Los Angeles, CA ( News4usonline) – More than two decades after audiences first laughed their way through Freaky Friday, the Coleman family is back — and the sequel proves it was worth the wait. Nostalgia, fresh twists, and sharp comedy combine to remind audiences why this body-swapping tale has stood the test of time.
The 2003 Freaky Friday remake, starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, became an instant classic for its clever spin on a mother-daughter relationship. Lohan’s Anna Coleman was a rebellious teen constantly clashing with her mother, Tess Coleman, a single mom and dedicated psychologist played brilliantly by Curtis.
Tensions rose as Tess prepared to marry Ryan (Mark Harmon), a step that only heightened the distance between mother and daughter. Then came the twist: a trip to a Chinese restaurant, a pair of fortune cookies, and a mysterious earthquake only the two could feel. By the next morning, Anna and Tess had switched bodies, forcing each to live the other’s life.
What followed was a perfect mix of comedy, chaos, and heartfelt lessons about empathy, culminating in a touching reunion before Tess’s wedding.
That first movie worked because of its balance: outrageous comedy paired with a relatable message about family and understanding. Audiences fell in love with the chemistry between Lohan and Curtis, which made a sequel an exciting but risky undertaking.
Fast forward to Freakier Friday, and the Coleman women are back with their trademark banter. This time, Anna (Lohan) is no longer the teenage rebel but a mother herself, raising her daughter Harper (Julia Butters). Harper is just as strong-willed and sharp-tongued as Anna once was, setting the stage for clashes that mirror the original mother-daughter tension.
But things aren’t simple. Harper has her own battles at school, especially with Lily Reyes (Sophia Hammons). Meanwhile, Anna’s engagement to Lily’s father, Eric (Manny Jacinto), complicates matters further. Suddenly, Harper and Lily may be stepsisters — and they’re far from ready to accept that reality.
The inevitable body swap comes with a fresh twist: Anna switches with Harper, while Tess unexpectedly swaps with Lily. That means four lives are thrown into chaos at once, raising the stakes and doubling the laughs.
The humor in Freakier Friday is fast, clever, and packed with physical comedy. Watching Jamie Lee Curtis channel the sass of a modern teenager is hilarious, and she once again proves her range as a comedic actress. Lindsay Lohan, too, brings warmth and self-awareness to Anna, now seeing motherhood from a perspective her younger self could never imagine.
Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons hold their own against the veteran cast, delivering performances that feel authentic and fun. Butters, especially, shines as Harper, whose rebellious streak is tempered by vulnerability. Hammons gives Lily the perfect mix of sass and heart, making her more than just a rival for Harper.
While the comedy is front and center, the film never loses sight of its emotional core. Beneath the laughs, Freakier Friday is about the messiness of blending families, the challenges of growing up, and the importance of empathy across generations. The body-swap conceit might be outrageous, but the lessons feel grounded and real.
What makes this sequel work is its respect for the original while still carving out new territory. Fans of the first film will smile at callbacks and familiar dynamics, but they’ll also appreciate the fresh layers added to Anna and Tess’s relationship. Seeing Lohan and Curtis reunite feels like catching up with old friends — their chemistry hasn’t lost a step.
At the same time, the story is updated for today’s audience. The conflicts feel relevant, the humor feels modern, and the new cast members bring a burst of energy that makes the film feel like more than just a rehash.
Overall, Freakier Friday delivers everything fans could want, big laughs, heartfelt moments, and a reminder that family — no matter how complicated — is worth understanding from another perspective. It’s rare for a sequel to capture lightning in a bottle twice, but this film manages to do it, proving that the magic of body-swapping is alive and well.
Check out Freakier Friday in theaters while you still have the chance to get some laughs in!
Featured Image: Photo by Glen Wilson/Glen Wilson – © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Archangel Apolonio is a reporter for News4usOnline and a graduate of CSU Dominguez Hills, where she studied broadcast journalism. Her passion for writing stems from a deep understanding of how different communities are impacted, and she is driven by a desire to connect with people through meaningful storytelling. Email Archangel @ ArchangelPolonio@gmail.com.
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