Switch is just one of those movies you just have to love.Touching on offensive subject matter and being socially inappropriate by today's censored standards it tells the story of a womanizer named Steve who is murdered by 3 of his ex lovers for being a male chauvinistic pig. He crosses over into a sort of limbo and being thats he's been so bad to the opposite sex is sent back to earth to find one female who truly loves him. He than can move on to heaven but if he can't will go straight to hell. The woman he becomes is played by a young Ellen Barkin in her sexual prime and comic glory.Creative laughs ensue as he deals with homosexuality, struggles of sexism in the workplace and world, repercussions of his past actions from women and advances from all kinds of men including his best friend played charmingly by the than hunky Jimmy Smits. The movie is smart funny and wholly original in its exploration of its premise and even raunchy and envelop pushing by todays standards. Although not a perfect film there are some pacing issues and questionable directorial approaches on how he approaches the material times. Switch is still a great movie as timely as ever showing us just how little we've progressed in the age old war between the sexes not to say their hasn't been a lot of progress but we still have a ways to go.
50 Reviews
Am I the only one who liked Switch?
triple83 September 2003
Warning: Spoilers
So many negative comments! Am I the only one who liked Switch? It sure seems that way.
I thought this was quite a funny and also poignant movie. Ellen Barkin was both feisty and believable in her role and the movie had both moments of true comedy as well as sadness. There is A "Heaven can wait" quality to the movie and that's a compliment. It was wacky in some places, whimsical in others.
I thought the story flowed very well and that Switch is just a movie to be enjoyed. The premise is great and the way the movie went about the unraveling of it was also well done. And Barkin was made for this role. This was my favorite performance of hers. I'm shocked so many people didn't like this. Maybe it's not the best movie ever made but it was a sometimes wacky comedy combining an interesting plot that also happens to be thought provoking and well casted actors/actresses. The movie was never boring and I liked the premise of the whole thing. Saw it quite awhile ago but this is one I'd love to see again. My rating is 7.5 out of 10.
I thought this was quite a funny and also poignant movie. Ellen Barkin was both feisty and believable in her role and the movie had both moments of true comedy as well as sadness. There is A "Heaven can wait" quality to the movie and that's a compliment. It was wacky in some places, whimsical in others.
I thought the story flowed very well and that Switch is just a movie to be enjoyed. The premise is great and the way the movie went about the unraveling of it was also well done. And Barkin was made for this role. This was my favorite performance of hers. I'm shocked so many people didn't like this. Maybe it's not the best movie ever made but it was a sometimes wacky comedy combining an interesting plot that also happens to be thought provoking and well casted actors/actresses. The movie was never boring and I liked the premise of the whole thing. Saw it quite awhile ago but this is one I'd love to see again. My rating is 7.5 out of 10.
Hey, if I'm gay, then Clint Eastwood's a transvestite.
lastliberal2 June 2007
Alright, the premise is hokey, but not completely as Mel Gibson did it nine years later. I was funny and it had one thing that Gibson couldn't bring, and that is Ellen Barkin.
Yes, I am prejudiced. Ever since I saw Barkin in The Big Easy, I have been in love with her quirky smile and hot body. She is the main reason I will be plopping my bucks down in a week to see Ocean's Thirteen. And, she did get a Golden Globe nomination out of this (Losing to Bette Midler of all people, if you can believe it!), so it is not as bad as they say.
I only had two criticisms: She never got the hang of walking in heels, and the ending sucked.
Yes, I am prejudiced. Ever since I saw Barkin in The Big Easy, I have been in love with her quirky smile and hot body. She is the main reason I will be plopping my bucks down in a week to see Ocean's Thirteen. And, she did get a Golden Globe nomination out of this (Losing to Bette Midler of all people, if you can believe it!), so it is not as bad as they say.
I only had two criticisms: She never got the hang of walking in heels, and the ending sucked.
Some of the funniest scenes around
jeremyscholes120027 July 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I haven't seen this movie for ages but upon reading these reviews I'll certainly dig it out. I do remember Switch as one of the funniest movies I've seen. Ellen Barkin's performance is so funny as a female actress playing a man in a woman's body. There's a scene where she staggers down a corridor in "unfamiliar" high heels and suddenly crashes out of sight that is the equal of David Jason's scene in "Only Fools and Horses" where he leans on a non-existent bar-top and crashes to the ground. Pure brilliant visual comedy. The excellent parts of the film probably don't add up to a top-grade film in total but recommended for viewing just for best bits.
I liked it
jaynedell116 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This film was quite good. Sure it was not an out and out slapstick comedy, but that wasn't what it was aiming at.
