Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Royals fall for commoners in feel-good Christmas romance.
Parents Need to Know
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The Princess Switch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say that while this movie has a charming Christmas atmosphere and positive messages about kindness and acceptance, the abundant kissing and some innuendo may make it uncomfortable for younger viewers. Several reviews mention that despite these concerns, the film remains cute and entertaining for families, particularly for older children who can handle its more mature elements.
- kissing content
- family-friendly
- positive messages
- predictable plot
- innuendo present
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say that this holiday movie is charming and heartwarming, making it a favorite for family viewing, particularly among tweens and teens. While there are mild sexual references and a few kissing scenes, the film is praised for its positive messages about kindness and friendship, though some viewers feel the acting could be better.
- charming and heartwarming
- appropriate for kids
- mild sexual references
- positive messages
- family favorite
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE PRINCESS SWITCH, Chicago baker Stacey (Vanessa Hudgens) is recovering from her breakup with the wrong guy and creating cookies and cakes with old high school friend Kevin (Nick Sagar) and his daughter, Olivia (Alexa Adeosun), as Christmas approaches. Kevin secretly enters Stacey in a baking contest, but she says no when she's invited to compete, because she's too rigid to consider the sudden change in plans. But a jarring run-in with her ex propels her to shake things up, so she grabs Kevin and Olivia and heads for competition headquarters in Belgravia. Almost immediately, she runs into her exact double, Margaret (also Vanessa Hudgens), the duchess about to marry Belgravia's Prince Edward (Sam Palladio). The duchess seizes on the resemblance as an opportunity for her to live a few days as a normal girl before settling down with the prince. She doesn't care that she has to wear T-shirts, affect an American accent, or hang out with complete strangers Kevin and Olivia. Stacey figures a few days at the palace will be fun and agrees to don the formal garb, learn finishing school posture, and put on a do-it-yourself British accent, having been assured that the prince will be out of town during the switch. Well-laid plans are upended when the prince ditches his trip to spend time with his princess-to-be (actually Stacey). The two fall in love, which is exactly what happens between Margaret and Kevin as she embraces commoner living. All is revealed when Margaret arrives at the bake-off to award prizes and comes face-to-face with her double in front of all.
Is It Any Good?
The Princess Switch is frothy fun for families looking for escapist holiday fare. It's harmless entertainment in the mold of a Hallmark Channel movie. Its theme could be printed inside a greeting card: One's title is far less important than who one is. Its other similarly simplistic message is that people spark romantically to different qualities and characteristics. Stacey's executive personality feels unspontaneous and rigid to her friend Kevin, while it seems take-charge and caring to Edward. Kevin has never felt attracted to his high school friend Stacey but falls madly for the identical-looking Margaret because she seems more free-spirited and adventurous. So, yes, it takes all kinds.
Do we know where the movie is going at all times? Of course. But princess appreciators of all ages won't mind the predictable twists and turns, and will enjoy settling in for a cozy viewing sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about holiday movies. What's the appeal of stories set during the holiday season? Why are romances especially popular?
If you could swap lives with someone for a day, who would you switch with? Why?
Who do you think The Princess Switch's target audience is? Which aspects seem designed to appeal to kids, and which are for adults?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 16, 2018
- Cast : Vanessa Hudgens , Sam Palladio , Nick Sagar
- Director : Mike Rohl
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Cooking
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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