“The Princess Switch”: A Christmas film fit for royalty

BY KAREN SUROS

It’s officially the holiday season, which means festive decorations, cheerful attitudes and, of course, Christmas movies. There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to take part in the grand old tradition of curling up with some hot chocolate to watch a joyful movie about the true meaning of Christmas. This year, Netflix’s “The Princess Switch” has proven to be the perfect choice for such an occasion.

Starring Vanessa Hudgens as both Stacy DeNovo, a baker from Chicago, and Margaret Delacourt, the Duchess of Montanaro, the film follows these two positively identical but, only possibly related women, who lead very different lives. Their stories cross paths when a Christmas cake baking competition brings Stacy and her longtime baking partner Kevin (Nick Sagar) to the imaginary kingdom of Belgravia, which just happens to be the home of Margaret’s fiance Prince Edward (Sam Palladio). Upon their meeting, the two decide to switch places for the next few days and that’s when the sparks fly.

Just as a quality holiday film should, “The Princess Switch” is sentimental and full of genuinely charming themes. 

The clearest takeaway from this romantic comedy is that, like most movies– but especially romantic comedies– it’s unrealistic and, at times, plain silly. Still, it is a pleasant watch– just enough to keep viewers entertained for the film’s hour and 40 minute duration without causing too much stress or emotional involvement.

Just as a quality holiday film should, “The Princess Switch” is sentimental and full of genuinely charming themes. Placing importance on truth, honor and love rather than the duty that means so much to royalty, this movie serves to show what really matters is trusting in one’s heart.

Reminiscent of Lindsay Lohan in The Parent Trap, Vanessa Hudgens plays both her roles wonderfully, although it can be argued that her English accent could use some work. In general, the acting is what you’d expect from the average romantic comedy. Nick Sagar as Kevin plays the role of the all-around good guy perfectly, complete with his adorable daughter, Olivia, played by Alexa Adeosun. Sam Palladio brings Prince Charming to life as Prince Edward.

“The Princess Switch” has its faults. For one thing, having one actress play two characters made editing a challenge. There are scenes where the mistake of forgetting to edit Hudgens’s face onto her body double was made, for instance.

As nice as the characters are, they’re fairly two-dimensional, and the plot is far too fast-paced to allow for any genuine development.

Additionally, it is difficult to make a unique Christmas-themed romantic comedy. It’s also hard to make one without coming off as corny. “The Princess Switch,” unfortunately, is not an exception.

As nice as the characters are, they’re fairly two-dimensional, and the plot is far too fast-paced to allow for any genuine development.

Nonetheless, “The Princess Switch” is not as bad as one might think– anyone having doubts about it should give it a try. There’s a good chance they’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easy and entertaining the viewing experience is.

All in all, viewers can certainly count on a happy ending– it wouldn’t be a true Christmas film without one. “The Princess Switch” won’t win any Oscars, but it will win the hearts of audiences, and isn’t that what Christmas is all about, anyway?

Photo curtesy of  Vanity Fair