FREAKY

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FREAKY movie poster
School bullies are the least of Millie's (Kathryn Newton) problems when she comes face-to-face with serial killer The Butcher (Vince Vaughn). During the confrontation, the pair magically swap bodies thanks to an ancient dagger in the maniac's possession. Now in the psychopath's body, Millie discovers she only has 24 hours before the switch becomes permanent. After convincing her friends Nyla (Celeste O’Connor), Joshua (Misha Osherovich) and object of her love Booker (Uriah Shelton) of the dire situation, they set out to stop The Butcher and get her female form back before he piles up new victims at Blissfield High.

Chills and laughs collide in this fresh take on body-swapping. Although an uncomfortable mix at times, director/co-writer (along with Michael Kennedy) Christopher Landon largely succeeds at blending horror and humor. The son of actor Michael Landon, he honed his directorial skills most recently on "Happy Death Day" and "Happy Death Day 2U" and ups his game with this fast-paced thriller. An added boost comes from the two leads. Kathryn Newton ("Ben Is Back") handles the transition from scared teen to scary killer, in heavy makeup and red leather jacket, with ease. But it's Vince Vaughn who convincingly provides scares and chuckles. When he gets in touch with his feminine side, the film finds its best moments. The supporting cast of teen actors (mentioned above) are all horror film stereotypes. Adult players are scarce. Katie Finneran gets a few scenes as Millie's boozy mother, who's still mourning her late husband. Alan Ruck appears briefly as an abusive wood shop teacher. Let the squeamish beware: some graphic gore and violence will get the stomach churning. The opening sequence alone makes this "Freaky Friday the 13th". Composer Bear McCreary's atmospheric score adds shudders in all the right places. "Freaky" is an energetic turnaround on the slasher genre. (3.5/5 CAMS)

Rated R (for strong bloody horror violence, sexual content, and language throughout)
Running Time: 102 minutes

In theaters November 13, 2020.

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