FREAKY FRIDAY: A NEW MUSICAL – A DVD Review by John Strange
The story of a mother and daughter, at odds with each other, swapping bodies is one that has been done many times in books and films. This version of Freaky Friday, Disney's fourth version, has a new hook. It is a musical complete with all the song and dance you could ask for.
This version is based on the novel by Mary Rodgers, and Disney's stage adaptation of the novel. Mother, Katherine Blake (Heidi Blickenstaff, reprising her role in the stage play), and her daughter, Ellie (Cozi Zuehlsdorff), are at odds on the day before Katherine's wedding to Mike Harper (Alex Désert).
Katherine is a widow with two children, Ellie, a high school sophomore, and little brother Fletcher (Jason Maybaum). She is not only wedding Mike but she is doing the catering and event planning for the wedding to promote her business.
All of this is too much for a teenage daughter who does NOT want her mom to get remarried, regardless of who the groom is. Ellie wants to take part in The Hunt. It is THE event of the school year and just happens to be on the night prior to the wedding, on the night of the wedding rehearsal.
The magic happens when the mother and daughter clash while holding a magic hourglass. Once the swap happens, the usual comedic events ensue. The two ladies are forced to see life from the other's perspective. I liked the way the writers managed the flubs and missteps each of the two characters made as the day and night progressed The final scene of the film is a huge production number that I know you will enjoy.
The story is one that families can watch with their children of all ages. The humor is well written and the cast's voices are well matched for the duets that abound in the film. I have to admit that I have now seen all four versions of this story. This one is a refreshing upgrade on a story that would be very easy to mess up with lesser talent. I give Freaky Friday a BRAND NEW on our scale.
Directed By:
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Steve Carr
Cast:
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Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Heidi Blickenstaff, Jason Maybaum, Alex Désert, Ricky He, Kahyun Kim, Dara Renee, Isaiah Lehtinen, Jennifer Laporte, Sarah Willey, Rukiya Bernard, Joshua Pak, Lauren McGibbon, Dave Hurtubise, Gary Jones, Paula Burrows, Jag Arneja, Julius Fair, Tristan Lawrie, Gaalen Engen, Colby Wilson, Jocelyne Loewen, Georgia Klebe-Mcculloch, Pendo Muema, Kris Neufeld, Brody Romhanyi, Veronica Cormier, John Mee
Extras:
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Blooper Reels
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Deleted Scenes
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Audition Tapes for Cozi and Heidi
Specifications:
Runtime:
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90 Minutes
Studio:
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Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date:
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09/25/2018
Region:
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A/1 (U.S. and Canada only)
MPAA Rating:
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TV-G
Selig Rating:
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BRAND NEW
Selig Rating Scale:
BRAND NEW: Should add to your DVD collection at any cost
SALE ITEM: Worth owning, but try to catch it a sale
SECOND HAND: Plan to get it, but wait to buy it used
RENTAL: Worth taking a look at, but not owning
COASTER: Pick it up at a garage sale and use it for drinks
PULL!: Makes a great Trap Shooting target
