Family Switch movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Family Switch

RATING: PG (The movie was originally PG-13 for suggestive material, but they edited it and made it a little more kid-appropriate.

LENGTH: 1 hour 41 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: C

IN A NUTSHELL:

Netflix offers a family-friendly comedy that also serves as a holiday-themed flick. The body-switching movie was directed by McG. Writing credits go to Chris Shafer, Victoria Strouse, Adam Sztykiel, and Paul Vicknair.

The story is about a family who has a chance encounter with an astrological reader who mysteriously causes them to wake up to a full-body switch. Their next day is filled with important events for each one which complicates and entertains.

THINGS I LIKED:

I adore Jennifer Garner and am always happy to see her in anything. I thought she was so fantastic in her fun TV series Alias (https://amzn.to/3uH2DyT ) Did you ever see that?
While the script isn’t incredible, the fantastic class makes up for it. Check out the fan favorites: Ed Helms, Matthias Schweighofer, Rita Moreno, Fortune Feimster, Howie Mandel, Paul Scheer. The new, young actors I hadn’t seen before are Emma Myers and Brady Noon.
There is plenty of heart as the family learns to appreciate what each other is going through in their life.
I love it when movies reference other movies. For example, Ed Helms’ character says he’s “13 Going on 30” which is an adorable body-swap movie that also stars Jennifer Garner.
The movie was originally going to be called “Family Leave.” It’s actually not a bad name, although the current name is perfectly descriptive.
You’ll get some Christmas cheer with some fun songs.
Keep watching during the final closing credits to watch some funny bloopers.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Wow, most of those high school students definitely didn’t look like high school kids!
The plot doesn’t exactly break any new ground in this genre, except maybe the fact that an entire family swaps places.
The situations are ridiculous with a lot of over-the-top acting moments.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Lots of farting
We see a dog urinate a lot
Close-up shot of a colonoscopy
Teen partying
Some profanity
Lots of bad behavior
Spitting
Adults & teens drink alcohol
Awkward kissing
School bullies

THEMES:

View things from the lens of one another
Family
Appreciating others
Multiverse
Supporting those you love with their dreams and talents
Celebrating and respecting everyone’s quirks

FUNNY LINES:

“No kid has ever just woken up BIG.” – Bill Walker (Ed Helms) I love this wink to one of my favorite body-switch films! (https://amzn.to/47Wyk5z )
“As a good mother, I hold space for all of my children’s mistakes.” – CC (Emma Myers)
“That’s how you know it’s cake!” – Wyatt (Brady Noon)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Your way works for you, and it doesn’t have to be my way to be a good way.” – CC (Emma Myers)
“It’s hard to accept your glory days are behind you.” – Wyatt (Brady Noon)