Jamie Lee Curtis responds to criticisms about 'Freakier Friday' movie
In the latest film adaptation of the beloved body-swap comedy, Freakier Friday, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan return to their iconic roles from the 2003 film, Freaky Friday. However, the sequel has received a mixed bag of reviews from critics.
Freakier Friday has been praised for its earnestness, nostalgic appeal, and being a fun, heartfelt family movie. Critics have commended the performances of Curtis and Lohan, with their chemistry shining through on-screen[1][4][5]. The film has also been successful at the box office, with expectations of a 30 million dollar opening weekend[2].
However, some reviewers have criticised the film for its uneven pacing, over-aggressive and demographic-targeted comedy, and a story that did not quite land emotionally or progress smoothly[3]. The humour in Freakier Friday has been described as "in your face" and ageist, with some plot elements requiring viewers to overlook logical inconsistencies[3].
Clarisse Loughrey, film critic for The Independent, shared a negative review of Freakier Friday, awarding it two stars. Loughrey criticised the film for focusing on nostalgia and providing little to no entertainment for younger audiences, noting that it offers only two songs by Chappell Roan and some references to 'safe spaces' and 'gluten-free options' for younger audiences[6].
Loughrey's review was met with criticism from Jamie Lee Curtis, who responded that it seemed "a TAD HARSH" and that she personally enjoys the film[7]. Time magazine's review was similarly critical, deeming Freakier Friday a sequel with the "sole purpose of cashing in on the fondness people have for the original movie" and claiming that the film has "ugly costumes" and "humiliating scenarios"[8]. Time magazine also awarded the film a score of zero added value[9].
Despite these criticisms, Freakier Friday has received a score of 73% on Rotten Tomatoes[10]. The film is a sequel to the 2003 film, Freaky Friday, where Lindsay Lohan plays Anna Coleman and Jamie Lee Curtis plays her on-screen mom, Tess Coleman[11].
In summary, Freakier Friday has been met with a mix of flaws and strengths, receiving positive audience and box office reception alongside some critical reservations. The film's nostalgic appeal and the performances of Curtis and Lohan have been commended, while some reviewers have criticised the film for its uneven pacing, over-aggressive comedy, and focus on nostalgia over new content.
Movies-and-tv like "Freakier Friday" offer entertainment that appeals to family audiences, combining heartfelt moments with a humorous twist on the beloved body-swap comedy. However, some critics argue that the film's emphasis on nostalgia and ageist humor may not be as entertaining for younger viewers, potentially limiting its broader appeal within the entertainment industry.
