The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star knows what it is. And that’s the best thing that can be said about a movie of this kind. Christmas movies all follow pretty much a format, and the Netflix Christmas Movie Cinematic Universe has made its rules very clear in the past few years: it doesn’t all have to make sense, just provide some ridiculous fun, cool outfits, beautiful Christmas visuals and oh yes, a lot of cheese.
Well, I’m happy to say The Princess Switch 3 perfectly delivers that, and then some. This is something Netflix has done well since the first A Christmas Prince, and that The Princess Switch has perfectly harnessed. It’s not about common sense. The plot doesn’t stand much scrutiny, as is to be expected. But who watches Christmas movies to scrutinize the plot? I just watch the have a good time, and possibly catch some feelings.
The third movie in the series finally gives Fiona, who started as a straight up villain last movie and ended up with a semi-redemption, a chance to come into the spotlight, get her own romance, and even save the day. If it works it’s not just because Vanessa Hudgens can apparently have different chemistry with three men in the same movie, but because the movie isn’t playing around with our already earned happy endings.
I’ll tune in for a chance to see Fiona get her happy ending – and hopefully become a better person in the process. I won’t tune in for a movie that will in any way, shape or form mess with the already established couples for drama’s sake.
Thankfully, this isn’t that movie. I get to see Edward and Stacy working together and being as adorable as ever, even if Edward continues to, hilariously, miss so many of the pop culture queues. I also get to see Margaret and Kevin settled in as a couple, and as a bonus, I get a little Olivia! Plus, I get to see the three couples – made up of one actress and three different men, imagine the filming – work together.
Despite the fact that this is all meant to be taken with a large grain of salt, it’s fun to see Hudgens truly embody three different characters. We got to see it last movie, of course, but Fiona was just a cardboard antagonist, and in this movie, she gets to be tridimensional. Plus, we also get to see a first in The Princess Switch history! Three versions of Fiona at the same time, aka Stacy playing Fiona, Margaret playing Fiona and oh yes, Fiona being Fiona.
Sounds chaotic? It is. But it’s not just that. It’s also super fun, and at times, incredibly touching. Fiona is meant to be our reminder that everyone has a story, a reason for acting the way they act, and though this doesn’t hold true for everyone, most people can change. Sometimes they just need a second chance. And what better time for second chances than during the Christmas season?
My recommendation? Don’t just watch The Princess Switch: Romancing the Star, watch The Princess Switch and The Princess Switch 2: Switched Again and then dive into the new one. It’ll make the whole thing more enjoyable.
A Mission Impossible inspired sequence that’s as absurd as it is fun? Check.
Totally bonkers Christmas decorations? Check.
Outfits that no one would ever wear (courtesy of Fiona)? Check
Outfits most of us would wear (courtesy of Stacey)? Check.
Not one, not two, but three very good-looking leading men? Check
Vanessa Hudgens having a blast? Check.
And yes, cheese. That’s a triple check.
What are you waiting for? Time to go watch The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star.
The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star is available to stream on Netflix.
