Sure, Netflix Christmas Movies Are Often Patently Absurd. They’re Also Occasionally Perfect

As a lifelong devotee of all things whimsical and fantastical, I must say that the “Princess Switch” movies have captured my heart (and my bathtub time) with their delightful blend of romance, intrigue, and the sheer joy of watching Vanessa Hudgens play multiple versions of herself.

“Originally released in 2020, we’re re-sharing this story now that the 2024 holiday season is underway. Many more similar productions are being introduced on streaming platforms.

It’s confirmed: our minds are worn out. The holiday season is already demanding enough under regular circumstances. However, this year, we would gladly trade the usual pressure of gift-giving, baking cookies, and decorating trees for the stress of 2020 – heartbreak, worry, and exhaustion instead. Frankly, the prospect of watching endless Netflix Christmas movies, disregarding their quality or credibility, seems incredibly appealing right now. In fact, the more unrealistic, the better. For instance, a Chicago cupcake baker who looks like a European duchess finding love with a prince? Transport me there, Calgon!

Netflix doesn’t exclusively own the market for cheesy Christmas movies; channels like Lifetime and Hallmark have been offering these for years, and it’s possible that even unexpected individuals might have a favorite or two tucked away. For instance, the 2014 Hallmark film “The Nine Lives of Christmas” with Brandon Routh as a cat-loving fireman may be viewed by only a handful.

As a movie enthusiast, I can anticipate your next query: Aren’t these films considered less than stellar? Shouldn’t I feel ashamed for watching them? To the second question, I’d say no, because our emotional responses to visual content shouldn’t be subjected to feelings of shame or judgment. However, it’s true that there are other Christmas movies out there with more refined production values and captivating performances. But let me tell you, I wouldn’t swap Ernst Lubitsch’s 1940 masterpiece, “Shop Around the Corner” – in my opinion, the most touching and visually stunning holiday romance – for any of these other films combined.

“Because that movie was exceptionally beautiful, I don’t anticipate others to match its brilliance, but this discerning viewpoint frees me rather than limiting me.

What’s lined up for you on Netflix this Christmas 2020? The movie “Holidate” tries too hard to be racy, but I personally enjoy Emma Roberts and her determined eyebrows. Notably, Luke Bracey plays a remarkably attractive golf pro with an unexpected tender side. It’s just like indulging in ice cream straight from the carton. On the other hand, “Jingle Jangle” – a holiday fantasy for kids, yet enjoyable for adults as well – is subtly revolutionary, featuring a predominantly Black cast. This shift in representation brings into focus how outdated the usual norms can be. Additionally, the costumes (by Michael Wilkinson) are a joy to behold, blending Victorian and steampunk shapes with traditional Kente cloth and African wax prints.

As a devotee of heartwarming cinematic journeys, I must admit that “The Princess Switch” films truly stand out for their sugary-sweet escapades. In the first installment, Vanessa Hudgens masterfully portrays not one, but two unique characters resembling herself: Stacy De Novo, a charming Chicago baker, and Lady Margaret, a sleek and regal resident of the enchanting European kingdom, Belgravia.

In “The Princess Switch: Switched Again,” Lady Margaret is on the verge of being crowned Queen of Montenaro. However, her commitment to royal duties has strained her relationship with Kevin (but we all know that won’t last). Stepping into the picture is Margaret’s rebellious cousin Fiona, portrayed once more by Vanessa Hudgens. Fiona, a party-loving woman with a cascade of blonde hair, prefers flashy nightclub attire and artificial furs in hues not typically found in nature. Fiona devises a plan to disguise herself as Margaret, aiming to seize the throne of Montenaro. A whirlwind of events follows, but love eventually triumphs.

Isn’t it delightful to imagine fictional nations named after 1960s athletic brands? The movies like “The Princess Switch” are so charmingly enjoyable, they don’t require any justification. Lately, over a socially distanced meal with a companion, I found myself passionately narrating the storyline of the first movie. “Ah, it’s like Shakespeare,” he remarked between mouthfuls of sandwich. (It also resembles a technique Mark Twain employed in “The Prince and the Pauper“) Stories about identity swaps, where characters are mistaken for others and cause trouble or find love, have been around since time immemorial, and they were crafted by people with a keen understanding of human nature. Our commonalities bind us across generations.

Translating the essence of the “Princess Switch” movies can be likened to observing performance art – large shapes such as squares, circles, and triangles representing characters that convey messages beyond words. These are films that use a unique language, similar to flags or semaphore, which can be easily understood from afar. The conclusion of “Switched Again” features a wedding, reconciliation, and coronation, all symbolizing codes our tired minds gladly decode. We might think we’re not processing information, but we are – our brains are taking a break through the art of repetition. Love, forgiveness, and the charm of a glittering dress: These are clear and simple messages that reach us as we watch from our individual sanctuaries, be it islands or bathtubs. If they were suitable for the Elizabethans, they’re certainly fitting for us today.

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2024-11-26 01:06