Curtis defends Freakier Friday after harsh review

Jamie Lee Curtis defends Freakier Friday after a harsh Time review raises questions about the sequel's value.

Curtis Responds to Harsh Freakier Friday Review

Time magazine shared a portion of its review of Freakier Friday on Instagram, calling the sequel a cash grab with ugly costumes and zero added value. The piece notes the film adds a multigenerational twist and features Chad Michael Murray back in a role from the original era. The review sparked a broader debate about whether the project lives up to the 2003 film and whether sequels can ever capture the charm of the first release.

Jamie Lee Curtis responded with a light touch on social media, saying the critique seemed harsh and that some people love the film. The movie stars Curtis alongside Lindsay Lohan and has drawn strong audience interest, reflected in a 94 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an opening weekend box office above 30 million. Disney released Freakier Friday under the direction of Nisha Ganatra and has kept the conversation focused on nostalgia, reception, and the meaning of a sequel in a crowded market.

The clash between a star's defense and a sharp critic's verdict reveals how celebrity voices can shape a film's public life. Fans and casual viewers may tilt toward sentiment and nostalgia even when critics flag flaws, and that dynamic matters for a franchise's future. Online exchanges around Freakier Friday show how social media can turn reviews into a broader cultural moment rather than a simple box office tally.

This case also points to a wider trend: sequels built on family ties and shared memories are increasingly tested by the balance between fresh ideas and reverence for the original. Public reaction can impact how studios price, market, and plan follow-ups, making every new chapter a test of what audiences actually want versus what they remember.

Highlights

Nostalgia can keep a franchise alive even when critics disagree.