It's the princess and the pauper at Christmastime. That's basically all there is to it. It's been done a million times before, but it was still fun. If you can get past Vanessa Hudgens' attempt at a British accent, you can enjoy this movie for what it is.
188 Reviews
So cheesy it's actually okay
fiekedk17 November 2018
I can't even remember how many times I eyerolled throughout this movie. But I can also not lie that I still quite enjoyed it.
I've seen a lot of cheesy Christmas movies, but this one was by far the most predictable. Every single thing went exactly as I expected it to go. But oh well, sometimes movies don't have to have some kind of deep message. Movies exist to enjoy people anyways, and that's what this movie does for probably a lot of teen girls.
I would only recommend this movie to girls aged 12-16 maybe. For the rest of the world it's just too much and a waste of time (unless you don't know what to watch on Netflix and go watch some cheesy movies like I did).
I've seen a lot of cheesy Christmas movies, but this one was by far the most predictable. Every single thing went exactly as I expected it to go. But oh well, sometimes movies don't have to have some kind of deep message. Movies exist to enjoy people anyways, and that's what this movie does for probably a lot of teen girls.
I would only recommend this movie to girls aged 12-16 maybe. For the rest of the world it's just too much and a waste of time (unless you don't know what to watch on Netflix and go watch some cheesy movies like I did).
Cheesy but cute
jarig18 November 2018
Feel good movie
cecedaphne18 November 2018
If you want to just sit down, relax and watch a cute, fun and happy movie like I did after 10 hours of work, it's a good movie. I like Vanessa Hudgens and she was great in this role. Of course, when it comes to these type of movies it's a bit cringe and the acting isn't the best to hope for, but like I said, it's a good movie if you just want to pass the time and make it worth your while.
Vanessa Hudgens makes this just worthwhile
phd_travel25 February 2019
It's just so fun watching multi talented Vanessa Hudgens act in the dual roles of baker and royal fiancée. There are some not so great moments and parts that could be better but who cares. Her exaggerated English accent is part of the charm. The trading places formula usually works. And her charm helps gloss over the more painful moments.
Sam Palladio of Nashville shows his native English accent for a change.
Some parts are lame but it's still ok.
Sam Palladio of Nashville shows his native English accent for a change.
Some parts are lame but it's still ok.
Predictable and amateurish, yet captivating and fun!
baileyaudreyl17 November 2018
An enjoyable and heartwarming holiday movie full of fluff and glitter.
Sure the accent slips, and the costumes are clearly from your average department store, the plot is obvious and the whole thing is so saccharine that it's hard not to cringe. All that withstanding; it was fun, there were new takes on old tropes, the actors had chemistry and the bright and cheery everything made the movie fairly glow. Not my new favorite rom-com, but I'd watch it again.
Cute enough for what it is, but still a clumsy story
ryshea18 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This movie knows very much what it is: a cliche, Hallmark-style Prince and the Pauper-inspired fairy tale, and it does a decent enough job at creating cute and heartwarming moments (or eye-rolling ones, your mileage may vary). Hudgens has good chemistry with both male leads, and the acting can be weak but it's mostly because the dialogue they have to work with is incredibly cheesy. All that's expected from a movie like this, though.
What stops me from rating it higher are the truly clumsy story elements. Cheesy's fine for something like this, and my disbelief was firmly suspended from the second I hit play, but on a basic plot level, there are a lot of elements that don't really go anywhere or just didn't work. For example, the rival baker could be removed completely without affecting the plot one bit. There's a point toward the end where she sneaks in and sabotages the lead's baking equipment. There's an entire scene devoted to it, and you're led to believe it'll probably lead to, well, anything. But instead of slowing the characters down or creating a hero moment for anyone, the lead notices the cut wire mid-competition, her partner says "it's ok, just do it by hand," and then she does, and they win. It added nothing.
