Los Angeles Review: ‘Freakier Friday’ Fails to Recapture the Body-Swap Spark Between Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan
Abhira 
The much-anticipated comedy sequel, ‘Freakier Friday’, directed by Nisha Ganatra, attempts to revisit the beloved body-swap theme popularized by the original film based on Mary Rodgers’ classic children’s novel. Set two decades after the first installment, the movie reunites Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, striving to reignite the magic that made the original a cherished favorite. Unfortunately, this follow-up struggles to deliver the charm and wit that fans craved.
While the premise holds promise, the film falls short in balancing humor with heartfelt moments. Curtis and Lohan, both talented actors, strive to anchor the story but seem hindered by a script that tries too hard to be shrill rather than naturally funny. The chemistry between the leads feels forced, making the body-swap scenarios less engaging than expected.
Adding to the ensemble are Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, and Manny Jacinto, who bring new energy to the screen. However, their presence doesn’t fully elevate the narrative, which revolves around characters navigating complex family dynamics decades after the original story. Despite the talented cast and colorful performances, the movie lacks the cohesive storytelling that fans of the first film anticipated.
The director, Nisha Ganatra, known for her previous successes, brings contemporary humor and situational comedy to the mix, but the execution falls flat with some scenes feeling overacted and others underdeveloped. Visuals and cinematography maintain a polished look, but even these can’t compensate for the script’s shortcomings.
For fans of body-swap comedies and the original franchise, ‘Freakier Friday’ presents nostalgic callbacks but does not quite manage to stand on its own. The film’s attempt to capture the same level of excitement and relatability ultimately makes it a less memorable entry in the genre.
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