Freakier Friday isn’t groundbreaking – but legacy sequels don’t need to be for us to enjoy them

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In simpler terms, it’s not unusual for film franchises to continue stories from older movies, even if these aren’t necessarily what fans were expecting or asking for. These sequels can provide a more secure financial return at the box office and help ensure the continuation of the intellectual property (IP) in question.

In cultural terms, our longing for the past often proves financially valuable. A significant number of films are being produced that are continuations of classic movies from the early 2000s, providing viewers an opportunity to revisit familiar characters after many years have passed.

Currently, The Devil Wears Prada is filming a follow-up in New York City. Last week, it was announced that there will be a second installment of Bend It Like Beckham. The Princess Diaries 3 has recently been verified, and Freaky Friday has just debuted in movie theaters.

This version maintains the original meaning while using simpler language to make it more easily understood.

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In a fashion reminiscent of the 2003 version, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan revisit their shared past once more as another inexplicable supernatural event, this time involving a palm reader with a hint of possession, causes them to trade bodies yet again. However, this time they find themselves switching places with Anna’s daughter Harper (played by Julia Butters) and her soon-to-be stepdaughter Lily (portrayed by Sophia Hammons).

In simpler terms, “Freaky Friday” isn’t veering too far from what we’ve seen before, as it continues to deliver the strange elements that audiences crave. In this installment, Anna is set to marry a British chef named Eric (played by Manny Jacinto), and the new generation grapples with the challenges of their blended family, all while coping with the loss of Lily’s mother, mirroring the situation experienced by Anna’s father in the original movie.

Like its predecessor, Freaky Friday remake skillfully evokes the same emotions, keeps a similar rhythm, and even incorporates some familiar tunes to adhere to a cherished, time-tested formula, seamlessly blending nostalgic flashbacks that echo the glory days of teen cinema.

The Y2K phenomenon is frequently romanticized, yet it also serves as a nostalgic reminder of simpler epochs. Back then, social media hadn’t emerged, so you could enjoy movies without spoilers until you watched them at the theater. Friends would exchange DVDs rather than streaming them online, long before our shortening focus spans and adult worries became prevalent.

As a devoted fan, I can say that the reason we’re getting more sequels isn’t necessarily due to groundbreaking ideas or revolutionary additions to these beloved stories or genres. Instead, it seems like studios are aiming to recapture the shared emotional bond and joyful nostalgia of reliving our favorite films together once again.

In simpler terms, the appeal of movies like “Freaky Friday” primarily lies in delivering familiar content, which can lower our initial expectations for the movie. However, this familiarity also brings a certain weight of expectation as it is a beloved title among millennials that they’ve grown up with since childhood.

Viewers approach these sequels with the understanding that they are essentially re-imaginings of the original, offering a fresh take on familiar elements. It presents another chance to rediscover, for the first time once more, all those aspects of the initial film you cherished: Lindsay Lohan’s physical humor, characters portrayed as adults playing teenagers, plots involving sabotage, weddings, and family conflicts.

In essence, it’s not always a requirement for these nostalgic sequels to receive positive critical reviews for us to be interested in them. However, if they significantly deviate from the original characters and storyline (which we might perceive as unfaithful), audiences tend to express their displeasure. Yet, when it comes to this sub-genre, it’s challenging to maintain objectivity because these sequels offer fans a chance to revisit their beloved movie once more.

While Freaky Friday wasn’t expected to break new ground, it excels by offering a familiar and delightful experience that we’ve enjoyed in the past.

Comfortable shows shouldn’t be dismissed as unimportant. They offer a moment of relief to brighten up the day, a brief escape, and a nostalgic journey. The pleasure comes from immersing oneself in a secure, dependable narrative, which can feel rare compared to our sometimes unreliable daily lives.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the timeless charm of movies like “Freaky Friday.” It resonates with those who first experienced it and has a captivating allure for the younger generation, particularly Gen Z. The film offers a delightful trip down memory lane to revisit the Y2K era, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a touch of nostalgia.

Instead of starting anew, revitalize the familiar entertainment with a dash of novelty, particularly through captivating new actors. Maintain the essence of its initial success, allowing the unique bond between Lohan and Lee Curtis to truly stand out this time as well.

It’s unlikely that heartwarming sequels such as “Freakier Friday” will garner awards at ceremonies, but they are guaranteed to captivate the hearts of viewers, which in my opinion is much more valuable.

Freakier Friday is out now in cinemas.

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2025-08-08 14:20