 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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Freaky Friday (1976)
- Review Date: March 13, 2007
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1976
Common Sense Media says
Endearing '76 original may feel outdated to kids.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Annabel and her mom share mutual animosity at the beginning of the film, but grow to respect each other as they live a day in the other's life. There's some comic car chases and car crashes, but nothing scary or dangerous.
What's the story?
There's been a lot written lately about the supergirl dilemma -- that is, girls feel like they have to be all things to all people at all times. Not surprisingly, supergirls grow up to be super women -- and both are exhausted. In the original FREAKY FRIDAY, a super girl and a super mom switch bodies for one important day to see if things really are better on the other side. Annabel Andrews (played by a delightfully young and awkward Jodi Foster) is 13, a daddy's girl juggling field hockey finals, term papers, a crush on her neighbor, and her developing body, all while trying to stay out of her demanding mom's way. When both decide they'd rather have the sweet life the other enjoys, something funny happens: their wish is granted, to comical effect. Suddenly the water-phobic mom (played wonderfully by Barbara Harris) has to water ski. The organizationally challenged Annabel has to handle the curtain-hangers, the carpet cleaners, her dad's ironing, an alcoholic house cleaner, and her dad's growing demands.
Is it any good?
We all know what happens, and the movie's heartwarming message still resonates. However, that may be all that appeals to the modern tween and teen. Especially those who've seen the Lindsay Lohan version that boasts the star power and more special effects. Kids may be bored by the constant inner monologues and the old-fashioned tasks on Annabel's to-do list.
Still, the film is important not just because of the message, but also because it shows how much the image of the teen girl has changed over the past three decades. Foster plays a regular teen, jersey t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers included. But compared to the sexed-up image of Lohan in the recent remake, she looks positively childish. Best to aim this story at younger kids, who will appreciate it more and adore the old-school cartoon introduction.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how different this film adaptation of Mary Rodgers' book is from the 2003 remake starring Lindsay Lohan. How different are the two Annabels, both in terms of dress and what people expect of them? Do you think girls today are under more pressure to be sexy and grown up than they were in the 1970s?
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AGE
Freaky Friday
I LOVE this movie! I like it better then the newer one.( with Lindsay Lohan in it) But all of my sisters and brothers thinks that this IS kind of boring and that the newer old is the best. This older Freaky Friday is way cleaner then the newer one but both Freaky Friday have VERY good actors in it. If you (or your kids like the older Disney movies and like the Freaky Friday, then you must watch this!
Jodie Foster ROCKS! :D:D:D
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AGE
Classic Swith-Up is Fun but Dated
This enduring Disney classic is fun and comical, but with the way female roles have changed today make it a bit dated. The film is still sweet and enjoyable and always fun to watch on a nice sunny Saturday morning.
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AGE
i prefer this one!
I to prefer this one over the new version. cause this one is way funnier the clothes are cooler . this is a way better one than the 2003 one way better!
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, high school |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | Gary Nelson |
| Cast: | Barbara Harris, Jodie Foster, John Astin |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 95 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 13, 1976 |
| DVD release date: | June 1, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: | general audiences |
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