Movie Reviews

Freaky Friday

Running time: 111 minutes. Rated PG (theme elements, rude humor, language, some suggestive references). In theaters.

Lindsay Lohan has taken a turn, and it’s a bit surprising, really.

Instead of diving headfirst into another predictable holiday flick that might’ve crumbled her somewhat shaky comeback, she’s actually headlining something that’s, well, quite decent.

In “Freaky Friday,” a charming sequel to the 2003 body-swap comedy, we see teenage Anna waking up in the body of her mother, therapist Tess, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, and the other way around.

Insights are gained, and Lohan’s character is seemingly taking a more grounded approach.

But even with the absurd supernatural elements, the story needs a bit of mental gymnastics to really make sense, perhaps?

The sequel builds on an already quirky premise — almost like when Taco Bell introduced Dorito shells — and, wow, what a leap that was.

This go-around, Tess and Anna are leaving their physical selves behind for something new, which adds another layer of chaos involving Anna’s daughter, Harper, and potential stepdaughter, Lily. It’s, um, a crowded space, honestly.

So, we have four characters all experiencing a mix-up — Anna and Harper, then Lily and Tess. At times, I honestly found myself a bit lost trying to remember who was who.

For those who might’ve complained about excessive chaos in films, “Freaky” serves up a hefty dose, probably more than needed. It’s almost like, can anyone really pull off a second coming like this?

There’s also a stretch in belief—like, Lohan, now 36, as the pop star’s manager… who has a 15-year-old surfer daughter? It’s a lot to take in, and it kind of just hangs there without much explanation.

“When my daughter decided to be a single parent, it transformed our family dynamic,” Tess mentions in her podcast. Fair enough, I guess.

Yet, if you’re willing to let logic slide a bit, director Nisha Ganatra throws in some standout moments, especially with Vanessa Bayer’s hilarious portrayal as a fake psychic making impressively accurate predictions. There’s a predictable warmth in some scenes, too.

Jamie Lee Curtis shines as she slips into her character, often fueled with laughter, especially when her body gets overtaken by the more juvenile Lily.

“I’m having a breakdown!” Curtis exclaims in horror while looking at herself in the mirror.

But what about Lohan in this mix?

She seems to navigate her character’s predicaments without stepping into total disaster this time.

Desperate and quirky, Anna is set to marry Lily’s dad, Eric, and move the family to London, but there’s tension brewing as Harper and Lily can’t seem to stand each other yet ultimately unite to stop the wedding.

Lohan appears to have revived some lost spark here. Maybe, just maybe, playing the counterpoint to someone like Curtis brings out her best? It’s much better than her somewhat forgettable role in Netflix’s “Falling For Christmas.”

Yet, “Freaky Friday” isn’t exactly an iconic return for either actress.

Chad Michael Murray’s character feels shoehorned into the narrative, almost as if he’s just there to add some light-heartedness. Honestly, he feels more like background noise.

As for the supporting elements—like the side characters—well, they don’t steal the show either.

What really pulls the audience in is the dynamic between Lohan and Curtis. This film caters to those nostalgic for the first installment, especially for fans who, well, have hit that milestone age of being able to go out for drinks legally. But at the same time, it gently pokes fun at Gen Z characters.

It’s a little strange; you see elements of “being observed” throughout the film.

Anna recoils, exclaiming, “I refuse to carry emotional baggage anymore!”

Moreover, the generational divide isn’t one-sided at all. Curtis’s Baby Boomer character suddenly becomes obsessed with pickleball and is seemingly glued to her phone screen.

Ganatra’s film leans more towards a lighthearted vibe compared to what’s typically found on Disney+. The director has a knack for humor and heart, as well noted in previous works.

In the end, I just hope Bayer’s character doesn’t become the most whimsical part of any future “Freaky” endeavors. That might be pushing it a bit far, don’t you think?