This Netflix original trilogy was one of the building blocks for the streaming service. They took on the mighty Hallmark Channel and their monopoly of cheesy holiday movies with a batch of their own. They proved worthy in the fight. Released in 2018, “The Princess Switch” was one of the originals.
Vanessa Hudgens stars and proves she’s a perfect lead for this type of film. This was her Christmas movie debut. One year later she would do “The Knight Before Christmas” followed by the watchable but not nearly as good “Switch” sequels.
Hudgens plays a dual role. Chicago baker Stephanie, and Euro royalty in Lady Margaret Delacourt, the Duchess of Montenaro. It’s a silly movie so don’t get hung up on the details. Stephanie travels to the fictitious country of Belgravia for a holiday baking competition. She meets the Duchess and, per the title, the two decide to swap places.
What I found amusing is Hudgens portrayal of the Duchess. Hudgens is an American. She’s portraying a phony accent. And the character with the fake accent is posing as an American. She does a unique job of pulling this off. You can forget it’s the same person. It’s believable for what it is.
Hudgens and Hudgens are joined by a supporting cast that each know how to keep the spotlight on the real star. We’ve got Sam Palladio as Edward Wyndham, Prince of Belgravia. Nick Sagar as Kevin, Stacy’s best friend. And Alexa Adeosun as Olivia, Kevin’s daughter. Mark Fleischmann, Suanne Braun Sara Stewart, Pavel Douglas. Names no one knows that round out the cast. “The Princess Switch” is one laugh out loud moment after another. It’s cheesy, warm, and thoroughly enjoyable.
It’s been seven months since Christmas. Boo. Christmas season will be upon us again in a mere four. Yay. It’s a sweltering summer day. If you fancy yourself a desciple of Christmas in July, that give this one a watch.
“The Princess Switch” is always available on Netflix.
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