Movie Review # 734: Freaky Friday (2003)

Ladies, and gentlemen, as I’m sure many of us know, this adaptation of the Freaky Friday story was released back in 2003. And, as you can see from the poster, it starred Jamie Lee Curtis, and Lindsay Lohan. Now, 22 years later, in August of this year, both actresses, along with most, if not all, of the rest of the cast will be reuniting for a sequel to that hit film. But before that sequel gets released, let’s discuss the 2003 hit, the one, and only, Freaky Friday!

Plot: When an incident at a Chinese restaurant, that involves a fortune cookie, causes Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis), and her daughter, Anna (Lindsay Lohan) to switch bodies with each other, they must learn to walk in each other’s shoes. With Tess’ wedding coming up, can the mother, and daughter duo walk in each other’s shoes, as well as find a way to switch back with each other before the day of Tess’ wedding?

Well, I will say that this film is a real fun watch from start to finish. First of all, there is heart in this film. The mother, and daughter duo of Tess, and Anna Coleman was well handled. I mean even when they switch bodies with each other, the way that the relationship is developed is well-handled, and very creative as well. Same goes for pretty much all of her relationships, from the one with her brother, her friends, and even Jake. They’re all really well done. The other characters are also really great, including the ones that don’t have as big of a role in this film. Additionally, is it just me, or does anyone else find it a little interesting that both this film, and the Disney animated film, Brother Bear, got released in the same year, in August 2003, and November 2003 respectively? Okay, I bring up Brother Bear as well, since both that one, and Freaky Friday, revolved around certain characters having to learn to learn things from another’s point of view. Granted, Freaky Friday executed a storyline like that better, but still. Anyway, even if this film does have some fantasy elements in it, it does a great job of showing what life is like for kids, teenagers, and adults. Granted, more so for the second, and third categories, but still. In addition to all of this, this film Freaky is really funny from beginning to end. Not only are there funny lines, but also really hilarious moments period. Honestly, some of the hilarious, and creative lines, are what really make this film incredibly memorable. What’s more is that there are some scenes that are creatively, and brilliantly well-handled. Additionally, did I forget to mention that the acting is phenomenal as well? True, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Lindsay Lohan are the major highlights. Still, the rest of the cast deserves credit too, especially Mark Harmon as Tess’ fiancée. The music, and soundtrack was really great too. But what really makes this movie really enjoyable is how our main characters are willing to eventually see the other’s point of view, make certain sacrifices, and other things that make them great characters overall.

But with all the positives, there were a couple issues. First of all, there was a little bit of crude language in this film. Thankfully, Disney has seemed to get better about that, but still. Also, there were a couple scenes that may be deemed a little inappropriate for children. Kids will still even enjoy Freaky Friday, make no mistake. And no, there’s nothing wrong with making a family for a slightly older audience. But when filmmakers throw it in younger viewers faces that may be a little too crude, and/or inappropriate for children, it should make filmmakers more careful in the future. Just a thought there!

And that’s my review for Freaky Friday. Even though it may be a little too adult for children at times, it’s still an overall must-see film. The characters are fun, the music is good, the themes are really great, and you’re bound to have an overall fun time. If you want to see one of Disney’s better films from the 2000s, and a film that teaches some valuable lessons, then definitely see this movie! You’ll be glad that you did in the end.

Final Rating: 9/10