Switched

I admit I didn't expect much going into this viewing, I only watched it because it was a free rental from my public library and it had "zero" requests. No waiting. So my wife and I started it at our usual 7PM movie time at home. In all we enjoyed it more than we expected we would.

"Switched" movies are nothing new but this one brings a different twist to things and, probably to the objection of some viewers, invokes God through prayer. But it is not a "hit you over the head" with religion script. Overall it has a very good message, why not try talking to and understanding others rather than make fun of those who are different?

It also is a parody of today's heavy emphasis, especially among teens, of social media and "influencers." One of the teens (actually almost 30 in real life) was such a popular influencer (and a bully) that her parents had quit their jobs and relied on the daughter to support the family in a very well off lifestyle.

I must mention John Schneider, now 60, who was one of the parents. I first saw him in the 1979 "Dukes of Hazard" TV series which he started as an 18 or 19 year old. Now over 40 years later he is still in fine form. Good for you John.

A body-swap story that started of pretty good. This type of film can be fun if done well. Here we have two girls who are psychologically opposite. Katie Price is a prima-donna with an inflated ego. Confident and beautiful yet cruel and unfeeling to those around her. While the other, Cassandra, is timid, lacks self confidence. Has a musical talent and a compassion for others. She admires Kate and wishes she could be more like her. After Kate plays a cruel prank on her at school Cassandra wishes Kate could learn what it's like to walk in her shoes. Voila! With a touch of movie magic her wish becomes a reality. Predictable confusion ensues. I could have done without the over-preachy religious subplot. There's a good idea underlying the film which definitely had more potential. Nevertheles it was entertaining enough.

Such a positive message, our girls need more movies like this! My 9-year-old daughter loves this, and has watched it several times now. I also love the inclusion of faith as well. Ignore the negative reviews.

It started off a little slow in the beginning, but once they switched, it evolved into a fun little body switch movie. It reminded me of the old Disney movies with Haley Mills. In a time when everything is so dark and serious, it's nice to have something that's light and fun.

I have seen all of them through the years. Body swap movies are not new. I can count at least 30 in the US alone in the last nearly 100 years. Everyone knows the big ones. Freaky Friday, Big, Vice Versa. They are formulaic and predictable for sure. And Switched doesn't do much to break out of the mold. But the two actresses playing the leads and the actors playing the parents make you run the gamut of emotions in this outing. You really can, if you allow yourself to get past the "oh it's another body swap movie where they learn about each other and themselves in the process" thought processes, to really get sucked into the lives of these two girls and start rooting for them. It has it's problems and loses some points just due to the fact that it HAS been done to death. But overall this is an enjoyable movie and worth the watch.