The fun-loving and adorably hilarious body swap family-comedy, Freakier Friday (2025) is truly where lightning strikes twice. We recently reviewed Freaky Friday (2003) on its 22nd anniversary – we recommend you read the review first here.
Its sequel comes 22 years after the release of the hit cult-classic, Freaky Friday (2003). The comedic bounce and strong bond between Jamie Lee Cutis and Lindsay Lohan really shines through the screen. We’re seeing them even better than before. I would argue that both actresses look even more fashionable now than 20+ years ago.
But twenty years later, the unapologetically herself, Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her daughter Anna (Lindsay Lohan) once again face another swap. This time though, they face double the amount of trouble. But as Anna is set to become engaged after living life as a single mother, her daughter, Harper (Julia Butters) and her step-daughter, Lily (Sophia Hammons) just can’t seem to get along.
Double the Trouble
Working as a music manager for Ella – a young pop star, Anna seems to have her life pretty much sorted out as she’s set to engage with the ‘love of her life’ – famous chef, Eric. Meanwhile, her mother Tess – a psychiatrist, has launched a podcast as well as embarking on her first-ever book tour as a new author.
However, after bickering at Anna’s engagement party, Harper and Lily accidentally fall victim to fortune teller, Madame Jen (Vanessa Bayer). As they are lured into spouting a magical curse that mysteriously body swaps them. We see a hilarious script that swaps Anna with Harper and Tess with Lily. Vanessa Bayer also plays multiple occupations throughout the film as a funny testament to her quirky side character. One minute she’s a fortune teller, and the next she’s a palm reader who seems to be just about everywhere.
Freakier Friday: Character Revivals
However, of course, we’re used to seeing Jamie Lee Curtis as scream queen, Laurie Strode in the Halloween franchise. But over the course of her successful Hollywood career, we’ve really seen her expand her acting portfolio.
Jamie Lee Curtis has acted in everything from horrors like Prom Night (1980) to heartfelt drama, My Girl (1991). And quirky holiday movie, Christmas with the Kranks (2004). To timeless classic, Freaky Friday (2003) and the Oscar-winning Sci-fi action, Everything, Everywhere All at Once (2022).
Here in Freakier Friday (2025), Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Tess, now a grandmother who must face, navigate, and juggle new problems. Such as, becoming an author, and running her new podcast channel – all whilst still working as a therapist too.
Millennials will be delighted to see the noughties teen heartthrob, Chad Michael Murray return as Jake – Anna’s love interest from the first film. And who may just still have feelings for Anna. Meanwhile, other character returns sees Mr. Bates (Stephen Tobolowsky) annoy another generation of students, including Anna’s unlucky daughter, Harper.
Of course, Anna’s bandmates, Maddie (Christina Vidal) and Peg (Haley Hudson) who make up the band, Pink Slip return. We can’t forget the iconic song, Take Me Away by Lash which was covered by Christina Vidal and has now become synonymous with Freaky Friday (2003).
Fun-filled Quirky Dialogue
There’s so many fun quips and quirky dialogue lines that makes the film even more memorable. However, it’s perhaps even funnier than the original. Of course, it’s much more of a modern take now. As the script incorporates and plays with modern-day Gen-Z slang. Jamie Lee Cutis’ Tess is even more hilarious than before. It’s clear the Hollywood actress excels at nailing an impression of the next generation.
Although one of the most hilarious scenes comes when Tess tries plumping lip gloss for the first time. This then makes her author photos take a rather unprofessional approach. Supporting character and Tess’s husband, Ryan (Mark Harmon) play off each other so well. Both actors really nailed the couple dynamics here to create a funny and quirky relationship. And we just can’t quite get enough.
Even if Ryan’s part in the story is somewhat minimal, it would have been nice to see his character involved more in the plot. Especially, when Jamie Lee Curtis and Mark Harmon bring so much chemistry on-screen together. They need another whole movie just based on their characters.
Arguably, Lindsay Lohan is the main star of Freaky Friday (2003). Whilst Jamie Lee Curtis is the main star of Freakier Friday (2025). The best scenes seemed to stem more from Tess’s character, and we love the amount of screen time they gift her.
We also see some nods to the 2003 film, like Anna’s guitar solo on stage and some similarities in character dynamics played through the next generation between Anna and her daughter, Harper. Just like history repeating itself when Anna was a teenager and the back-and-forth arguments between herself and her mother, Tess.
Freakier Friday: A Fashion Movie?
The clothing department really brought their all to this fun-loving sequel. We’re seeing fashion pieces that we never thought would make such a statement in a Hollywood family-comedy. Jamie Lee Curtis gets an updated wardrobe, wearing a rather cool denim number and a black corset. Let’s be honest, she never lost it, but she’s still got it. And red is definitely Lindsay Lohan’s colour. The main outfit for her character is a layered strapless dress with a black choker and matching black gloves.
It’s story, tone, and whole vibe is arguably even quirkier than the original. However, originally, I didn’t think the hit noughties classic needed a modern revival. But it’s become a cool film by itself. It has carved out its own space beyond the position of what we might have thought of just another bouncy Hollywood ‘sequel.’
Rating: 4 stars
You can read more on movies like our review on the popular Hollywood Rom-Com, Clueless (1995) here.