The other major problem is that Hudgens' characters are framed as being incredibly different people -- one of them is spontaneous, the other always sticks to the plan, one is forthright and outspoken, the other shies away from the spotlight -- but in practice they're completely... well, interchangeable. One of them goes off brief and gets in a spontaneous snowball fight that ends with her tangled up on the ground with her love interest. The other goes off brief and plays a spontaneous game of Twister that ends with her tangled up on the floor with her love interest. The duchess sneaks out of the castle to bond with the common people. The baker drags the prince off to bond with the common orphans. Everyone acts like "the duchess" is behaving strangely by being spontaneous and informal ("has she always been so different?"), but the duchess is *supposed* to be spontaneous and informal. It's the baker who's supposed to stick to the plan, but that's something she's never shown doing. There needed to be a much bigger difference in the characters' personalities, because there really wasn't anything to distinguish them beyond an accent.
I also would've liked the wish-granter's story to resolve in any kind of way, even if the Vanessas just locked eyes with him at the end and had a realization moment. Maybe that's a less major issue, but it felt very unfinished to have him grant their wishes, keep appearing to help them out along the way, and for them to never have a spark of realization or gratitude for what happened.
And probably the weirdest moment in this film was the very pointed in-movie ad for another Netflix Christmas movie.
Overall if you're just looking to turn off your brain and have fluffy Christmas feels for a while... there are probably better movies to go to, honestly. But this wasn't terrible, and at times verged on cute. If you're a fan of other movies in this genre, you'll probably like this one too.
What stops me from rating it higher are the truly clumsy story elements. Cheesy's fine for something like this, and my disbelief was firmly suspended from the second I hit play, but on a basic plot level, there are a lot of elements that don't really go anywhere or just didn't work. For example, the rival baker could be removed completely without affecting the plot one bit. There's a point toward the end where she sneaks in and sabotages the lead's baking equipment. There's an entire scene devoted to it, and you're led to believe it'll probably lead to, well, anything. But instead of slowing the characters down or creating a hero moment for anyone, the lead notices the cut wire mid-competition, her partner says "it's ok, just do it by hand," and then she does, and they win. It added nothing.
The other major problem is that Hudgens' characters are framed as being incredibly different people -- one of them is spontaneous, the other always sticks to the plan, one is forthright and outspoken, the other shies away from the spotlight -- but in practice they're completely... well, interchangeable. One of them goes off brief and gets in a spontaneous snowball fight that ends with her tangled up on the ground with her love interest. The other goes off brief and plays a spontaneous game of Twister that ends with her tangled up on the floor with her love interest. The duchess sneaks out of the castle to bond with the common people. The baker drags the prince off to bond with the common orphans. Everyone acts like "the duchess" is behaving strangely by being spontaneous and informal ("has she always been so different?"), but the duchess is *supposed* to be spontaneous and informal. It's the baker who's supposed to stick to the plan, but that's something she's never shown doing. There needed to be a much bigger difference in the characters' personalities, because there really wasn't anything to distinguish them beyond an accent.
I also would've liked the wish-granter's story to resolve in any kind of way, even if the Vanessas just locked eyes with him at the end and had a realization moment. Maybe that's a less major issue, but it felt very unfinished to have him grant their wishes, keep appearing to help them out along the way, and for them to never have a spark of realization or gratitude for what happened.
And probably the weirdest moment in this film was the very pointed in-movie ad for another Netflix Christmas movie.
Overall if you're just looking to turn off your brain and have fluffy Christmas feels for a while... there are probably better movies to go to, honestly. But this wasn't terrible, and at times verged on cute. If you're a fan of other movies in this genre, you'll probably like this one too.
Loved it
Louloulemon17 November 2018
Predictable
bheibi_shin22 November 2019
Generic princess and the pauper movie
hjalsayegh16 November 2018
A movie that belongs on the hallmark channel. As generic as can be without anything that'll offend.
The princess here is actually a Duchess and the pauper is a baker and they run into each other on Christmas while the later is preparing for a baking competition.
I feel like I read a studio exec. checklist just now... Well the rest of the movie actually goes like a checklist too. Girls meet, switch places, go through the motions of the Prince and the Pauper but with a princess diary peppered in as well as a Christmas miracle for good measures and true love because why not. Everyone is happy all the time and you can just play this in the background and miss nothing.
It's a piece of fluff so if that's your thing go ahead, just keep in mind that the first 15 minutes is a painfully awkward exposition that was both badly written and poorly acted. Get past that and you get to... every hallmark movie ever.