The character experiences ups and downs, and in the end learns the most important lesson of all.
The ending gave it far more depth than your average comedy, and that in my mind raises it above average.
If I had to pick a bad point, it would be the over harping on the difficulty of walking in high heels. The character should have mastered that eventually.
Still all in all this was not bad, and it deserves to be more widely distributed.
The character experiences ups and downs, and in the end learns the most important lesson of all.
The ending gave it far more depth than your average comedy, and that in my mind raises it above average.
If I had to pick a bad point, it would be the over harping on the difficulty of walking in high heels. The character should have mastered that eventually.
Still all in all this was not bad, and it deserves to be more widely distributed.
Great acting by Ellen Barkin
btm17 November 2010
Advertising exec. Steve Brooks, a sexist male chauvinist pig, is invited to a party by a lady friend who suggestively tells him the only other guests will be two other women who he is fond of. The party gets sexy when the four get into a hot tub, but together they bind and murder him. God and the Devil aren't sure where his soul belongs, so they tell him that he will be allowed to return to life for a limited time in order for him to find one woman who likes him. If he doesn't find at least one, he will go to Hell. In order that he can't just use his ability to charm women to find one that doesn't know him, they bring him back as a woman. She retains his memory and chooses to call herself Amanda Brooks.
Ellen Barkin has a remarkable performance as a womanizer in a woman's body. There is a vast difference in personalities between Barkin's Amanda/Steve and Julie Andrews' Victor/Victoria.
Lorraine Bracco also is great in her quiet understated role as major cosmetics client Sheila Faxton.
In addition to watching some great performances, the movie has some pretty funny bits, although some got repetitive. In particular, I thought the the bit about Amanda stumbling when wearing high heels was repeated too often. Regarding the stiletto heels, why would Amanda continue to choose the highest of stiletto heels? Also, while obviously gorgeous, I don't think then 37-year old Ellen Barkin looked as strikingly sexy as Amanda as the male characters (and Amanda herself) thought she did. She didn't seem as hot as the younger actresses who planned Steve's murder.
The resolution at the ending also was somewhat disappointing to me.
Ellen Barkin has a remarkable performance as a womanizer in a woman's body. There is a vast difference in personalities between Barkin's Amanda/Steve and Julie Andrews' Victor/Victoria.
Lorraine Bracco also is great in her quiet understated role as major cosmetics client Sheila Faxton.
In addition to watching some great performances, the movie has some pretty funny bits, although some got repetitive. In particular, I thought the the bit about Amanda stumbling when wearing high heels was repeated too often. Regarding the stiletto heels, why would Amanda continue to choose the highest of stiletto heels? Also, while obviously gorgeous, I don't think then 37-year old Ellen Barkin looked as strikingly sexy as Amanda as the male characters (and Amanda herself) thought she did. She didn't seem as hot as the younger actresses who planned Steve's murder.
The resolution at the ending also was somewhat disappointing to me.
Lots of potential, short on direction
virus_omega5 July 2002
'Switch' is a movie that adds up to less than the sum of its parts. I think the main problem with that is writer/director Blake Edwards. Edwards policy of straying from the controversial ends up detracting from the film. 'Switch' could have been a brilliant gender-role satire like Edwards' earlier 'Victor/Victoria'. Instead we get an overlong barrage of bad clothing jokes.
Under Edwards direction (and pen), 'Switch' merely tests the waters of controversy, rather than jumping in. This can be seen mostly through the attempted lesbian relationship between Ellen Barkin and Lorraine Bracco. Rather than plumbing the questions this scene would raise, Edwards steps back. This leaves the audience scratching their heads, asking 'Why didn't they do anything? What was the point of this? What is the director trying to say?'
Therein lies the problem: Edwards doesn't seem to be saying much of anything. The most he says is 'Men can't be more like women because men only think of sex.' The three main male characters - Steve, Walter, and Arnold - are all driven almost purely by sex. And not without consequence: Arnold gets blackmailed, and Steve gets shot. Women aren't portrayed very well either in this film: Margo, Felicia and Liz all use sex to further their own ends. They are manipulative, materialistic, greedy, and spiteful. Anything Edwards is trying to say about men, women, the relationships they form, and society's views of them comes across as incredibly muddled and lacking in coherence.
The major problem with all of this comes from Edwards' script. He really didn't give this story the work it needed. The simple concept - a womanizer comes back as a woman - has plenty of comic potential. This could have been a modern comedy of sexual and social manners, satirizing the values society places on both men and women. However, that kind of movie would probably be slightly controversial. Instead, we get a movie that is comprised mostly of jokes about high heels, breasts, sex, and makeup.
