Freaky Friday (1976)

Freaky Friday (1976)

6/10

Starring

Jodie Foster

Barbara Harris

Directed by Gary Nelson

I enjoyed this Disney’s 1976 Freaky Friday, it is a movie you will enjoy for the acting. Both Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris gave outstanding performances.

Jodie Foster was just fourteen (watching her act now and the notable roles she has done, wow she really grew up on the silver screen) and in this movie her acting was way advanced beyond her years. The supporting casts in this movie just vanish to the background where these two were concerned.

In comparison to the 2003 remake, you can see a lot of differences. Making movies in the old days had one thing going for them, if some weird stuff happens no need to waste time giving it any form of explanation – you can’t try that now. In the remake they gave a bogus better reason for the soul swap, and there were times the two met. In this film, the two never met when they swap bodies, just tried to out do the other in living their lives.

The movie's screenplay was written by Mary Rodgers who based it on her 1972 book of the same name. The movie introduces us to the two ladies mother, Annabel (Harris) and daughter, Ellen (Foster). Both are having a tough time getting along. Ellen just wants to be free to live her life the way she wants without having to deal with her mother always on her case. Then there is the young brother who is all perfect in his ways which makes Ellen dislike him so much.

Annabel is not so fond of her daughter’s attitude either wanting her to be better behaved and be in more control of her life instead of just letting it take her for a ride in it.

On Friday the 13^th, both were complaining to anyone who will listen about the other. Both then wish aloud, "I wish I could switch places with her for just one day." Their wish comes true and they swap bodies.

Now the shock level of the mother and daughter at this point was not done well at all, I will give the shock level of the body swap places a 3/10. The writing at this point was weak, but it turns around when the two have to live the lives of the other.

How they both carried on the day and what led to them swapping back, is where all the fun of this movie is and I will not do you any justice by spoiling it.

The movie was both a critical and box office success, and it was nominated for at the Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress – Comedy or Musical (for both Foster and Harris). Fun movie to see and enjoy anytime.