Freakier Friday

Gus Keller
9 hours ago
1 min read

Freakier Friday is another mediocre legacy sequel. Its drama is wholly formulaic and, in turn, lacks true complexity or sincerity. Once the initial thrust of the premise subsides, its plot dissolves into aimless filler. Wanting to obscure that it's a derivative rehash, the script convolutes its high concept. There's blunt exposition, broad comedy, cliches, contrivances, glossy resolution, and an overstuffed ensemble. Though anchored by solid chemistry plus commitment (with multiple characters in each performance), its acting feels forced as well as farcical (undercutting vulnerability). Thus, Freakier Friday has most of the minimal story ingredients, but that's faint praise.

Technically, Freakier Friday offers uneven tones plus spotty style. Despite brief flourishes of angles, lighting, and focus, the cinematography is oftentimes flat. Likewise, its editing offsets flashy touches with a messy structure that loses momentum. Though primarily basic, the sound provides surprising subjectivity (through emphasis and muffling). Its soundtrack leans heavily on pop needle drops, some of which serve as nostalgia callbacks while others are plot-relevant originals. Lohan and Curtis are the casting centerpieces, yet there's Murray as well as diversity to boot. Its makeup and stunt effects are minor but suitable. In conclusion, Freakier Friday is generic.

Writing: 4/10

Direction: 4/10

Cinematography: 5/10

Acting: 7/10

Editing: 4/10

Sound: 6/10

Score/Soundtrack: 7/10

Production Design: 4/10

Casting: 7/10

Effects: 5/10

Overall Score: 5.3/10

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