I get it—sequels are a tough pill to swallow. Especially when you’re messing with a classic DCOM like Freaky Friday. How do you even begin to recreate the magic I felt watching Pink Slip perform for the first time in my bedroom?
Well, two decades later… Freakier Friday actually pulled it off. And it’s pretty dang good. Read on—no big spoilers, we swear.
Jamie Lee Curtis returns as the chaotic, lovable heart of Freakier Friday, slipping back into Tess Coleman’s blazer (and, eventually, a teen’s Converse) like she never left. She’s absolutely unhinged in the best way, anchoring the sequel with warmth, wit, and that signature Curtis sparkle. She was behind nearly every laugh-out-loud moment from the film, and I would not have it any other way.
Lindsay Lohan, meanwhile, is stunning. Not only does she bring rocker teen Anna energy into adulthood with ease, but the film drops just enough nods to her 2000s filmography to make millennials scream. From Mean Girls to Parent Trap, the Easter eggs are a love letter to the Lohanaissance.
Meanwhile, Julia Butters is mesmerizing as Harper Coleman—she had me in tears at some of the emotional moments. Seriously, hug your mom tight, folks. Manny Jacinto is the hot new love interest (and does the title justice). Sophia Hammons plays the angsty new stepdaughter, bringing just the right amount of teen energy to the mix.
And last but definitely not least: Jake is back. That’s right—Chad Michael Murray returns, and my crush on him? Still very much alive. Honestly, bringing him back might’ve been the smartest decision they made. His scenes with Curtis are some of the film’s best—funny, heartfelt, and just the right amount of awkward nostalgia. How many times can I say nostalgia?
How Queer is Freakier Friday?
There’s a very prominent Pride flag in one scene—yes, it’s during a chaotic food fight—but the film itself isn’t explicitly queer. That said, it’s wildly entertaining, full of heart, and clearly made with love for the fans who grew up on the original.
The movie cleverly nods to the 2003 version—yes, there’s a new fortune, fresh teenage drama, and another swoon-worthy love interest—while bringing back familiar faces in fun and surprising ways. The generational twist adds a new layer of chaos, but it works because the film never tries to outdo the original. Instead, it celebrates it.
Ultimately, Freakier Friday leans into the absurdity, embraces the legacy, and serves up a deliciously weird, feel-good sequel. Catch it in theaters on August 8.
