Family films that actually appeal to the whole family are about as rare as Cuba Gooding Jr comedies where Cuba is actually funny.

Either the plot is pitched low to keep the anklebiters happy with slapstick overkill or the adult gags sail right over the heads of the kids.

The idea of a Disney remake of its own classic 1976 comedy Freaky Friday bridging the gap shouldn't really have you holding your breath.

But - lawks a-mercy - what we have is a more than passable modern take with Lee Curtis making the best of the most decent role she's had in an age.

She plays pre-occupied single mum and therapist Dr Tess Coleman while Parent Trap star Lohan is her rebellious 15-year-old daughter Anna.

Anna feels she's got a lot to be rebellious about: mum is about to re-marry and her little brother Harry (Ryan Malgarini) is a constant thorn in the side.

The constant bickering between mum and daughter comes to a head in a Chinese restaurant... where a mischievous old Chinese woman swaps their bodies over with some mystical fortune cookies.

"I'm like the crypt-keeper," howls a horrified Anna when she looks in the mirror and sees herself in her mother's body.

Tess doesn't fare much better when she finds her daughter has a pierced navel and a crush on the unsuitable motorbike-riding Jake (Michael Murray).

The original, which featured Barbara Harris and a young Jodie Foster, has been tweaked into a high-class comedy of modern manners.

A constant barrage of sparkly one-liners is complemented by performances by a cast that really looks like its enjoying itself.

There's also some winning supporting roles including Malgarini's boy brat who spits "Get a room" when he sees mum and her fiance Mark Harmon snogging in the kitchen.

It's all a bit of a pleasant surprise to sit through a movie that places a premium on sharp writing and spot-on performances.

Let's hope Freaky Friday isn't just that - a freak one-off.

Tim Evans