The princess here is actually a Duchess and the pauper is a baker and they run into each other on Christmas while the later is preparing for a baking competition.
I feel like I read a studio exec. checklist just now... Well the rest of the movie actually goes like a checklist too. Girls meet, switch places, go through the motions of the Prince and the Pauper but with a princess diary peppered in as well as a Christmas miracle for good measures and true love because why not. Everyone is happy all the time and you can just play this in the background and miss nothing.
It's a piece of fluff so if that's your thing go ahead, just keep in mind that the first 15 minutes is a painfully awkward exposition that was both badly written and poorly acted. Get past that and you get to... every hallmark movie ever.
Cute and super enjoyable
pretty_inpink-1644421 November 2018
This movie is supposed to be cheesy! That's party of what makes it great. It was a great movie to sit down and watch with my daughter and give us the feel goods! If you know to expect a cheesy feel good movie, you will enjoy this. If for some reason, you think you are going to be watching an Oscar worthy movie, you will be disappointed.
Set your expectations correctly for the movie you are watching and you will enjoy it!
Cute e clichê...
RosanaBotafogo9 January 2021
Harmless
pmtelefon1 December 2018
Harmless is a fair way to describe "The Princess Switch". It tells it's "Parent Trap" type story at a pretty good pace. Very little down time. Vanessa Hudgens is an appealing actress. The rest of the cast is fine as well but this is Hudgens' movie. She carries it well. My two daughters (20 and 16) liked it. My wife (age classified) also enjoyed it. It was okay. I'm sure I'll get stuck watching a couple of more times. That's fine.
Very cheesy movie I can't
ghadar-8825517 November 2018
Cheesy and stupid Christmas fun
mbhgkmsgg22 November 2020
I have no idea why, but I really enjoyed this more than I'd like to admit. The Princess Switch is, to no ones surprise, extremely cheesy and bad. But it's cheesy and bad in just the right way.
These are the types of movies that I'm usually really indifferent about. There's nothing wrong with them, nor is there anything to write home about. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, I found this one to be really charming. It made me laugh at things that I would usually roll my eyes at and more than kept me entertained for its entire runtime.
Sure, it's extremely predictable and offers nothing new to the genre, but so what. If a movie entertains you and makes you have fun for a couple of hours, then it's doing what it set out to do. And sure, Hudgens' Downtown Abbey accent is awful and sure, it's unapologetically stupid, but so what. If a movie manages to make you smile, then it has to be doing something right. And the The Princess Switch certainly made me smile.
There's really very little to say about a movie like this. I feel like a lot of people are really going to hate it and others are going to enjoy it. It's bad, but it's bad in just the right way. It's a Christmas rom-com, and it was both Christmasy and funny, what more can I really ask for.
These are the types of movies that I'm usually really indifferent about. There's nothing wrong with them, nor is there anything to write home about. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, I found this one to be really charming. It made me laugh at things that I would usually roll my eyes at and more than kept me entertained for its entire runtime.
Sure, it's extremely predictable and offers nothing new to the genre, but so what. If a movie entertains you and makes you have fun for a couple of hours, then it's doing what it set out to do. And sure, Hudgens' Downtown Abbey accent is awful and sure, it's unapologetically stupid, but so what. If a movie manages to make you smile, then it has to be doing something right. And the The Princess Switch certainly made me smile.
There's really very little to say about a movie like this. I feel like a lot of people are really going to hate it and others are going to enjoy it. It's bad, but it's bad in just the right way. It's a Christmas rom-com, and it was both Christmasy and funny, what more can I really ask for.
Predictable but a good family movie
CarmenSandiegoIII24 November 2018
It wasnt the best movie...it was very predictable (movie writers and studios should start getting fresh content, or look for a fresh spin on old ideas), but compared to some of the other boring christmas movies out there it wasnt that bad. It's definitely a good movie to watch with the family/kids.
