Overview: ‘Freakier Friday’ is a enjoyable shock

I used to be sufficiently old when the 2003 “Freaky Friday” got here out that it did not curiosity me a lot. I used to be a 20-something dude who was too into artwork films and attempting to persuade folks I had this deeper understanding of movie and the nuance and darkish magnificence that resonates in your bones.

I used to be a instrument is what I’m actually attempting to say.

So, I by no means took benefit and watched the primary film (I do know the Jodi Foster one existed and I had seen it, however to make issues simpler right here I’m calling the 2003 model the primary of those two films.) Anyway, I did not see the primary one when it got here out and I’ve seen most, if not all of it, over time on my method out and in of the lounge whereas my daughters watched.

With all that stated, I wasn’t precisely excited to go see “Freakier Friday.” I’ve grown out of my I-watch-movies-for-the-art-and-you-just-don’t-get-it mentality, no matter what my spouse says, however the film simply wasn’t of a lot curiosity to me. Much to my nice shock, I used to be fallacious and “Freakier Friday” is definitely quite a lot of enjoyable. Far from excellent, but in addition removed from uninteresting.

The good

Jamie Lee Curtis steals the present

It’s no shock that Jamie Lee Curtis is likely one of the standout performances in “Freakier Friday”. As Tess, Curtis is hilarious, self-deprecating, and exudes a type of allure that solely she will be able to ship. She brings the proper steadiness of humor and coronary heart to the function, and actually, it seems like she’s having the time of her life on this sequel.

You can inform that Curtis genuinely enjoys taking part in Tess, and her power is contagious. Watching her tackle the function with a lot enthusiasm made it clear that this film wasn’t nearly getting the paycheck; it was about having enjoyable, and it is that power that makes the movie work.

While the youthful forged does an awesome job of mimicking Curtis and Lindsay Lohan‘s characters, it is Curtis who really steals the present. There’s one thing endearing about her efficiency that makes Tess’ character so lovable, and you’ll’t assist however root for her all through the film.

A stable forged and good chemistry

The remainder of the forged additionally does a great job. Lohan returns as grownup Anna, and her efficiency is ok, however pales compared to Curtis. The youthful women who play Tess and Anna’s characters additionally do an awesome job, capturing their quirks and personalities. You can see how a lot effort went into ensuring the characters felt in step with the primary movie, and it pays off.

The remainder of the ensemble forged, together with Chad Michael Murray (who makes a quick, but welcome return), additionally provides one thing to the movie, although they do not have fairly as a lot display time. Manny Jacinto, who you may acknowledge from “The Good Place,” additionally delivers a enjoyable efficiency and brings a pleasant, charismatic power to the movie.

All in all, the forged works effectively collectively, making a cohesive vibe that makes the film really feel light-hearted and enjoyable.

It’s truly humorous

Here’s the factor: I went into “Freakier Friday” anticipating to roll my eyes a couple of occasions. And, yeah, I did. There’s no denying a number of the jokes land with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. But a lot to my shock, I discovered myself laughing — so much. The humor is generally slapstick and foolish, but it surely’s delivered with sufficient allure to maintain you invested. It’s not going to be a comedy traditional, but it surely had me chuckling and at occasions, even laughing out loud.

I’m not ashamed to confess that I even bought caught up in a number of the humor. While not all the jokes land (a few of them are as tacky as you’d anticipate from a Disney sequel), the film has sufficient humorous moments to maintain issues gentle and entertaining. The scenes that had my children laughing additionally had me in stitches, and that is a uncommon feat for a household movie. Sometimes it is good to simply sit again, loosen up, and benefit from the absurdity of all of it with out anticipating an excessive amount of depth. And that is what “Freakier Friday” offers: simply the correct quantity of goofy enjoyable.

It has coronary heart

Maybe it is as a result of I’m a dad, or perhaps it is simply because this film hit the fitting emotional notes, however there have been a couple of moments in “Freakier Friday” that bought to me. I watched it with my spouse and two daughters, and I’ve to say, there have been elements of the movie that actually resonated. The relationships between the characters are messy, difficult, and actual, and the feelings that include love, loss, and household hit arduous.

The film tackles themes of id, rising up, and understanding each other in a method that feels real. You do not typically see that in a comedy aimed toward children, however right here it really works.

The household dynamic feels grounded, and it is simple to see how the relationships evolve over the course of the movie. The moments of emotional depth are earned, and whereas they don’t seem to be groundbreaking, they’re sufficient to make you replicate by yourself household relationships.

The not-so-good

It’s a little bit too lengthy

“Freakier Friday” isn’t an ideal movie, however let’s be trustworthy, had been we anticipating it to be? Nonetheless, there are some things that maintain it again from being nice.

The greatest subject I had was the pacing. At slightly below two hours, the movie feels a bit bloated. Some of the scenes and situations linger a bit too lengthy, which impacts the timing and circulation of the film. While the film would not overstay its welcome completely, there have been moments when I discovered myself wishing it could transfer a little bit faster. Some of the repetitive gags or plot factors may have been trimmed to maintain issues extra participating.

That early 2000s corniness

Remember these early 2000s live-action Disney films? They had been a particular type of corny; tacky jokes, overly sentimental moments, and exaggerated characters. Well, “Freakier Friday” has a few of that very same power. And whereas it isn’t sufficient to wreck the expertise, it is arduous to disregard.

The movie sometimes veers into that “Disney Channel Original” territory, with jokes that miss the mark and moments that really feel a little bit too ridiculous. For me, this nostalgia journey was a little bit a lot at occasions, however that is simply a part of the allure of those sorts of movies. It did not fully drag the film down, but it surely was sufficient to make me roll my eyes a few occasions.

Conclusion

In the tip, “Freakier Friday” is strictly what it guarantees: a lighthearted, enjoyable, and humorous household movie with sufficient coronary heart to make it resonate. It’s not a masterpiece, and it has its flaws, however the performances, particularly from Jamie Lee Curtis, make it a pleasure to look at.

If you are a guardian or simply somebody on the lookout for a feel-good, simple film to look at with the household, “Freakier Friday” hits the spot. It might not break new floor in comedy or storytelling, but it surely will get the job achieved and offers a healthful, fulfilling expertise for all ages.

“Freakier Friday” is formally rated PG for delicate humor and thematic parts.