All of the problems come from Edwards' direction. The actors try their best, despite the poor material. Ellen Barkin gives the best performance in the movie, and she must have had the hardest time. She is basically playing a man trapped in a woman's body, but the character is made up of nothing but stereotypes: she drinks, smokes, swears, ogles women (including herself), and has little redeeming value. What makes this strange is that about halfway through she begins to take on a feminist tone. She says "Men can say 'I'd like to get laid.' This isn't right for a woman to feel?" This whole path of character development is really hard to swallow from someone who has been female for less than a week. Barkin manages to make it watchable and enjoyable, even if it isn't plausible.
The other actors do decent jobs in this movie, even if the roles really aren't memorable. JoBeth Williams and Lorraine Bracco come most readily to mind. Jimmy Smits does a credible job, even if he comes across as flat.
Despite my laying into Blake Edwards for the choices he made, this movie really isn't as bad as I may make it sound. It makes for decent entertainment. Watch it as a minor entry into the director's body of work, a performance from an actor/actress you like, or as part of a 'Gender in the Media' class. When you do though, give yourself a moment of silence for the movie 'Switch' could have been.
Under Edwards direction (and pen), 'Switch' merely tests the waters of controversy, rather than jumping in. This can be seen mostly through the attempted lesbian relationship between Ellen Barkin and Lorraine Bracco. Rather than plumbing the questions this scene would raise, Edwards steps back. This leaves the audience scratching their heads, asking 'Why didn't they do anything? What was the point of this? What is the director trying to say?'
Therein lies the problem: Edwards doesn't seem to be saying much of anything. The most he says is 'Men can't be more like women because men only think of sex.' The three main male characters - Steve, Walter, and Arnold - are all driven almost purely by sex. And not without consequence: Arnold gets blackmailed, and Steve gets shot. Women aren't portrayed very well either in this film: Margo, Felicia and Liz all use sex to further their own ends. They are manipulative, materialistic, greedy, and spiteful. Anything Edwards is trying to say about men, women, the relationships they form, and society's views of them comes across as incredibly muddled and lacking in coherence.
The major problem with all of this comes from Edwards' script. He really didn't give this story the work it needed. The simple concept - a womanizer comes back as a woman - has plenty of comic potential. This could have been a modern comedy of sexual and social manners, satirizing the values society places on both men and women. However, that kind of movie would probably be slightly controversial. Instead, we get a movie that is comprised mostly of jokes about high heels, breasts, sex, and makeup.
All of the problems come from Edwards' direction. The actors try their best, despite the poor material. Ellen Barkin gives the best performance in the movie, and she must have had the hardest time. She is basically playing a man trapped in a woman's body, but the character is made up of nothing but stereotypes: she drinks, smokes, swears, ogles women (including herself), and has little redeeming value. What makes this strange is that about halfway through she begins to take on a feminist tone. She says "Men can say 'I'd like to get laid.' This isn't right for a woman to feel?" This whole path of character development is really hard to swallow from someone who has been female for less than a week. Barkin manages to make it watchable and enjoyable, even if it isn't plausible.
The other actors do decent jobs in this movie, even if the roles really aren't memorable. JoBeth Williams and Lorraine Bracco come most readily to mind. Jimmy Smits does a credible job, even if he comes across as flat.
Despite my laying into Blake Edwards for the choices he made, this movie really isn't as bad as I may make it sound. It makes for decent entertainment. Watch it as a minor entry into the director's body of work, a performance from an actor/actress you like, or as part of a 'Gender in the Media' class. When you do though, give yourself a moment of silence for the movie 'Switch' could have been.
"Pretty Good Comedy!"
gwnightscream12 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Ellen Barkin, Jimmy Smits, Perry King, JoBeth Williams and Lorraine Bracco star in Blake Edwards' 1991 comedy. King (Class of 1984) plays Steven Brooks, a philandering, ad exec who gets shot by 3 women. He's sent back to earth, but must live as a female, Amanda (Barkin) and find love in order to go to heaven. Smits (Running Scared) plays his best pal, Walter, Williams (Poltergeist) plays Margo, one of Steven's girlfriends/lovers and Bracco (Goodfellas) plays Sheila, a businesswoman. This is a pretty good comedy that sort of shares similarities with "Oh God, You Devil!" and "Heaven Can Wait," Barkin is great in it and she and Smits have good chemistry. I recommend this.
