Holiday Switch

In my quest to watch every Christmas movie ever made, this was randomly next. Made-for-Lifetime television, it really wasn't that great. Woman switches her hectic, worrisome life with another so that she can realize just how great she had it. You don't need millions of dollars, furs, closetful of shoes and dresses, and a Mercedes when you don't have love. La di frickin' da. How many times has this story been done? On the positive -- Nicole Eggert! (Charles In Charge, Baywatch.) I'd watch anything with her! And it was kind of Christmasy compared to many Made-for-TV Christmas movies. Stupid title, should have at least called it Christmas Switch and it's never explained why she got switched. Eh, whatever. Not recommended.

5.2 / 10

--A Kat Pirate Screener

I didn't like this movie for the sheer fact that the only reason she wanted her family back was when the rich life she chose blew up in her face. She begged her preferred husband to take her back and only when he rejected her did she start yearning after the other husband. When he rejected her because he was faithful to his vows, she showed up at the man's house to proposition him with his wife and children there. Absolutely no class and morals!

Christmas films can go either way, which has been my experience watching overtime the festive output of Lifetime, Hallmark and UPTV. They can either be well-meaning, charming, warm-hearted and don't feel too heavy. Or they can be too over-sentimental, cheesy, contrived and bland. There have been many films of theirs that have fallen in both camps and in the camp where there is a bit of both. 'Holiday Switch' had the sort of premise that had strong potential of being in the former category, with it being quite interesting.

While not exceeding expectations or completely living up to them, 'Holiday Switch' doesn't waste any potential. It is very charming and engages and moves enough, even if the story and pacing are far from flawless what made me see 'Christmas on the Bayou' (primarily the cast) does not disappoint. It is very easy to dismiss outright the film as sentimental, predictable and plot light, understandably, but given a chance without prejudice one may find themselves pleasantly surprised.

'Holiday Switch's' story is very slight and does drag in the sections where the story is fairly uneventful.

The female lead character is not always easy to get behind, with times where she comes over as on the manipulative side. The Christmas theme is underused in my view.

A lot is done right though. T looks attractive enough. The scenery is both rustic and festive and the photography doesn't look rushed or drab, quite beautiful actually. The music doesn't come over as too melodramatic while still having some presence. The direction is suitably sympathetic on the most part while taking a little time to find its feet. The dialogue is not perfect either but the cheese and sentiment don't go overboard and it generally doesn't come over as stilted.

Furthermore, the story, despite its imperfections, is warm hearted and has a lot of well meaning heart, without taking itself too seriously. The characters interest and are worth investing in, not being too perfect or having flaws too exaggerated. The cast are very good and the ending is touching.

In conclusion, nice enough film. 7/10.

This well meaning Christmas film serves every dish and trick in the book but the last 10 minutes are great.

In this film a woman named Paula is married for 18 years to her high school sweet heart. Money is very tight and what make matters worse is the fact that is Christmas. Her husband however is a great guy but she doesn't see it. Money or lack of money is all she see's and blames him for her unhappiness. One day while walking around town she sees a former boyfriend from school. He is rich and successful and has a life that Paula truly wants.

One morning she wakes up and finds herself in an alternate universe. She is now married to her former boyfriend but life is not great in this universe. In this universe she has money but not much else.

Now this movie is worth watching because the last 10 minutes are wonderful.

I found this a heartwarming and fun movie to enjoy during the holiday season. Nicole Eggert is wonderful as a frustrated housewife who yearns for the magic only a former high school flame can recapture. Can't we imagine how our lives might have been different had we married the other crush? Nicole gets this opportunity to explore that luxurious life she's always wanted. Yet the question remains: does it bring her happiness? The set design is lush and colorful. Brett Anthony and Bret Le Bourveau are great as the two competing love interests. Also, her daughters are cute but also realistically depicted as girls who just want their mom to be happy this Christmas, freed from the burdens of debt and financial woes. Truly magical and touching, this quirky, often moving film will have you reaching for the Kleenex by the end. It has sparkle and charm that will whisk you away on an enjoyable journey that only comes once a year!