A heartfelt, funny, modern twist on Disney's body-swap classic
For more than 50 years, "Freaky Friday" has been one of Disney's most reliable stories. It's an idea so universal and so playful that each generation gets its own version. From Mary Rodgers' 1972 novel to the 1976 film, a 1995 TV remake, multiple stage adaptations, the 2018 Disney Channel musical, and, of course, the beloved 2003 hit starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, the story has always revolved around one question: What would happen if you were suddenly forced to live life as someone else? With Freakier Friday, Disney finally gives fans the first true sequel to the 2003 crowd-pleaser. And while it doesn't surpass the original, it confidently carves out its own identity - a fun, heartfelt romp that embraces both nostalgia and modern family dynamics.
Anna Coleman (Lindsay Lohan) is no longer the angsty teenager at odds with her mom. She's now a record-label executive, a devoted single parent, and the mother of a teenager just as stubborn and complicated as she once was. Harper (Julia Butters) has her guard up, her headphones on, and zero interest in sharing space with Lily (Sophia Hammons), the daughter of Anna's new boyfriend, Eric (Manny Jacinto). Meanwhile, Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) has evolved from therapist to reluctant podcaster; a hilarious choice given her ongoing hatred of new technology, but she's still grounded, warm, and always trying to keep the people around her from falling apart.
When Anna and Eric announce plans to marry and relocate the blended family to London, tensions spike. Enter Jen (Vanessa Bayer), an eccentric fortune-teller who predicts a "shift" in the family's future. She's not wrong. The next morning brings a twist on the classic setup - Anna and Harper swap bodies. Tess and Lily swap bodies. Two swaps, four perspectives, and one increasingly chaotic countdown to the wedding.
The real joy of the sequel lies in its performances. Curtis and Lohan slide back into their roles with an ease that feels almost nostalgic; both are genuinely funny as they navigate a world where teenagers communicate more with group chats than actual words. Butters and Hammons are the film's true revelation. Mimicking Curtis and Lohan without turning them into parodies is no easy feat, yet these younger actors handle it with confidence, timing, and surprising emotional depth. Jacinto and Mark Harmon (returning as Tess's husband) serve as steady background support, but the heart of the film belongs to its four female leads. Vanessa Bayer steals her scenes, and the unexpected cameo from Elaine Hendrix is a delightful wink to fans who grew up with "The Parent Trap".
Yes, the plot is predictable, and the four-way swap occasionally leads to brief moments of "wait, who's who again?" But the film never loses control of its emotional core. What sets "Freakier Friday" apart from the earlier adaptations is its exploration of blended families, grief, identity, and the awkward, unglamorous work of learning to live with people who weren't originally part of your world. The movie doesn't shy away from the hurt and confusion that comes with change, but it also doesn't get bogged down in melodrama. It strikes the sweet spot: warm, lightly sentimental, and consistently entertaining.
On Blu-ray, the movie looks and sounds exactly as you'd expect from modern Disney, offering a colorful and crisp 2.39:1 picture with vivid lighting, paired with a clean DTS-HD Master Audio mix that balances dialogue, music, and comedic chaos with ease. The disc also includes a solid selection of bonus content, including deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and a charming music video. While it may not qualify as reference-quality, it's more than satisfying for a breezy, family-friendly comedy.
Bonus Content
- Making Things Freakier (HD; 7:29) - a lively look behind the scenes, featuring entertaining interviews and on-set footage.
- Where Were You When... (HD; 2:51) - reflections on the original 2003 film, with memories from returning cast members and insights from the new generation.
- Flashback Friday (HD; 3:48) - parallels between the classic and the 2025 sequel, including "Easter egg" callbacks.
- "Baby" Lyric Video (HD; 3:16).
- Deleted Scenes (HD; 11:44).
"Freakier Friday" never tries to outdo the 2003 film, and honestly, that's its smartest choice. Instead, it honors the original's spirit while giving today's teens and families a version that feels honest to their world. It's funny, warm, and occasionally chaotic, with the cast selling every emotional beat. Seeing Curtis and Lohan reunited is a pleasure, and the addition of another generation makes it even better. This film will definitely make you smile and is perfect for a fun, cozy family night at home.
Grade: B+
