Freaky Friday (1977)
Synopsis:
Freaky Friday is a comedic tale about a mother and daughter who mysteriously swap bodies. Annabel Andrews, a typical teenager, finds herself in the body of her mother, Ellen, while Ellen is suddenly navigating life as a teenager. As they experience each other's daily routines, they face a series of humorous challenges. Annabel must manage her mother's responsibilities, including her job and household duties, while Ellen tackles high school life, complete with classes and social dynamics. The unexpected switch leads to a series of funny and chaotic situations as they try to figure out how to return to their own bodies. Throughout the day, they encounter various characters who add to the mix-up, making for an entertaining adventure.
Where To Watch: Freaky Friday
Parental Feedback
Freaky Friday, released in 1976, is a family comedy that appeals to kids with its lighthearted and humorous take on a mother-daughter body swap. The film is rated PG, making it suitable for younger audiences, and it generally receives positive feedback from parents who appreciate its comedic elements and the lessons it imparts about empathy and understanding. While some parents note minor concerns about dated references, the overall tone is fun and engaging, making it a beloved classic for family viewing.
Why Kids Should Watch Freaky Friday
The movie is praised for its entertaining and heartwarming portrayal of family dynamics.
- Promotes empathy and understanding between parents and children.
- The scene where the mother and daughter realize the challenges of each other's lives is particularly impactful.
- Kids enjoy the comedic situations and the visual humor of the body swap.
- Offers a positive message about appreciating family roles.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Freaky Friday
Some parents express concerns about the film's outdated cultural references and stereotypes.
- Themes of misunderstanding and conflict may be emotionally challenging for some children.
- Some scenes may depict behavior that seems disrespectful or rebellious without immediate consequences.
- Visual elements might be confusing for very young viewers due to the body swap concept.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers humor, family values, and lessons in empathy.
What Parents Should Know About Freaky Friday
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The characters learn to appreciate each other's roles, modeling empathy and understanding. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The initial conflict and body swap may require parental guidance to explain the concept of walking in someone else's shoes. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film shows characters facing the consequences of their actions, leading to personal growth and reconciliation. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The storyline emphasizes the importance of communication and teamwork within a family. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about understanding and valuing the perspectives of others, delivered through the characters' experiences. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Freaky Friday is celebrated for its humor and the valuable lessons it imparts about family and empathy. While some parents note the presence of outdated elements, these do not significantly detract from the film's overall appeal. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes and messages. For families seeking similar content, movies like "The Parent Trap" or "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" may also be enjoyable options.
Official Freaky Friday Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Freaky Friday
Freaky Friday's most common core values include Empathy, Appreciating family, and Conflict resolution. The movie showcases empathy as Annabel and Ellen experience each other's lives, leading them to understand and appreciate the challenges each faces. This newfound Understanding helps them appreciate their family more, as they realize the importance of each other's roles and responsibilities.
Conflict resolution is highlighted as they navigate the chaos of their swapped lives, learning to communicate and work together to solve their predicament. Through these experiences, kids learn the importance of stepping into someone else's shoes, valuing family connections, and resolving disagreements through understanding and cooperation.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Appreciating what you have | Building trust | Family love | Forgiveness | Growth mindset | Listening | Love | Making good choices | Patience | Respect | Responsibility. | Self-discovery | Self-expression | Standing up for others | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Freaky Friday
Importance of Family: In Freaky Friday, kids learn the significance of family as Annabel and Ellen navigate each other's lives. Through their body swap, they gain a deeper understanding of each other's daily challenges, which strengthens their bond and appreciation for one another.
Practicing Empathy: The movie teaches children about empathy as Annabel and Ellen experience life from each other's perspectives. This role reversal helps them understand and appreciate the struggles and responsibilities each faces, fostering a sense of compassion and understanding.
Letting Go of Control: Annabel and Ellen's journey highlights the importance of letting go of control. As they adapt to their new roles, they realize that trying to control everything isn't always possible or necessary, leading to personal growth and a more relaxed approach to life's challenges.
Learning to Listen: Kids see the value of listening in Freaky Friday as Annabel and Ellen learn to hear each other's concerns and perspectives. This newfound ability to listen helps them resolve conflicts and strengthens their relationship.
Choosing Forgiveness: The movie emphasizes the power of forgiveness as Annabel and Ellen work through their differences. By forgiving each other's mistakes and misunderstandings, they rebuild trust and deepen their connection.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Yourself | Appreciating the Little Things | Being Honest | Bridging Divides | Embracing Differences | Finding Courage | Supporting Personal Growth | Treasuring Time with Loved Ones | Valuing Deep Connection
Why Kids Love Freaky Friday
In Freaky Friday, kids are in for a wild ride as they dive into a world where a mother and daughter swap lives in the most unexpected way. The movie is filled with hilarious moments as Annabel, a teenager, suddenly has to juggle her mom's job and household duties, while Ellen, her mom, navigates the chaos of high school. The cool transformations and awkward situations they find themselves in are both funny and relatable, making kids laugh and cheer for the characters.
The movie is packed with scenes where family bonds are tested and strengthened, and kids will love watching Annabel and Ellen stand up for each other in the most surprising ways. As they learn to lead in their swapped roles, the adventure becomes even more exciting. With its mix of humor, family dynamics, and unexpected twists, Freaky Friday keeps kids entertained and eager to see what happens next.