It’s been 22 years since the premiere of hit Hollywood comedy, Freaky Friday (2003) starring mother-daughter duo, Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Anna (Lindsay Lohan). The popular Disney film has since become a modern classic with iconic memorable scenes and instantly quotable lines.
Of course, we can’t forget the Disney classic is actually based on the novel, Freaky Friday (1976) by Mary Rodgers. And is a remake of the 1976 original, of the same name. Of which Jodie Foster starred as the daughter whilst Barbara Harris faced off with her as the mother. In more recent times saw the story adapted once again for the musical – Freaky Friday (2018) which premiered on Disney Plus.
A Fierce Mother-Daughter Duo Face-Off
Undoubtedly, both Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan excel in their roles. Sometimes their swap can get confusing. Especially keeping up with their newly switched personas. Lindsay Lohan was only 18-years-old at the time of filming. For a former child actress, she really puts her acting talent to the test here. Whilst Hollywood veteran, Jamie Lee Curtis brings an annoyingly too-familiar mother attitude to the role. A film with such a fun premise looks as if they have a continuous reel of funny outtakes.
Not only do they look like mother and daughter (from the good casting too) but they act like they’ve known each other forever. Their relationship conflicts really shine through the screen. At times, their bickering is so realistic it’s like we’re watching a documentary on a mother and daughter in the noughties. The trick throughout the whole movie, is Lindsay Lohan playing the mother role whilst Jamie Lee Curtis turns into the cool teen daughter. It’s a cross between being sometimes confusing and other times hilarious.
Freaky Friday’s Hilarious Standout Moments
Standout moments from the story include Jamie Lee Curtis playing her teen daughter in the role of her therapist job. She uses teen jargon with plenty of attitude. Freaky Friday’s ultimate purpose is to pose the question, ‘what would happen if a mother and daughter had to switch bodies and live each other’s lives for 24 hours?’
The funny cast give their everything to this noughties Family-Comedy. Enter Mark Harmon who is best known for his iconic role in the long-standing procedural series, NCIS where he plays boss, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. But here he swaps a dangerous life for the role of a caring step-father. He plays Ryan who must contend with Tess’ two constantly bickering children, Anna and Harry (Ryan Malgarini).
Ryan is a sympathetic and caring step-father who actually just wants the best for Tess and her children. And he desperately wants to become part of the family but only if they paid enough attention to how much he cares for them. Interestingly, his sub-character adds another layer to the story and poses the question – ‘will Tess, Anna, and Harry allow him into their lives?’ From an audience perspective, we’re positioned to grow fond of him. He may just be the anchor that is needed to pull Tess and Anna back together again.
Communication is at the Heart of the Story
Freaky Friday (2003) has a great message behind its story. What it’s really saying is ‘how can mother and daughter repair their broken relationship?’ We get a sense that they were once much closer before Tess became too busy with her work and Anna succumbed to her teenage ways. Now complete opposites, their generational gap also separates them even further apart.
What the film does best is how it mixes just the the right amount of humour, light-heartedness, and quick-fire wit. With two strong leads as Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, they’re bound to butt heads in fiery debates. The lead up to the midpoint explores just how different their lives really are – even down to how they react to situations. Whilst Tess calmly meditates, Anna misses her alarm and couldn’t care less about the world around her. This is how the film grabs audiences of all ages.
A Timeless Film For All Ages
We’re relating to different stages of life. From young Harry’s annoyingly bratty ways to Anna’s careless teen attitude and Tess’ chaotic parental nature. It’s also relatable to those who experience the classic sibling rivalry too.
Much of Anna’s problems at home stem from her interfering younger brother, Harry which consequently causes a knock-on effect with her relationship with her mother, Tess. They both reach a breaking point where something has to change in their lives.
Ultimately, the swap forces them to repair. It takes them on a journey of healing their broken relationship and friendship. They’re not just mother and daughter but friends too. But it also sets up a message in our own lives – to repair broken family relationships… before it’s too late.
You can read more Family Dramas like A Cinderella Story (2004) here.