Just exactly what it promised
nancyldraper24 December 2018
Mark Twain did it, Shakespeare did it over and over again, now Netflix takes it over. An impossible premise. An improbable ending. But that is all known to audience before it begins, so, based on those expectations an audience gets exactly what was promised. Vanessa Hudgens is adorable. I always look forward to Sam Palladio. A good supporting cast. A lazy 1 hour and 41 minute watch on a snowy afternoon. I give it a 7 (sappy but lovable) out of 10. {Fantasy Romance}
Messy and Mediocre
Neon_Gold18 November 2020
I'll say straight off I actually dozed off at the hour mark and had to finish it when I woke back up so that probably tells you about the movie.
It is just the same story that has been told over and over again apart from it is full of uncomfortable moments caused by the swapping. It just fell flat for me.
This movie is also a huge mess. The use of stock footage is a disaster. The plane the set of on from Chicago is a every day plane but then when it arrived it was like a wooden plane?? It was just like "oh well it was cheap footage never mind". It wasn't even just that there was so much that I was like what?.
The whole movie just felt cheap. The parts where both Vanessa's were in the same shot were a disaster. The stand in was out of sync and looked different. I don't understand why you wouldn't put more effort in.
The acting and writing were also pretty poor but I get it, this type of movie isn't going for that. And like I get that they are cheap and stuff but this was just such a mess and felt really like the director was not invested in it at all
It is just the same story that has been told over and over again apart from it is full of uncomfortable moments caused by the swapping. It just fell flat for me.
This movie is also a huge mess. The use of stock footage is a disaster. The plane the set of on from Chicago is a every day plane but then when it arrived it was like a wooden plane?? It was just like "oh well it was cheap footage never mind". It wasn't even just that there was so much that I was like what?.
The whole movie just felt cheap. The parts where both Vanessa's were in the same shot were a disaster. The stand in was out of sync and looked different. I don't understand why you wouldn't put more effort in.
The acting and writing were also pretty poor but I get it, this type of movie isn't going for that. And like I get that they are cheap and stuff but this was just such a mess and felt really like the director was not invested in it at all
Hallmark moment movie
butter_scotch8616 November 2018
A movie of normal standard theme & Christmas vibe
Dangerouscritic7 December 2018
Movie type:Entertaining with a bit magical essence.
The movie is considered to shot well with high standards. The theme was quite predictable and brings in a bit of fantasy, which in turn adds a flavour for the movie. The movie also depicts the beauty of Romania covered in snow flakes. This movie also portrait impeccable taste of royalty.This movie also brings out the difference in language and the attitude of British & American people, which adds humours. Surely brings out the beauty, purity, love, belief in Christmas. The movie according to me reveals to be a romatic drama, surely for both youth as well as for family,Christmas movie to get entertained.
Merry Christmas to all!
really cool movie
johanhambring4 December 2018
It was not predictable from second 1. i loved the switcharoo of the charcters and it was not confusing at all. i loved how the lip sync wasnt quite correct. all loved the use of green screen in like half of the scenes. i loved when i child actor really gets a lot of space if in a movie and how she really explains the plot in everything i say. makes it easier to me to understand this very simple film. i love how they pictures englishmen as stale douchbags and americans as the happiest persons on this planet. i love all the creative namnes of the places they visit. i really want to become a princess myself. thank you.
Awww, it's a lovely story for Christmas movie
gabyoceo23 November 2018
I loved it! It's really lovely to watch. Don't expect it to be a deep movie, but to me is entertaining, is enjoyable.
I really don't care about clichés in it, or well, its predictible story, because still is a well done movie.
The thing I like about this movie was the happiness, and that's why is a great Christmas movie to watch with your love ones.
Be happy!
The thing I like about this movie was the happiness, and that's why is a great Christmas movie to watch with your love ones.
Be happy!
Predictable, yet fun
sophiamendes0018 November 2018
Netflix does Lifetime!
khunkrumark18 November 2018
Dreadfully cheesy cheesiness!
The acting is just awful and the English accent should be made illegal. No budget for a voice coach! The rest of the movie stinks, too. The script is dire. The loathesome, toothy characters all need a good slap to wipe away the relentless grinning. The story is as old as time itself and of all the 100,000 versions already made, this is easily the very worst.
If there is someone in your life this Christmas that you really hate, recommend this to them. They'll never bother you again!
