Our favorite Disney mom and daughter have returned to the big screen! Following the hit movie Freaky Friday, released 22 years ago, Disney Studios premiered “Freakier Friday” in theaters on August 8. This sequel continues the story from the original film, directed by Mark Waters, and the novel written by Mary Rodgers.
To understand the new sequel, a little background on “Freaky Friday” is helpful. The original film introduces Anna and Tess Coleman, a mother and daughter with a strained relationship. Tess is planning to remarry, and Anna feels her mom is replacing her late father. During a meal at a Chinese restaurant, a magical fortune cookie and a subsequent earthquake cause their bodies to switch. They embark on a journey to find a way to return to their original bodies.
“Freakier Friday” begins as Anna Coleman, now 22 years older and a single mother, faces new challenges. She has found love again with Eric Davies and plans to marry him. However, Anna’s daughter, Harper, is opposed to the marriage, fearing a potential move to London. Conversely, Anna’s mother, Tess Coleman, welcomes the idea of her daughter remarrying. Eric’s daughter, Lily, is also enthusiastic about the move to London, their original home.
During Anna’s bachelorette party, Anna, Tess, Harper and Lily all receive readings from fortune teller Madame Jen. The next day, they wake up in a state of panic, realizing their bodies have switched. Unsure of what to do, the girls start to panic until Tess and Anna reveal that this scenario has happened before.
Similar to the original film, the characters work to switch back, and encounter various problems once again. Amidst the chaos, they start to lose hope, as Anna realizes her wedding is only a few days away.
Despite a slew of hardships, the girls find ways to overcome each challenge. While working to switch, the heart of the movie is revealed as the family builds stronger, more loving connections through recognizing each other’s struggles.
“Freakier Friday” successfully captures the essence of the original, introducing fresh ideas and new characters. Although the title might suggest a lighthearted children’s film, it skillfully weaves in deeper messages woven with joy and excitement. The film successfully held the Howl’s attention from beginning to end, surpassing expectations and ultimately achieving a strong 8.5/10 rating.
