The Princess Switch: Switched Again movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Princess Switched Again

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour, 36 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

Every year in December, I get in the mood to snuggle under the covers in my bed, drink hot chocolate, and watch a super sugary Christmas movie. Last year, I stumbled upon The Princess Switch on Netflix. It was just what I wanted, the kind of sweet Hallmark-style movie that blends romance, beautiful things, beautiful people, and Christmas.

If you’re a Vanessa Hudgins fan, you’re going to be in heaven because this sequel to the princess story features her, not twice but as three very different characters who switch places because they all look so much alike. Directed by Mike Rohl, this saccharine chick-flick is filled with more beautiful things, places, and people.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Two gay men dance together
A married man tries to woo his wife into bed.
Some alcohol.
Someone gets kidnapped
Kissing

THEMES:

“Christmas is about giving.” – Lady/Queen Margaret
Dishonesty
Greed
Identity
True love
Friendship
Supporting one another, service to others
Communication in marriage

THINGS I LIKED:

Vanessa Hudgens does a great job playing three different characters. She changes her posture and voice and adds subtle nuances to make you believe you’re seeing three different people. She’s just lovely.
In case you can’t remember what happened in the first movie, which was adorable, the first part of this one gives you a quick overview in animation form.
It has all of the elegant, palace settings that you’d hope it would have. The set designs are gorgeous. Every little girl has fantasized about this type of regal life, right?
Speaking of gorgeous…there are lots of beautiful gowns and costumes. In a recent interview, Vanessa Hudgens revealed that this dress was her favorite to date:

Lots of Christmas decor and spirit.
Beautiful pastries.
The perky music by Alan Ari Lazar was fun and cheery.
The cast showcases some diversity.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Lots of cliched dialogue, characters, and shenanigans.
With all of the Christmas spirit, there is no talk of religion or what Christmas is really all about.
If you loved the story about Stacy De Novo and Prince Edward, you’ll be disappointed because the focus of the sequel is not on them this time. Not to worry though…there is another romance in the air.
The plot is very simple as long as you can keep the 3 young ladies straight!
There is a strange plot point that is completely unnecessary. In the first movie, the prince is in on the switch of the two girls. In this one, they intentionally leave him in the dark, which makes no sense.
There are two “henchmen” that feel more like slapstick cartoons than real people. It’s definitely an attempt at humor, but it often falls flat, at least for older viewers.