So, it's clearly time for another remake of the film. And, if
the Masked Reviewer was going to be placed into anyone's body, the
Masked Reviewer would certainly put Jamie Lee Curtis at the top of his
list! But, no such luck.
Playing the part of Jamie Lee Curtis's'ss's daughter is Lindsay Lohan,
who you might recognize from her role in The Parent Trap.
Now, keep in mind that this is a Dinsey film that's made for
children. The Masked Reviewer viewed the film in a theater full of
screaming kids that were pumped up on caffeine and Junior Mints.
Even so, Freaky Friday is a nice little movie. It's got a
few good laughs and some genuinely touching moments, and that's quite
high praise from a mean curmudgeon such as the Masked Reviewer.
The film's charms come largely through the excellent performances of
both Lindsay Lohman and Jamie Lee Curtis. They can each play adult
and kid equally convincingly. While the emphasis is certainly on
comedy, they do manage the compulsory mushy-gushy stuff equally well.
Most of the laughs come from the characters, though there's plenty of
slapstick and groaner jokes to keep even the most troglodytic ignoramus
amused.
The cast is nicely rounded out by excellent support from veteran
character actor Harold Gould (Kid Twist from The Sting) as
Grandpa. Also adding his comedic character acting talent is
Stephen Tobolowsky (insurance salesman Ned Ryerson from Groundhog Day).
Ryan Malgarini plays the younger brother, and for a little kid actor, he
does a fine job. Hopefully he won't wind up selling Freaky
Friday posters on eBay in ten years to buy crack. Lastly,
there's Mark Harmon. Mark Harmon plays the part like only Mark
Harmon can...which is exactly the same way Mark Harmon plays every part
that Mark Harmon plays. Screenwriters must sit around thinking
about a certain type of guy that's "very much like Mark Harmon" and when
they make the movie, they always get Mark Harmon for that part.
It's uncanny. He's the nice, attractive, sensitive guy, very cool,
but not too cool, occasionally somewhat funny but not too funny...almost
boring, but not quite. Mark Harmon has that market cornered, and
he was the perfect guy for this part, as it called for a very Mark
Harmon kind of actor.
Of course, the Masked Reviewer sometimes gets Mark Harmon and Harry
Hamlin mixed up. They're somewhat interchangeable, but in this
case, Mark Harmon was definitely the better casting decision.
All in all, Freaky Friday is a fine film. If you've got
to take a kid to see a movie, this is an excellent choice, because
adults will have no problem at all sitting through this one, and many
will enjoy it! While it doesn't have the intellectual content of
"grown-up" movies currently in theaters, like...um...well...maybe it
does. And, to tell the truth, it's unquestionably more fun than
Gigli. The Masked Reviewer believes it's a fine choice for the
whole family.
Don't forget the original at the video store, though. Barbara
Harris does her finest work in the original Freaky Friday.
There isn't anything to talk about in terms of special effects.
There aren't any stunts or any special cinematography. It won't
win anyone an Oscar(tm), but it is a great showcase for both Jamie Lee
Curtis and for Lindsay Lohan.
Expectation from the Title: When the Bearded Lady and
the Lobster Boy decide to open a kitschy bar/restaurant, hilarity
ensues.
Mother's Rule (Always Say Something Good About Everything):
It's about time we see a film where a daughter learns how difficult
mothers have it.
The Pros: Silly, fun, great job by Jamie Lee Curtis and
Lindsay Lohan.
The Cons: John Astin was in the original and isn't in this
one. Dialogue goes overboard a bit, but it's tolerable.
