Tag: freaky friday

I’d like to be you for a day. “Freaky Friday” (1976)

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directed by Gary Nelson
© 1976 Buena Vista Distribution. All Rights Reserved.

Recently, I recommended you “Freaky Friday”, the one made in 2003. However, did you know that the first ever film adaptation of this novel (by Mary Rodgers) was actually made in 1976? And I’m sure you’d be even more surprised to learn that the girl in this version is played by young Jodie Foster. Yes, the same one who was later hanging out with a cannibal. You have no idea what life may bring you when you’re 14, right? Anyway, if you read my previous recommendation, you should know what this story is all about because the idea is the same. Ellen (Barbara Harris) and her daughter Annabel (Jodie Foster) switch bodies for a day and need to deal with each other’s reality. In this version Ellen has a husband and she’s a housewife, while Annabel is a bit younger than Anna in the newer adaptation and is more of a sport girl. Personally, I discovered this version some days ago and I loved it. I still prefer the one from 2003, yet in this one you may feel those 70s vibes. It was actually adorable to see what kind of problems a housewife and a teenager from the 70s may be having and how life looked like back then. Somehow that lack of modern technology made the story even funnier. Besides, this version is generally less dramatic than the 2003 one. Barbara Harris is absolutely hilarious in her role and I was honestly stunned by Jodie Foster’s maturity. She was only 14 back then and I seriously felt as if a grown up woman was stuck in that girl’s body. I think it’s one of those films you may watch on Sunday with your whole family and everyone will be entertained. The children might have a pleasant history lesson and you may just aww a lot remembering old times. Funny fact – when they switched their bodies, my first thought was “now you should call each other” (as they were in two different places) and then I realised they had no mobile phones. It’s fascinating how modern technology can affect our minds… I guess it’s time to watch more old productions.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Darling, could you like chill for a sec? “Freaky Friday” (2003)

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directed by Mark Waters
© 2003 Buena Vista Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

I’m aware of the fact it’s Monday today, but this film, despite having Friday in its title, is perfect for every evening of the week. I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen it because it’s one of my guilty pleasure productions and whenever I’m feeling blue, “Freaky Friday” is there to cheer me up. It’s about a mother-daughter relationship, which often gets quite emotional. Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) is a mother and a widow who’s soon about to marry Ryan (Mark Harmon), her new partner. The woman is a respected and highly qualified therapist and, even though she’s helped many people, it seems like she cannot really manage the relationship between her and Anna, her daughter. Anna (Lindsay Lohan) is a teenage rebel who spends way too much time in detention or in the garage playing music with her band. One day, they all go for a family dinner to a Chinese restaurant and the two ladies have an argument there. The owner’s mother decides to step in and gives Tess and Anna cookies with the same fortune. They don’t take it anyhow seriously until the next morning when they wake up… in different bodies. From now on Anna is trapped in Tess’ body and the other way round. And to make it even more complicated, this day Anna has an important audition with her band and Tess has her wedding rehearsal. They are both horribly panicked, but they need to learn how to cooperate and communicate not to screw everything up. First, I’m a huge fan of Jamie Lee Curtis, so seeing her acting like a rebellious high-schooler is just priceless. But let’s not forget about Lindsay Lohan who, in my opinion, shines bright in this role as well. I honestly believed both ladies that they are not themselves, which is difficult for actors to achieve, especially since it’s an abstract situation. Second, it’s a really good comedy, with jokes that don’t make you close your eyes and take a deep breath thinking “oh come on” – and that’s quite common for comedies, let’s face it. Third, I love how they managed to present the importance of quality communication between a parent and a child in such pleasant and non-dramatic way. I’m always seriously moved when the ladies finally compromise and have an honest conversation (don’t take it as a spoiler, we all know how such films end). And let’s not forget about Pink Slip, Anna’s band, and their absolute hit “Take Me Away” that they play during the audition. I mean, if you’re a millennial, there’s no way you don’t shake your head hearing it. So to sum up, if Monday is treating you badly, or if any day of the week treats you badly, remember that “Freaky Friday” is here to give you a big cinematographic hug. Besides, who wouldn’t like to see Chad Michael Murray belting out “Baby One More Time” completely out of tune? Don’t look at me, I’m totally in.

My rating: 8/10
S.