Averge comedy that doesn't do what it said on the tin!
melissajrclark15 April 2007
This film could of been so much more. Blake Edward's had the potential to produce an all out gender bender riot of a comedy, when in reality it was kind of funny, had some funny gender bender moment's, but then all of a sudden it became a over complicated sex comedy that was sending so many mixed message's that toward's the end of the film the pace changed dramatically and it was no longer funny, or touching it became surreal. It was across between 'Tear's of Enderment', and a made for TV movie on Hallmark. Now there is nothing wrong with those comparison's but when your watching a movie that is supposed to be a hilarious comedy about switching sex's then it's understandable to be disappointed. For instance the plot work's well on paper, but once it makes it's way to the big screen then the premise loses it's structure thank's to the director's habit of losing the essence of the film, in favour of pointless, unexpected twist's that don't go anywhere. Steve who the film is centred around, is a male chauvinistic pig, who has no respect for woman. He bed's then, then treat's them like any typical male stereotype would. Like dirt. So his three ex girlfriends have had enough of his behaviour so they shoot him dead. So when Steve tries to get into heaven he is told that he has to go back down to earth and get a woman to love him and if he succeed's he is allowed through the pearly gate's. However there is one catch he has to return back down to earth as woman! Sound's good so far?
Yeh!
No! When Steve arrives back on earth as Steve sister, instead of revenging his ex-girlfriend's for his death, and teaching them a lesson, or even getting involved in helping a poor helpless guy learn how to treat a woman, the plot ignores these typically explored avenue's of gender swapping comedy and the film just becomes a long waiting game.
Steve is a typical male, so when he is a woman the obvious joke's are in the trapping's of being a female. Walking in high heel, putting make- up on, sorting your hair, dressing yourself appropriately, and learning to deal with being seen as a sex object to men. These jokes are played through out the film which wear's a bit thin. So in the middle of these repetitive jokes he meet's Lorranie Bracco character who is a lesbian. They get on, and embark on what is probably the most PG pointless lesbian scene ever. Nothing happen's, but what is worse is something could of happened. There was potential to get them together, to bring more laugh's into a already laugh less comedy, and it could of moved the story along, but Blake Edward's makes the budding relationship between the two look like something out of the 'L Word', and then just discard what went on between the two as if it never happened. After that things just do a complete round about turn into silly and what the hell! You might think that this is the point of a comedy but when there is no laugh's to be had it's hard to think you where actually watching a comedy. And also the comedy theme's,and backbone is tangled up in a lot of unanswered question's, for instance, Is murder okay? It is itn alright for men to treat woman like object's, and visa versa and load's of other question's that would just ruin the film for you's who have not seen it, but would that be such a bad thing?
The acting in this film is impressive because it could of been awful, and over acted to get laughs but it is not. Ellen Barkin does a wonderful job in being a male trapped in a female's body. At times you even forget that she is woman playing a man, and you just think she a man playing a woman. And prop's go out to her lovely long blonde hair, what a hair do! The rest of the supporting cast to do well with their underwritten, and unfulfilled character's. Nobody is bad, but then nobody and even Ellen Barkin can stop this comedy becoming something other than a comedy, but they do try their damn hardest.
All in all this gender swapping comedy is watchable, but only when your not doing anything and it just appear's on TV (cause that's how I seen it). It's funny in bit's but this film will have you re-writing the script and thinking what if. It is one of those films where you do really wish they stuck to to the tried and tested formula of gender swapping comedy because if it did it wouldn't really be that bad.
Yeh!
No! When Steve arrives back on earth as Steve sister, instead of revenging his ex-girlfriend's for his death, and teaching them a lesson, or even getting involved in helping a poor helpless guy learn how to treat a woman, the plot ignores these typically explored avenue's of gender swapping comedy and the film just becomes a long waiting game.
Steve is a typical male, so when he is a woman the obvious joke's are in the trapping's of being a female. Walking in high heel, putting make- up on, sorting your hair, dressing yourself appropriately, and learning to deal with being seen as a sex object to men. These jokes are played through out the film which wear's a bit thin. So in the middle of these repetitive jokes he meet's Lorranie Bracco character who is a lesbian. They get on, and embark on what is probably the most PG pointless lesbian scene ever. Nothing happen's, but what is worse is something could of happened. There was potential to get them together, to bring more laugh's into a already laugh less comedy, and it could of moved the story along, but Blake Edward's makes the budding relationship between the two look like something out of the 'L Word', and then just discard what went on between the two as if it never happened. After that things just do a complete round about turn into silly and what the hell! You might think that this is the point of a comedy but when there is no laugh's to be had it's hard to think you where actually watching a comedy. And also the comedy theme's,and backbone is tangled up in a lot of unanswered question's, for instance, Is murder okay? It is itn alright for men to treat woman like object's, and visa versa and load's of other question's that would just ruin the film for you's who have not seen it, but would that be such a bad thing?
