‘The Princess Switch’: A not-so-original Netflix Original

By Maddie Barrett

Netflix released “The Princess Switch” on Nov. 16, just in time for Christmas.

The story begins in illustration of the life of a Chicago baker, Stacy, played by Hudgens. Stacy lives a simple life until her sous chef and longtime friend, Kevin Richards, enters her in a baking competition in the fictional town of Belgravia.

When arriving in Belgravia, Stacy runs into the famous Duchess of Montenaro, Margaret, also played by Hudgens. The duo quickly realizes their uncanny resemblance, and Margaret devises a master plan.

Desperate to experience a normal life before marrying into the royal family, Margaret implores Stacy to switch places. Her idea is that Margaret goes sight-seeing with Kevin and his daughter, while Stacy attempts to fit the proper lifestyle of the royal family.

Although this movie has a clear storyline, a number of aspects seem to be mimicked from other established movies, such as “The Lizzie McGuire Movie.”

The apparent emphasis placed on baking, particularly the baking championship, is deceptive. Even though the storyline depends on this motivation as a catalyst throughout the beginning, the event becomes a plot back burner. Viewers expect a movie about a baking championship, which ultimately turns into an unoriginal romance.

In spite of the comparable similarities, “The Princess Switch” exemplifies what a Christmas movie should bring to viewers: love and a happy ending.