Film

Reviews Are In For The Chaotic Triplet Christmas Rom-Com ‘The Princes Switch: Switched Again’

The latest instalment in the Vanessa Hudgens Magical Christmas Movie Cinematic Universe is here.

by Merryana Salem  24 November 2020
The Princess Switch 2

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Reviews for The Princess Switch: Switched Again, the latest instalment in the VHMCMCU (Vanessa Hudgens Magical Christmas Movie Cinematic Universe), are here and the verdict is that its cozy, chaotic Christmas fun in which Vanessa Hudgens is charming and hilarious.

Dennis Harvey at Variety praises the film’s delicious Christmas aesthetic and unabashed kitsch, writing, “Bringing back the same director, writers and lead actors from Netflix’s original 2018 success, this pleasant sequel provides the updated “Prince and the Pauper” conceit a new wrinkle in giving star Vanessa Hudgens yet a third lookalike character to play.”

“It’s no trick of the eye, this outlandish tale manages to duplicate the success of its predecessor while winning us over with its regal charm and renewed Christmas spirit,” wrote Alicia Gilstorf at Tell Tale Tv.

My personal favourite is this New York Times review where Helen T. Verongos called the film, “A holiday game of musical thrones keeps Vanessa Hudgens whirling through costumes and accents.”

EVIL COUSIN VANESSA HUDGENS IS AN ICON

By far the biggest stand out of all the reviews go to praise for Hudgen’s portrayal of the third doppelganger, Fiona.

“With her terrible, terrible outfits (a sheer tuxedo shirt?? in this economy??), her pronunciation of “LOL” as if it’s a word, and her jazzy little theme that plays every time she enters or exits a scene, Fiona proves one thing beyond a doubt: Every Christmas movie needs a great villain with a walk-in closet dedicated exclusively to headwear.” – Emma Stefansky, The Thrillest

“The third look-alike is Lady Fiona Pembrooke (Vanessa Hudgens!), Margaret’s cousin, a penniless socialite who survives on stealing from richer folk and general vague grifts. She’s also, with her blonde wig, funky fascinators, and slightly cheeky comments, clearly the one Hudgens is having the most fun playing.” – Megan Sunday, The Spool

“As for the new additions to the cast, Hudgens is clearly having some fun as the newest lookalike Fiona, and she does make for a convincing, if somewhat still likable villain.”- Matthew Aguilar

IT’S CHRISTMAS COMFORT TIMES A MILLION

“We get a delightful decking-the-halls montage as our cast turns the royal palace into a breathtaking Christmas wonderland. Netflix outdid themselves with this production design.” – Brett White, Decider

But the film is perfectly summed up by Sarah El-Mahmoud in Cinema Blend’s review:

“This sequel is just about everything you’d expect. Breathtaking interiors of English castles lined with tinsel and warm lighting, winks of cozy romance and a set of ridiculous hijinks to watch unfold. Princess Switch 2 checks all the boxes in terms of atmospheric glee and heartfelt moments, but it goes for the safe and generic direction when possible. It’s entertaining enough, and truly saved by Vanessa Hudgens given room to play around with three personas.”

The Princess Switch 2: Switched Again is now streaming on Netflix!