The long-awaited “freak-quel” to the 2003 classic is finally here, and Freakier Friday is ready to serve nostalgia, chaos, and multi-generational mayhem. Whether you grew up watching Anna (Lindsay Lohan) and Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) trying to survive their first switch or you’re part of a younger generation discovering this fun new sequel, we’re sure that this is your must-watch movie moment of the year. Here are seven reasons you need to watch Freakier Friday as soon as possible—and just one reason you shouldn’t:

#1. It’s double the chaos

It’s not just Tess and Anna switching bodies anymore. This time, the freaky fun goes multi-generational, and we get to meet Harper (Julia Butters) — Anna’s daughter and Tess’ granddaughter — and Lily (Sophia Hammons), Anna’s soon-to-be stepdaughter and Harper’s soon-to-be stepsister.

With two swaps happening at once, chaos erupts across various generations of one soon-to-be-blended family. It’s identity crises, generational clashes, and laugh-out-loud moments all packed into one exciting ride.

#2. It hits all the right clichés

While primarily a fantasy comedy, we loved seeing the romcom tropes all over the film, from dreamy meet-cutes to flirting fails. Some parts can be predictable, but each scene is so packed with both mayhem and nostalgia that we had a grand fun time anyway.

#3. It brings us back in time

It hit not only all the right tropes, but also everything that can make its original 2003 audience feel nostalgic. And first and foremost is Pink Slip’s comeback! Anna’s band from the original movie is here again, and there’s new music in the mix. We’re happy to see Anna back with her band, even if she took a step back from the stage already.

#4. It might be a subtle nod to another classic

Two sisters trying to end a marriage — sounds familiar, right? While watching the film, we felt a strong sense of déjà vu thanks to Freakier Friday’s similarities with the 1998 classic The Parent Trap (which also starred Lindsay Lohan). This time, it just got freakier with the body swaps, which made for more hilarious hijinks.

Plus, Elaine Hendrix (a.k.a. Meredith Blake from The Parent Trap) is officially in the mix as Blake Kale. It’s not exactly a crossover, but seeing her reunite on screen with Lindsay Lohan is a moment. It’s the kind of casting that hits every nostalgic nerve in the best way.

#5. It reignites an old flame

Yup, Chad Michael Murray returns for this freak-quel. As Jake, he stole our hearts in the 2000s, and now, he’s giving full-on zaddy energy. The wavy hair, the soft smile, the smoldering stare, and the heartthrob charm — they’re all still there. Will old sparks be flying with Anna again? Or is his storyline about to take a totally new turn?

#6. Lindsay and Jamie as teenagers are convincing AF

These two delivered the most hilarious hijinks in the first film, and now they’re topping it. We loved seeing them both as out-of-body teenagers, and it’s all just a fun, freaky time all around. Thank you, movie gods, for making this sequel happen and reuniting them again. More please!

#7. Manny Jacinto is the perfect rom-com male lead

Do we need to say more? The Acolyte star joins the cast as Eric Reyes, Anna’s fiancé. Wedding bells? Perhaps. Family freak-outs? You bet.

In addition to that, having an Asian (and Pinoy!) actor in a major Disney movie like this? Even that little “mano po” scene between his onscreen daughter and mom is so perfect. We’re seeing this as a huge win, and we’re all celebrating it. Hollywood, give Manny Jacinto more romcoms!

The one reason you shouldn’t: You’ll fall in love with Manny Jacinto >:(

We kind of want to keep him for ourselves. So if you watch and fall in love with Manny’s handsome face and charming personality, hahaba ang pila. Ang dami na nating kalaban.

But also, again, we want him in more romcom male lead roles, so feel free to ignore this point.

Verdict

Freakier Friday is a must-watch for family, friends, young, old, and just about anyone who wants to laugh out loud and maybe tear up a little bit at the heartfelt moments.

Most sequels of popular classics often fall short of fans’ expectations, but we say this one delivers — and even exceeds our expectations. It’s fun. It’s freaky. It’s full of kilig and feel-good moments. And you wouldn’t want to miss it.

Freakier Friday is now showing in Philippine cinemas.

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