The story was written by Adam Sztykiel and Victoria Strouse, and directed by someone called McG. It’s based on the children’s book “Bedtime for Mommy” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
It’s been done many, many times before – including once by Garner. The parents are goofy, the teenage kids are self-absorbed. Through some mystery magic, they wake up to discover they have switched places. The son is in the father’s body, the daughter is in the mother’s etc. The hysterical cast is what makes it succeed.
Plenty going on
Jess (Jennifer Garner) is an architect preparing for a big presentation. Bill (Ed Helms) is a music teacher with a band on the side. CC (Emma Myers) has a shot at the Olympic soccer team. Wyatt (Brady Noon) is a genius prepping for a meeting with Yale. Days before Christmas, each member of the family has a monumental event forthcoming.
Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms are amazing comedic talents. Garner is the perfect fit as Jess, the uncool robotic mother who follows structure and rules to unhealthy levels. Likewise, Ed Helms can’t not be funny, and excels at standard Dad Jokes and physical antics like none other. Is there anything better than watching these two pretending to be kids?
The young actors hold their own.
Emma Myers and Brady Noon do a great job as the teen kids. The characters have their own personal issues, important to them, and the typical disconnect with their parents. The cast is complete with Rita Moreno playing the mystical character, and Matthias Schweighöfer as the hysterical dogsitter, Rolf.
“Family Switch” is a modern styled movie. It moves fast. There are lots of songs, and lots of exposition dumps. But we aren’t watching it for Masterpiece Theater quality. It works because the writers, director, and cast never take themselves, or the film, too seriously. “I’m 13 going on 30!” Ed Helms (as Wyatt) yells, poking fun at the Garner romcom. And there’s a great gag reel at the end.
The story takes place in Los Angeles. I’ve had issues with this facet before. It just doesn’t feel like Christmas with the palm trees and sandy setting. That may be my New York bias, but at least here it ties into the plot.
“Family Switch” is a fun movie. It’s a modern take on a more traditional topic, and it’s a good one to watch. Welcome to December.
“Family Switch” can be streamed on Netflix.
