On the morning of Friday, the 13th, both Anabel and her mother say that they would like to switch places. Suddenly, this happens. Anabel now sees she is her mother, and Ellen sees she is now Anabel.
Anabel expects that as her mother, she’ll be able to stay at home, watch television, and do whatever she wants. However, motherly duties soon are shown, and an easy load of laundry ends up being quite a challenge. On top of that, she must deal with every one of the needs of self-centered Mr. Andrews, played by John Astin, who as a husband isn’t quite as cool as a father.
When Anabel is having difficulty with the maid, played by Pasty Kelly, carpet cleaners and cooking, Ellen is finding a day in school to be more than she thought. Her friends find her reviews to be ridiculous, and whether she knows too little or too much, it’s difficult for her not to be outcast.
As her mother, Anabel wants to flirt with Boris Harris, played by Marc McClure, an allergic neighborhood boy she likes. Meanwhile, she’s got to pick up her annoying brother she calls “Apeface,” played by Sparky Marcus, from school and help with plans for the aquacade Mr. Andrews has made for a potential business client. She’d rather just have fun playing baseball in the park.
Once she gets her braces off, Ellen experiments with a new look for her daughter. However, this event Friday ends up having more serious challenges for Ellen, as she finds herself the team captain in an overwhelming field hockey game and the main attraction of Mr. Andrews’ water-skiing show.
Based on Mary Rodgers’ novel, which she adapted for the 1976 film, this laugh-filled comedy takes its naturally hilarious body-switching story and creates a lively and meaningful story, with a strong amount of live action Disney magic. Mother and daughter come to appreciate what the other does, having literally walked in the other’s life.
Part of what makes “Freaky Friday” work so well is the excellent performances from the two leads. Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster have a lot of fun with their roles, a characteristic where the actresses in the 2003 remake stayed true. They take material that might be simply funny on script and make it very funny. DVD Dizzy said in their review, “The film has a comic energy through both the mother and daughter segments, that matches the often-present and always upbeat '70s score.”
DVD Dizzy continued, “The original Freaky Friday lacks the heavy-handed message of the popular 2003 remake and delivers far more in the way of wit and charm. Like the original Parent Trap, it's a contemporary family comedy that transcends any intended audience and simply delights all. What's hip and current in the '70s may seem awfully dated now, but the heart of the film's story remains as true and wonderful as ever.”
“Freaky Friday” is a nice fun family comedy. DVD Dizzy noted, “The contemporary nature of the story makes it a true product of the 1970s, but the film remains every bit as entertaining nearly three decades later. While it doesn't approach the superb quality of the studio's double-disc treatments, Disney's DVD exhibits flawless picture and sound, plus the added bit of effort seen in a great interview with Jodie Foster, a fun little game, and some spirited menus.” The quality of the movie and the DVD presentation make “Freaky Friday” one of the easiest recommendations to make among Disney’s live action films.
I think this film is a nice comedy, and a good one. If you have seen the 2003 remake, since that I remember being advertised a lot when it was theatrically released, see the original. Even though it may not be as good as the original, it’s still a nice, enjoyable comedy that I think everyone will enjoy. I think this film had a sequel that I need to check out.
Look out tomorrow when I review a classic “hybrid” film in “Disney Month 2021.”
No comments:
Post a Comment