'Freakier Friday' brings back Lohan and Curtis - and the nostalgia is off the charts
Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis in a scene from 'Freakier Friday'.
Image: Supplied
It’s that time of year when festive or fun family-friendly offerings are on the radar of viewers.
And “Freakier Friday”, which is directed by Nisha Ganatra, certainly ticks the boxes for holiday viewing.
It’s silly fun. Nothing more.
Of course, having Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, who is also credited as producer on the film, reprise their mother and daughter roles as Anna and Tess Coleman, respectively, heightens the appeal.
Honestly, since her return to acting in Netflix’s “Falling for Christmas”, Lohan has been lauded by critics and fans alike.
Hollywood’s notorious bad girl has cleaned up her act, and I can’t help but feel like marriage and motherhood have played a key role in this.
The fantasy comedy sequel expands on the original body-switching premise, escalating the trope of a disgruntled mother and daughter swapping bodies.
Now a single mother, Anna is a successful music producer. Her daughter Harper’s (Julia Butters) issues with her nemesis at school - Lily Reyes (Sophia Hammons) - become the catalyst in Anna finding love again when she meets Lily’s father, Eric (Manny Jacinto).
Of course, the romance doesn’t sit well with the teenagers, more so with their parents about to tie the knot.
Julia Butters, Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis and Sophia Hammons in a scene from 'Freakier Friday'.
Image: Supplied
Meanwhile, Tess attempts to calm the situation between the stepsisters-to-be.
However, when they cross paths with fortune teller Madam Jen (Vanessa Bayer), the situation snowballs into utter chaos as the teenagers body-switch with Anna and Tess, until they all learn the lessons they are meant to.
The story is essentially "The Parent Trap" but with the premise inverted. The humour stems from the characters' attempts to adapt to their swapped bodies and the eye-opening experience of it entails.
For me, Lohan and Lee Curtis steal the show. Channelling the youthful spontaneity and rashness of teenagers, they are a riot.
“Freakier Friday” is as cliched as they come. However, it’s not looking to reinvent the wheel but rather evoke nostalgia and provide uproarious fun. And it does that.
Rating: *** solid and enjoyable, though not groundbreaking.