Freakier Friday Review: Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan Reunite for Chaos, Cheesiness, and Comfort in a Theatrical Sequel That Works

Lohan and Curtis lead a new generation in Freakier Friday’s sweet but silly sequel.

“Freakier Friday,” the long-awaited sequel to Disney’s 2003 body-swap comedy, hits theaters August 8, 2025—and brings back Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan in a big way. Directed by Nisha Ganatra, this chaotic continuation reminds us just how much fun Curtis and Lohan can have when they’re allowed to fully embrace their comedic chaos.

The plot picks up years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan) endured their first identity-swap meltdown. Now, Anna is a mom with a soon-to-be stepdaughter, and lightning strikes again—literally and figuratively—as a new generation steps into the same freaky shoes. The result? Cheesy, energetic, heartwarming mayhem.

A Warm Hug of a Sequel—With Extra Glitter

If you grew up with the original “Freaky Friday,” this sequel is like catching up with old friends who’ve grown up just enough to cause new trouble. The film feels wrapped in Y2K nostalgia, mom jokes, and sparkly chaos that makes it oddly comforting.

Curtis and Lohan clearly haven’t missed a beat. Their chemistry is still electric, and both go all-in with performances that are goofy, heartfelt, and full of love for their characters. It’s also a joy to see Lohan thriving on screen—she glows in every scene, and it’s genuinely uplifting to see her back in the spotlight.

The Real Scene Stealers? Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons

As great as Curtis and Lohan are, it’s the younger cast members—Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons—who truly steal the show. Their comedic timing, emotional depth, and confidence bring fresh life to the franchise and often outshine even their legendary co-stars.

Add in a fun supporting cast including Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Chad Michael Murray (though not enough of him!), Rosalind Chao, Vanessa Bayer, and Mark Harmon, and you’ve got a film bursting with energy and familiar faces.

Theater Worthy or Streaming Fodder?

Despite what some might assume, this is not a made-for-Disney+ sequel. Yes, it’s a little messy, and yes, the pacing is uneven and the cheese is extra-thick at times—but the theatrical experience adds to its charm. It’s a big-screen comfort watch with a lot of heart. And honestly? It’s the kind of film we should be seeing in theaters—especially when it’s this fun.

Of course, it’ll feel right at home on Disney+ later on, too, and we’ll be glad to revisit it there. But its initial theatrical release is well-earned.

Verdict

I give “Freakier Friday” 3.5 out of 5 stars. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It doubles down on nostalgia, family-friendly chaos, and performances that show genuine joy. The story may be uneven and overly zany at times, but the core of the film—connection, family, and embracing change—shines through.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

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Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.

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