Common Sense Media Review
Mother-daughter switch is fun comedic chaos.
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Freaky Friday
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 31 parent reviews
Parents say the movie features a fun body-swap premise that allows for humorous moments and important lessons about empathy and family connections, although it includes some content that may not align with all parenting values, such as mild swearing, romantic tension, and problematic stereotypes. While it is entertaining and accessible for older kids, many reviewers suggest caution regarding its suitability for younger audiences due to its themes and language, prompting varied opinions on appropriate age ratings.
- humor and fun
- family lessons
- inappropriate content
- age suitability
- stereotypes
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 62 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a hilarious and entertaining exploration of the mother-daughter relationship through a body swap premise, making it enjoyable for families, though some content may be inappropriate for younger viewers. While many find it funny and relatable, concerns are raised about certain mature themes and humor that might not resonate with all age groups, especially younger kids.
- funny moments
- family dynamics
- mixed age suitability
- humor might offend
- inappropriate themes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In FREAKY FRIDAY, based on the book by Mary Rodgers, Jamie Lee Curtis plays Tess, a compassionate therapist and a loving, if harried, mother of two children. Her husband died three years ago, and she's about to be married to the devoted, understanding Ryan (Mark Harmon). Her daughter Anna (Lindsay Lohan), like most 15-year-olds, thinks that she has both too much of her mother's attention (when it comes to telling her what to do) and not enough (when it comes to knowing what's important to her, which she thinks Tess should just be able to intuit, since Anna doesn't really want to tell her anything). When the two of them get into an argument at a Chinese restaurant, the owner's mother gives them magic fortune cookies. The next morning, they wake up as each other. While they figure out how to return to their own bodies, each has to spend the day living the other's life.
Is It Any Good?
The millennial edition of this often-remade story is fun to watch and brisk enough that its logical flaws barely get in the way. Freaky Friday manages to pack in enough heart to make up for its cringier moments, such as when Anna's crush (Chad Michael Murray) decides that he's hopelessly in love with Tess the night before her wedding. Or when Rosalind Chao, reportedly imitating her father, speaks in a broken Chinese accent as her mother (Lucille Soong) uses fortune cookies to initiate the body-swapping.
Despite these uncomfortable scenes, this rendition of Freaky Friday endures because of Curtis and Lohan. They're so clearly enjoying themselves, and that sells the movie. Every generation needs their version of Freaky Friday, and the early-aughts were lucky to get this one, even with its missteps. It remains a great way to start discussions between parents and teens about how they can better understand one another.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fairly common motif of switched identities in Freaky Friday. Have you seen the original 1976 version starring Jodie Foster as a kid? How do the two films compare?
Why is it hard for Tess and Anna to understand each other at the beginning of the movie? If the parents and children in your family switched places, what would be the biggest surprises?
How does Freaky Friday portray its Chinese characters? Do they feel realistic to you? Why, or why not? Why do you think the movie chose to have the body-swapping magic come from a Chinese restaurant? Have you noticed this cliché of portraying different cultures as "magical" in other movies?
How do Tess and Anna demonstrate self-control, gratitude, and empathy in Freaky Friday? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 8, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : December 16, 2003
- Cast : Jamie Lee Curtis , Lindsay Lohan , Mark Harmon
- Director : Mark Waters
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Gratitude , Self-control
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild thematic elements and some language
- Award : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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