jacinto. He is a chef and a loving father to his daughter, Lily. The movie also reveals that Eric is a widower, having raised Lily as a single parent after the death of his wife, and that he owns a restaurant. His profession as a chef not only adds a layer of complexity to his character but also influences his relationship with Lily and Anna. Lily is age 15 and from England. She has dreams of returning to London to study fashion, and she is adamantly opposed to her father’s burgeoning relationship with Anna. To be clear about body swapping, the “youngsters” are actually Lohan and Curtis, playing ninth-graders trapped in adult bodies.
Director Nisha Ganatra, a Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominee for her work as the Director/Producer of “Transparent,” delivers moments of pure comedy. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when the two teenagers were trying to find an adult contact, and one of them pulled up Facebook, saying, “It’s like a database of old people!” As Tess and Anna navigate the various challenges of merging two families, they ultimately discover the true meaning of family.
What I really loved about the film is the two stars’ chemistry, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan look like they’re having such a great time on-screen, you can’t help but be engaged. In recent interviews, they’ve both said they were thrilled to work again with each other. At its core, “Freakier Friday” is an emotional tale about finding your family place, the meaning of true love, and the unbreakable bond of family. It lands its touching strokes as the script, by Jordan Weiss and Elyse Hollander, is heartfelt. What’s also great is the fan service, as the return of Chad Michael Murray (Jake), the hottie, is excellent.
“Freakier Friday” is produced by Disney Studios and playing in theaters now.
Sarah Knight Adamson © August 8, 2025