George Thomas reviews 'Freakier Friday' | Nostalgia, humor & Disney’s winning sequel formula

(EDITOR’S NOTE: View From The Pugh is a journalism project from Chris PughSubscribe to his daily newsletter and podcastfollow him on YouTube and sponsor his work)

Today’s post is sponsored by StreamYard.

Akron Beacon Journal film critic George Thomas dives into his review of Freakier Friday, Disney’s much-anticipated sequel to the 2003 hit remake starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. This time, the comedy magic gets cranked up with four hilarious and heartfelt body swaps, giving the audience both laugh-out-loud moments and unexpectedly emotional scenes.

Thomas praises Freakier Friday for balancing nostalgia with freshness — a feat not every sequel can pull off. The film uses the chemistry of its stars, along with witty writing, to tap into the same charm that made the 2003 version a fan favorite. Curtis and Lohan slip back into their roles effortlessly, reminding audiences why the original remake worked so well.

While Thomas stops short of calling it perfect, he awards the film a solid “B” rating, applauding its humor, heart, and strong performances. He points out that Disney’s knack for leveraging nostalgia in its sequels is paying off — not just in box office numbers, but in audience goodwill.

But Freakier Friday isn’t the only thing on Thomas’s radar. In this review and commentary, he also covers:

  • The resurgence of nostalgia-driven sequels — why studios are revisiting beloved franchises and how it’s working (or not) for audiences.

  • The return of animated favoritesKing of the Hill and South Park are back, with satire aimed squarely at today’s political and cultural landscape. Thomas explains how these shows remain relevant decades after their debut.

  • Two streaming recommendations worth your timeEyes of Wakanda, a Marvel-inspired series with a captivating story and rich visuals, and Alien Earth, a gripping sci-fi adventure with top-tier production values.

🎥 Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a hardcore pop culture fan, Thomas’s insights bring a thoughtful perspective to both film and television. His reviews don’t just tell you if something’s good — they break down why it works (or doesn’t) and how it fits into the larger entertainment landscape.

From Disney’s sequel strategy to the satirical bite of animated TV, this episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about where Hollywood is headed.

If you’ve seen Freakier Friday, drop your rating in the comments! And let us know: do you think nostalgia sequels are here to stay?

👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more reviews, industry commentary, and pop culture analysis from trusted voices like George Thomas.

#FreakierFriday #MovieReview #DisneySequel #JamieLeeCurtis #LindsayLohan #KingOfTheHill #SouthPark #EyesOfWakanda #AlienEarth #NostalgiaMovies #DisneyMovies #FilmCritic #AkronBeaconJournal #StreamingRecommendations #ComedyMovies #BodySwapMovies #PopCultureReview #MovieNews #SequelSuccess #NostalgiaSequel #EntertainmentNews

Comments