Wish Upon a Star (1996)

Directed by: Blair Treu

Starring: Katherine Heigl, Danielle Harris, Donnie Jeffcoat, Scott Wilkinson, Mary Parker Williams, Matt Barker and Lois Chiles

Genre: Teen, Family

Rated: PG

In this take on the Freaky Friday switcheroo, the story follows two sisters, Alexia and Hayley Wheaton, who couldn’t be more different. Alexia (Heigl) is beautiful, outgoing and popular, but a bit of an airhead. Hayley (Harris) is her nerdy socially awkward little sister who would do anything to live Alexia’s life. One night while studying for an astronomy exam, Hayley sees a shooting star and makes a wish. The next morning, the girls have switched bodies. What follows is both comical and dramatic as the girls learn what life is like in each other’s lives and the true bond of sisterhood.

I first saw this movie as a kid, when the Disney channel actually played movies worth watching. It was often paired back to back with either Susie Q or the Escape to Witch Mountain remake. I loved everything about this movie, but mostly Heigl’s wardrobe. However, I did become a fan of both Harris and Heigl because of this movie and have followed the work of both actresses ever since.

Now, I still adore the film. While the concept isn’t exactly original – it has been done to death in countless versions of Freaky Friday and multiple knock offs – the writing and performances really pulled the film together. The other actors fade into the background around our two leading ladies. Danielle Harris did an excellent job of switching from the shy, nerdy outcast to the snotty, nit-picky popular girl. Heigl’s performance is a bit less convincing, but she still does a great job with the material.

What I really liked about the film was how each sister was able to find herself through living the other sister’s life. Though there is definitely some conflict in the beginning, by the end of the ordeal the girls come out with a better understanding of each other and themselves. I feel the film pushes two solid messages that every teenage girl should learn – stand up for what you believe in and always be yourself.

Overall, a fun body-swapping flick with a few positive messages built in. I first saw this when I was about ten years old, and I love it just as much at age twenty-three as I did then.  

8/10