The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star Review: Long Live This Chaotic Christmas Franchise

Few things in life are certain and yet, The Princess Switch‘s crazy doppelganger shenanigans have become a comforting fixture these past few years.

So much so that one has to assume this messy masterpiece of Christmas cinema has flown too close to the sun. Surely nothing this chaotic and Christmasy can survive a third outing, as Vanessa Hudgens can only carry this concept so far.

Not only does The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star soar, but it leaves us with the realization that a trilogy is not nearly a long enough reign for this royal spectacle.

Princess Switch 3 is the closing ceremony this chaotic trilogy deserves — that is if Netflix believes we will ever let this unhinged franchise die.

The third installment of this festive franchise is nothing short of fantastic as it doubles down on the iconic one-woman act of absurd accents, killer fashion fits, and self-aware satire that makes these movies such a gas to watch.

The good times roll with a returning formula that offers fans of the first film many comforting beats. Within the winning formula are a few tweaks to keep this switcheroo fresh and these royal doppelgangers on their toes. It’s just scrappy enough, and just smart enough to stand as the strongest of the trilogy.

The choice to turn another priceless theft in the palace (seriously, lock your damn doors Belgravia) into a Mission Impossible-style heist complete with laser mazes, skill-set demonstration, and a triple princess switch is the stunner here.

A Christmas heist that operates as a capable rom-com is one worthy of more than a few rewatches.

The sleek criminal aesthetic is fully formed with black catsuits, peppermint martinis, and a bigger budget to support the weight of this large-scale Christmas caper. James Bond wishes his action movies were this festive, and this ridiculously fun!

Going all-in on scene-chewing socialite Fiona is the best decision this franchise could have made. What’s the point in making multiple films about people who look identical and never explaining why if you can’t bend this genre until it breaks?

The second film made the mistake of assuming we wanted these royals to take their role as leaders of a fake country seriously.

The third film rectifies this by letting the most absurd doppelganger throw the rule book in the trash and rake her acrylic nails up and down this posh set. By putting the reformed villain in the driver’s seat, this film’s pacing rarely bores.

One could say this trilogy’s formula was created specifically for Fiona, with Stacy and Magaret merely testing the waters of what this chaotic premise could be capable of before allowing Hudgens to chew it to pieces in the final act.

Princess Switch 3 uses Fiona’s scene-stealing wackiness to its advantage; crafting a killer jewel heist that charms us with satire comedy and stylish montages as it clings to the hip-swaying socialite born to carry this absurdity on her chipped shoulders.

Hudgens’ performance as Fiona is welcoming contrast from the refined princess tropes and a challenge for the genre as this vixen refuses to fit perfectly into one box.

Her weirdly insightful and poignant redemption arc makes the range of this glamorous character study even better.

Loveable female characters saving their hot side-pieces and fake country from grand-theft jewelry is a magical concept. There’s never a moment where this juggling act gets away from Hudgens. She’s clearly thriving; crazy accents, capes, and all.

And she’s matched beautifully by Remy Hii’s Peter Maxwell.

It’s delightful to see Netflix going beyond the realm of cut-and-paste Hallmark love interests with this year’s holiday roster.

It’s difficult to focus with the slow-motion entrances and erotic Tango lessons, but Peter is a strong foil for Fiona. His treachery is a worthy plot twist for this seductive spy heist, but the real treat is the way these two undress each other with their eyes in the laser mazes. That there is the gift that keeps on giving.

The chemistry isn’t always searing but it is sincere. Their bizarre exes to enemies to lovers’ trope keep this romance interesting. As do the comedic observations of henchmen Reggie and Mindy.

More rom-coms centred around a reformed criminal/over-the-top villain finding true love, please!

This movie has fun toying with its large ensemble. I love seeing more comedic depth to Prince Edward. Stacy’s pettiness towards Fiona gets better as the film pokes holes in the fallout of Fiona’s kidnapping (she really should have gone to jail).

We don’t watch these films expecting them to be great works of cinema. We watch holiday movies for their comforting formulas. Princess Switch 3 delivers this light energy while leaning into the chaos that gives it that edge.

This film still exhibits issues many movies in this genre do. That said, the set budget is utilized well, the story plays into its absurdity, and the basic steps are taken to flesh out these characters.

This trilogy has redefined what a silly Christmas rom-com can accomplish when it understands how to operate within its wheelhouse. Thus, you are guaranteed a royal good time with this festive fever dream of a film!

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The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star is streaming now on Netflix.

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