The acting is just awful and the English accent should be made illegal. No budget for a voice coach! The rest of the movie stinks, too. The script is dire. The loathesome, toothy characters all need a good slap to wipe away the relentless grinning. The story is as old as time itself and of all the 100,000 versions already made, this is easily the very worst.
If there is someone in your life this Christmas that you really hate, recommend this to them. They'll never bother you again!
Romantic And Cheerful Vibes
vivianla1 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The opening song is so cheery. I love it.
Stacy De Novo is a baker in Chicago. She has her own shop and speaks so kindly to a customer. She works with her friend Kevin who has a daughter. The shop and all the holiday cheer is so pretty.
Kevin has submitted Stacy for a baking competition in another country. Stacy runs into her ex, Paul, and his new gf. She decides on the spot after hearing their big plans she will do the competition.
They enjoy the country and go to set up at the place. Stacy's former classmate from post-secondary is there and Stacy says she knew a lot of the faculty. The reason is something about their balls lol. This classmate spills something red on Stacy's apron and Stacy goes off-stage to clean up. She runs into the future Princess of Montenegro. They gawk at each other, astonish at how similar they look. The princess brings her back to her room and introduces Stacy to her trusty assistant, Ms. Donnatelli.
The princess asks if they could switch places for two days. They switch belongings and teach each other behaviours to act out.
The princess attempts to make breakfast at their cute little place they are staying but burns the food. The daughter realizes it is not Stacy and suggests they go out to eat where through a phone call they all confirm together the true identities. The princess talks on the phone with Stacy one evening when Kevin comes in asking for toothpaste, shirtless. The princess finds it hot and asks Stacy if she ever saw Kevin shirtless.
Edward, the prince, has decided to stay back and spend time with his future wife instead of going travelling for the country's affairs. He is so cute - he sees Stacy in her pink nightwear and looks away, asking if it is the right time. They go horseback riding and Stacy's outfit is cute - white jeans, boots, super cute. Stacy and Edward slowly fall in love with each other and at the charity ball, Stacy comes out with Donnatelli in a red strapless dress. They hear giggling and realize they are standing under the mistletoe so Stacy moves in to kiss him but he turns so she kisses his cheek. Stacy wears a little red scarf, French hat to go visit the parentless children.
Stacy reads to the children who are so lovely. One kid asks if she is in love with the prince. They are standing under the mistletoe as pointed out by a child and kiss on the lips. Stacy notices their tree has no presents so she suggests they go get some.
The four of them go to the toy emporium and fill up their cart with tons of toys. It is cute to see Stacy and Edward having fun together and playing Twister.
Edward announces after they give the gifts that the princess and him will visit every month to get to know all of them. Christmas is not just about the gesture.
Edward gives Stacy his grandmother's necklace that has been in his family for three hundred years. Stacy tearfully kisses him on the lips and says his duchess will see him tomorrow.
After tucking the daughter in her beautiful bedroom with a cute cabinet thing, the royal highness and Kevin watch Stacy's favourite movie and they cry. Kevin tells her he gave her a present and it is in her stocking. She gets up to go get it and it is a locket. Kevin confesses his new feelings for her and they kiss on the lips. The princess pulls away asking if they can forget anything happened and leaves. She kisses him on the cheek before she leaves.
The two women meet back at the princess's room. They admit their feelings for the other's man. The annoying man takes photos of the two of them together. He gives them to the queen who insisted he give them to her first instead of the king.
At the dining table, the queen asks Edward and the princess to go in her place to the baking competition. She gives a look to her husband. The princess is startled and excuses herself.
Edward finds her on a bench and she tells him she has a lot to tell him - the switch.
Edward and the princess go to the competition but she wears sunglasses. Despite their mixer's cord being cut off because the rival did so, Stacy and Kevin wins with their festive holiday cake. The beautiful blonde judge in the red dress tries their cake. She is so pretty - her facial expressions and her gracefulness...even the way she sits. The rivals did a snowball cake. The princess puts the medal on each winner and last is Stacy and Kevin. She takes off her sunglasses. They all go off stage.
