Freaky (movie 2020)...bodyswapping adventure for the new generation

     Freaky Friday is simply too good, too fun of a concept to let rest for too long.  Thus another remake.  Since this is a basic juxtaposition comedy, the wilder the contrast the more effective it is. And what’s wilder than swapping a grizzled giant of a serial killer with a shy teenage highschool girl.  That is the grand idea the writers had here and as far as that goes it works, mostly.
       Vince Vaughn and his middle age weight gain still got his fast talking charm that he utilizes to spice up his feminine game. Vaughn isn’t so masculine of an author than these girlish shenanigans aren’t a huge stretch for him (Dwayne Johnson would have been ideal, but he’d never stoop so low or so close to evil) , but at  well fed 6’5” he’s certainly giant enough to provide for some laughs.
     The laughs here are mostly of a cheap variety, but then again this is essentially a teen movie. The maturity of writing, the quality of gags, the overall plot sophistication is all of a distinctly YA variety.  It’s silly, but at least not dumb or not so dumb as to insult the viewers, because it’s also kinda cute and knows it. Just look at that poster.
    The girl Vaughn bodyswaps with is played by that kid from Pokemon. A generically pretty blonde who inexplicably is considered yucky by her schoolmates and picked on relentlessly until she inexplicably blossoms in her serial killer chic leather jacket stylized into sexiness by a ponytail and red lipstick applied with inexplicable skill by Vaughn’s personality. Thus honoring every teen movie cliché ever.  She’s also an absolute idiot, who turns down a ride to sit alone in the dark and wait for her mom, while knowing there’s a serial killer out there who has just murdered four teens. Epically, one might add. So, you know, more clichés.
     Vaughn’s serial killer is straight out gross, contrary to every single study of serial killers. Ungroomed, uncouth, sleeping rough among the murderous mementos and homeless junkies. Not a pretty scene for a teenage girl to wake up to.  Dressed in generic black and featuring a generic creepy mask, this is the least imaginative approach to serial killers ever. Because, of course, it isn’t about that, not really.
     And  so with only a day to swap back the stakes are high.  The girl in Vaughn’s body has to convince her straight (or gay) out general casting bffs, one black one gay, they know they are cute and mention it in a wild fit of self awareness so at least they get a joke out of it,  she is who she is and there’s also a dreamboat of a love interest who gets on board. Like really, all the way on board, with this bodyswap situation.  Oh the things they’ll do for cheap laughs.
     And then main thing it isn’t that funny. Not for an intelligent adult anyway.  This Trix is for kids and kid like mentalities. But then again if you just want to unwind with a silly over the top slasher, this’ll do the trick. Don’t expect much and you won’t be disappointed.