Yep, Netflix has not one but two trilogies of supposedly funny films about royalty at Christmas. Before the pandemic hit, I looked at The Christmas Prince trilogy which although not perfect, had a few laughs and some good acting among other things. Now we come to this trilogy, which plays on the idea of two characters with identical faces, swapping places. Not an uncommon scenario, but one that can work if done right. Well they did three films of this, so clearly it has been done right, otherwise Netflix would not go ahead with the sequels. But we shall see if they work, so let's take a look:
The Princess Switch
The first film focuses on aspiring young baker Stacy DeNovo and the duchess of Montenaro Lady Margaret Delacourt (both played by Vanessa Hudgens). Stacy runs a successful pastry shop in Chicago with her best friend Kevin (played by Nick Sagar) and the pair enter a bake off of sorts taking place in the Kingdom of Belgravia. As the competition takes place, Stacy goes to clean her apron when her rival accidentally spills coffee over her, and she bumps into Margaret. Struck by their identical looks, Margaret wants a break from the spotlight and agrees with Stacy to do a switch. Shenanigans happen and soon enough, Margaret falls in love with Kevin and Stacy falls in love with Prince Edward of Belgravia (played by Sam Palladio) who is Margaret's fiancée. Incredibly predictable for a story like this, but done pretty well. A few laughs which I honestly thought I wouldn't do with this sort of film and some good acting and set pieces. Also, very charming too. 8/10
Switched Again
Two years go by and Margaret is next in line to the throne, which has resulted in her ending her relationship with Kevin. But a surprise visit from him, Stacy (who is now Princess of Belgravia), Edward and Kevin's daughter Olivia (played by Mia Lloyd) may convince her to try again, and another switch may just be what she needs. However, things may get a little complicated when Margaret's cousin Lady Fiona Pembroke (also played by Hudgens) pays a visit with her own vendetta in mind that could threaten the coronation. Set and costume designs aside (which, like the first film, look great), this comes across not so much a romcom per se, but more of a comedy film with a clear villain. Sure, there are some meaningful moments along with a bit of cringe and cheese. But it's alright for a sequel if you are after something funny if nothing else. 8/10
Romancing the Star
An international Christmas Festival takes place in Montenaro with Stacy and Margaret on co-chairing duties. As part of the festivities, the centrepiece known as the "Star of Peace" takes centre stage. But not for long, as thieves break into the palace and steal the priceless gem. The two ladies form a truce with the now disgraced Fiona and her "minions" in an attempt to get the gem back, which Fiona does in exchange for putting a good word for her at her hearing. Yeah, that's pretty much the film in a nutshell with the only actual swap being later on in the film, which is fine, but I would have expected it to take precedence in the story just like with the first two films. This one is again funny and energetic, but also quite edgy too as much of the film is about retrieving the priceless gem, and it feels like one of those heist type films in a way. It's not too bad for a third film, but does seem to put aside the actual swapping part (which, as I said, occurs later on). 7/10
Three alright films that are probably not going to win any awards. But there are Christmas films in every sense of the word with fun, humour, energy and great costume and set designs. Plus some decent acting too. 8/10
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