With its U.S. theatrical debut scheduled for August 8, Disney’s Freakier Friday is already earning enthusiastic praise from critics and audiences alike following its July 22 world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. The film reunites Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan in their iconic roles from the 2003 hit Freaky Friday, this time in a sequel that builds on their bond with both humor and heart while introducing a new generational twist to the body-swap comedy formula.
Critics have largely embraced the sequel’s blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary relevance, with particular acclaim directed at Curtis’s magnetic performance and the film’s emotionally resonant storyline. Maureen Lee Lenker of Entertainment Weekly awarded the film an “A-,” writing that Freakier Friday “gives you few reasons to want to pick apart its logic,” instead inviting audiences to immerse themselves in what she describes as “a heart-on-its-sleeve ode to strengthening and forging bonds, the power of deep and unconditional love, and the warmth and safety of one’s chosen family, most especially when it’s at its freakiest.” The film’s emotional sincerity, paired with comedic irreverence, has positioned it as a standout in this summer’s slate of franchise revivals.
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Time Out echoed these sentiments, noting that while the plot occasionally veers into implausibility, it ultimately succeeds in delivering a funnier, looser experience than its predecessor. The Daily Beast described Curtis as the film’s greatest asset, praising her willingness to throw herself into increasingly absurd scenarios with unflinching comedic commitment. The review also noted that while Lohan’s performance might divide viewers—some feeling she plays her role with more subtlety than required—her on-screen chemistry with Curtis remains intact and affecting.
In the days following the premiere, industry reactions have further fueled anticipation. Audiences reportedly responded with laughter and cheers at key moments during early screenings, suggesting the film’s emotional beats and comic timing resonate across age groups. Lohan herself was visibly moved during a post-screening Q&A, describing her return to the franchise as “overwhelming in the best way.” Curtis, meanwhile, told reporters that reprising the role of Tess Coleman gave her a chance to “revisit joy,” reflecting on the cultural impact of the original film and its cross-generational appeal.
The sequel arrives during a crowded summer movie season filled with reboots and legacy sequels, but Freakier Friday sets itself apart by offering a fresh spin on its familiar premise. This time, the body-swap chaos is not confined to mother and daughter; instead, the film introduces a new dynamic involving Anna’s daughter, Harper, and her soon-to-be stepsister. The result is a four-way swap that stretches the emotional stakes and comedic opportunities. Directed by Nisha Ganatra and written by Jordan Weiss, the film explores themes of blended families, generational misunderstandings, and emotional healing, all under the familiar framework of magical miscommunication.
Supporting performances by Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, and Manny Jacinto add further depth and comedic energy, while Chad Michael Murray makes a nostalgic cameo that longtime fans will appreciate. The script weaves these characters into a fast-paced narrative that captures the chaos and catharsis of adolescence, parenthood, and everything in between.
The film’s soundtrack, released on August 1, has also drawn positive attention. Featuring a reimagined version of “Take Me Away” by fictional teen band Pink Slip—originally performed by Lohan’s character in the 2003 film—the new version has been covered by the Canadian rock band The Beaches, bringing a contemporary flair to a beloved cult hit. Composer Amie Doherty, known for her work on animated and live-action features, delivers an original score that complements the film’s emotional tone while embracing its playful sensibility.
Not all reviews have been glowing. A few critics have taken issue with what they describe as the film’s reliance on nostalgia and uneven pacing. One reviewer from The Australian argued that the film lacked the originality and tight narrative structure of the original, pointing to its reliance on surface-level gags and a few recycled tropes. Still, even these critiques acknowledged the strength of the cast and the movie’s earnest efforts to expand its emotional scope.
As the film prepares for wide release, its marketing has leaned heavily on cross-generational appeal. Disney’s promotional materials have highlighted the return of the central duo, teasing audiences with behind-the-scenes clips and callbacks to the original film’s most iconic scenes. With Gen Z now old enough to bring children to the theater, and Millennials nostalgic for their early 2000s favorites, Freakier Friday is poised to bridge audiences in a way few sequels manage to achieve.
In an industry often criticized for excessive reliance on reboots, Freakier Friday offers something slightly different: a film that acknowledges its past while genuinely attempting to say something new about family, empathy, and growing up—again. If early reactions are any indication, this latest entry into the Disney catalog may find a welcome home in theaters and hearts alike when it opens nationwide on August 8.