Ever wondered why I referred to this tale as a modern twist on Freaky Friday? Let me unravel the mystery for you. Trading Places unfolds with our protagonists crossing paths at a vibrant New Year's gathering. Their personalities couldn't be more contrasting, yet as the adage goes, opposites attract, and so it was with our leads. They dive headfirst into nearly five consecutive New Year celebrations symbolizing their growing love and fondness for each other, reveling and cherishing each moment, until one fateful year, they don't. It becomes evident that while love still lingers, the spark of romance has dimmed.
Zenokuhle Mthembu, a cautious psychologist, harbors fears about marriage, while Mdu Skhosana, a passionate music producer, eagerly embraces the idea. Their friend Azize gifts them a statute she got from Nigeria. And with that, these two get into an argument regarding the silliest of the reasons- where to display it. One thing leads to another and their frustration for each other comes out. Then, like a twist of fate, they awaken one morning in each other's bodies—cue the nod to Freaky Friday. With no other option than to accept this confusion and chaos, they continue into each other's daily lives. Does this have to do something with the statute?
In this swapped existence, they gain profound insights into one another's lives. What better way to comprehend the other's struggles than by walking in their shoes? Through this unexpected journey, Mdu Skhosana comes to grasp Zenokuhle Mthembu's reservations about marriage. Yet, the burning question remains: can he persuade her to take the plunge into matrimony? Can this switch repair the damaged relationship? And above all, the burning question remains: will they ever revert to their original selves and reclaim their rightful bodies? Or has fate tricked them into being like this forever?
Trading Places doesn't offer anything groundbreaking. Its plot appears to borrow heavily from Freaky Friday and a few other films, rendering it rather predictable. There's a sense of déjà vu throughout, leaving little to anticipate. The cast performs adequately within their roles, yet from the opening scene, one can't help but question the significance of the excessive focus on those peculiar red heels that Zenokuhle Mthembu wears in the first scene. It's puzzling and detracts from the overall coherence. As the story unfolds, it fails to evolve beyond its comedic elements, resulting in a somewhat monotonous viewing experience. While it delivers on humor, it lacks depth or any surprising twists. By the time the credits roll, likely, you've already pieced together the entire conclusion. Trading Places offers fleeting amusement but ultimately falls short of leaving a lasting impression. The makers could have definitely done a much better job in making this movie.
Final Score- [4/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times