Manny Jacinto Is Wholesome Eye Candy In Freakier Friday, But I Think He Was Severely Underutilized

by

Spoiler alert! This story reveals plot points in Freakier Friday...Consider yourself warned.

In simpler and more conversational terms:

The movie “Freakier Friday” really nails what a good sequel should be. It’s got that nostalgic feel, plenty of laughs, and offers a unique twist on an old tale. Compared to other sequels coming out this year, “Freakier Friday” is definitely one to watch. As for the comedy aspect, it looks like they cast Manny Jacinto for that very reason!

In a situation where you’re aiming to augment an impressive roster of humorous actors such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, it would be a misstep to underestimate Jacinto’s comedic skills. The script, unfortunately, doesn’t provide many opportunities for his humor to surface, and he often portrays a British (or British-like) character who serves as the straight man, making him visually appealing and generally convincing in this role.

Jacinto Is Hot, And There Were Flashes Of Funny, But It Felt Like Such A Tease

As a self-proclaimed movie enthusiast, let me share my take on the captivating introduction of Jacinto in our romantic comedy. Stepping onto the scene outside the school, he effortlessly charms with an allure that rivals even the queen of rom-coms, Lohan. While some might argue he’s Hollywood’s next leading man, I personally believe he’s already among the top ten – though not quite on par with the fourth hottest man alive like Pedro Pascal.

What truly sets Jacinto apart (apart from his chiseled physique) is his humor – a quality that, unfortunately, we don’t get to witness much in this movie. But trust me, once you hear him crack a joke or two, you’ll understand why I think he deserves a spot on the comedy podium as well!

In these two instances, the humor seems to be directed towards secondary characters rather than Jacinto, who could have benefited more from the jokes. For example, during the teacher’s classroom scene and the marriage license appointment, it’s the supporting cast that gets the laughs, even though they excel in their comedic roles. Instead of giving Jacinto a chance to shine with some humorous moments, the script focuses on the antics of other characters. This could have been an opportunity for Jacinto to insert himself into a dinner date or share his thoughts on his own romantic mishaps, but alas, those comedic opportunities were missed.

For me, the standout instance was the exciting surf sequence. Immediately following Anna, or as you might call her, Harper, displaying her impressive surfing skills, Eric dives headfirst into the ocean, only to comically wipe out almost instantly. The blend of arrogance and physicality in that moment is hilarious, but such moments are too scarce and scattered throughout.

A Wedding Dance Rehearsal Is A No-Brainer, But The ‘Dirty Dancing’ Scene Isn’t Dirty Enough

This had the potential to be exceptional, but it ended up being just satisfactory. Another factor for choosing Jacinto was his remarkable dance abilities. In “The Good Place,” he was part of a 60-person dance troupe, and in “The Acolyte,” his Sith skills with a light-saber are graceful like ballet…but the majority of the scene consists of him assuming ‘tango poses’ before we reach the main action.

While Patrick Swayze isn’t the dirtiest person around, Jacinto comes close, and Hannah Waddingham might reconsider her opinion if she met him. However, it takes a while for things to reach that point. When Lohan makes her dramatic exit by running towards him and then leaving the room, it’s worth the wait, but getting there involves having to endure some less-than-pleasant moments.

Generally speaking, I found Jacinto’s performance in the movie truly captivating. He showcased sincerity, charm, kindness, attractiveness, and humor throughout. Yet, every time he appeared on screen, I couldn’t help but crave for even more depth. If by chance there is a Freaky Friday remake, a character swap for Jacinto could potentially highlight his untapped abilities that seemed underutilized in this film. As Jason Medoza once said, I was expecting a ‘bass drop’ moment, but it never materialized. Despite this, the Freakier Friday sequel is still worth watching, especially for those who appreciate Jacinto’s wholesome appeal.

Read More

2025-08-13 01:09