There, explanations are told. Back out on the stage, Edward gets down on one knee and proposes to Stacy in front of everyone including her rival. He asks Stacy to marry him one year from now.
We see Edward and Stacy's wedding. The princess catches the bouquet and looks at Kevin smiling.
Ending music is beautiful and cheery.
Stacy De Novo is a baker in Chicago. She has her own shop and speaks so kindly to a customer. She works with her friend Kevin who has a daughter. The shop and all the holiday cheer is so pretty.
Kevin has submitted Stacy for a baking competition in another country. Stacy runs into her ex, Paul, and his new gf. She decides on the spot after hearing their big plans she will do the competition.
They enjoy the country and go to set up at the place. Stacy's former classmate from post-secondary is there and Stacy says she knew a lot of the faculty. The reason is something about their balls lol. This classmate spills something red on Stacy's apron and Stacy goes off-stage to clean up. She runs into the future Princess of Montenegro. They gawk at each other, astonish at how similar they look. The princess brings her back to her room and introduces Stacy to her trusty assistant, Ms. Donnatelli.
The princess asks if they could switch places for two days. They switch belongings and teach each other behaviours to act out.
The princess attempts to make breakfast at their cute little place they are staying but burns the food. The daughter realizes it is not Stacy and suggests they go out to eat where through a phone call they all confirm together the true identities. The princess talks on the phone with Stacy one evening when Kevin comes in asking for toothpaste, shirtless. The princess finds it hot and asks Stacy if she ever saw Kevin shirtless.
Edward, the prince, has decided to stay back and spend time with his future wife instead of going travelling for the country's affairs. He is so cute - he sees Stacy in her pink nightwear and looks away, asking if it is the right time. They go horseback riding and Stacy's outfit is cute - white jeans, boots, super cute. Stacy and Edward slowly fall in love with each other and at the charity ball, Stacy comes out with Donnatelli in a red strapless dress. They hear giggling and realize they are standing under the mistletoe so Stacy moves in to kiss him but he turns so she kisses his cheek. Stacy wears a little red scarf, French hat to go visit the parentless children.
Stacy reads to the children who are so lovely. One kid asks if she is in love with the prince. They are standing under the mistletoe as pointed out by a child and kiss on the lips. Stacy notices their tree has no presents so she suggests they go get some.
The four of them go to the toy emporium and fill up their cart with tons of toys. It is cute to see Stacy and Edward having fun together and playing Twister.
Edward announces after they give the gifts that the princess and him will visit every month to get to know all of them. Christmas is not just about the gesture.
Edward gives Stacy his grandmother's necklace that has been in his family for three hundred years. Stacy tearfully kisses him on the lips and says his duchess will see him tomorrow.
After tucking the daughter in her beautiful bedroom with a cute cabinet thing, the royal highness and Kevin watch Stacy's favourite movie and they cry. Kevin tells her he gave her a present and it is in her stocking. She gets up to go get it and it is a locket. Kevin confesses his new feelings for her and they kiss on the lips. The princess pulls away asking if they can forget anything happened and leaves. She kisses him on the cheek before she leaves.
The two women meet back at the princess's room. They admit their feelings for the other's man. The annoying man takes photos of the two of them together. He gives them to the queen who insisted he give them to her first instead of the king.
At the dining table, the queen asks Edward and the princess to go in her place to the baking competition. She gives a look to her husband. The princess is startled and excuses herself.
Edward finds her on a bench and she tells him she has a lot to tell him - the switch.
Edward and the princess go to the competition but she wears sunglasses. Despite their mixer's cord being cut off because the rival did so, Stacy and Kevin wins with their festive holiday cake. The beautiful blonde judge in the red dress tries their cake. She is so pretty - her facial expressions and her gracefulness...even the way she sits. The rivals did a snowball cake. The princess puts the medal on each winner and last is Stacy and Kevin. She takes off her sunglasses. They all go off stage.
There, explanations are told. Back out on the stage, Edward gets down on one knee and proposes to Stacy in front of everyone including her rival. He asks Stacy to marry him one year from now.
We see Edward and Stacy's wedding. The princess catches the bouquet and looks at Kevin smiling.
Ending music is beautiful and cheery.
See also
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