The acting in this film is impressive because it could of been awful, and over acted to get laughs but it is not. Ellen Barkin does a wonderful job in being a male trapped in a female's body. At times you even forget that she is woman playing a man, and you just think she a man playing a woman. And prop's go out to her lovely long blonde hair, what a hair do! The rest of the supporting cast to do well with their underwritten, and unfulfilled character's. Nobody is bad, but then nobody and even Ellen Barkin can stop this comedy becoming something other than a comedy, but they do try their damn hardest.
All in all this gender swapping comedy is watchable, but only when your not doing anything and it just appear's on TV (cause that's how I seen it). It's funny in bit's but this film will have you re-writing the script and thinking what if. It is one of those films where you do really wish they stuck to to the tried and tested formula of gender swapping comedy because if it did it wouldn't really be that bad.
Add me to those who really liked it.
miramichier_dac25 January 2010
Add me to the list of those who really liked this movie. Elements of it are hilarious as when the man in Ellen Barkin's body first tries to apply makeup and walk in high heels. Others are in-her-shoes educational for guys experiencing what it is like to be an object of lust. The ending is one of those ones that makes pure imagination seem logical and proper. Some 18 years later, I remember Barkin did a brilliant job of acting like a man acting like a woman and the makeup line, delivered while she staggers and stumbles down the hall, still cracks me up. A chick flick probably but it seemed like a good story well told to this guy.
Another sex switcheroo...weakly cast
moonspinner5519 February 2009
Typical Blake Edwards comedy, covering familiar ground while tickling potentially amusing male-female gender issues, ultimately settling for timeworn, routine gags. Womanizer Perry King is killed off and reincarnated as sexy Ellen Barkin--a man in a woman's body! How will he handle the men who lust after her...and what about those pesky high heel problems? Flaccid time-waster didn't even attract top talent: Barkin, so promising earlier in her career, manages to whittle her character's personality down to two vaguely different expressions (repulsed and pi**ed off), while her supporting players (Jimmy Smits, Tony Roberts and Lorriane Bracco) fumble about trying to find the tone of this piece. Edwards doesn't really hope to be racy here; he wants just enough saucy material to liven up the trailer, while the film itself is devoid of courage. *1/2 from ****
I love it!
galinavladi10 September 2004
I could not believe some of the comments about this movie! Unfunny???!!! Depressive???!!! I thought it was wonderful! Ellen Barkin is brilliant! Brilliant! Her first 5 minutes on screen is hilarious! I think this movie is misunderstood. Pink Panther fans expect certain things that just do not happen in this movie. It is funny from the beginning, bitter-sweet at the end, it is about love, friendship, meaning of life, soul searching, men and women, God and Devil, and even has a pretty good basketball one-on-one. I love it. I watched it many times over the years, I keep finding new little things to love about this movie, it is one of my all-time favorites and I give it an awesome 8 out of 10!!!
Ellie Barkin
mbrydges-1257814 October 2021
Blake Edwards rocks! this time anyway
pikappbh21 July 2011
I LOVE this movie. I'm a strange person though, so it makes sense this is one of the greatest movies no ones ever seen. Blake Edwards characters are made more vibrant by combining a cynicism and lust for life that makes his brilliant dialog both poignant and very funny. Like the current backwash of stupid funny, or anything with Seth Rogen? Forget I mentioned Switch at all, its not for you. Like witty adult comedies that went by the boards? Check out Pyrates{1991}. 10 lines huh? OK. I didn't know much about Ellen Barkin before this movie but, it seems comedy was not her forte. WOW. Talk about missing your calling.She is a scream. Smitts was a hot property at the time and was OK but maybe a little bit of a lightweight in this. JoBeth was killer (no pun intended) funny. Im done now.
Golden Oldie
oldvicar9 July 2021
I don't know if I enjoyed this more for its quality as a priceless time capsule or for the offence the modern snowflakes might pretend is caused. The wedding scene is an all time classic. Just watch this film: the first few minutes are fairly painful but everything picks up from the moment our heroine lands. It is sad to reflect that no film of this 'genre', a battle-of-the-sexes comedy that is actually funny and well made, has been done this century, or probably ever will be again.
Barkin is a great dude but not a comedian
SnoopyStyle27 April 2015
Ad man Steve Brooks (Perry King) is a womanizing male chauvinist pig. His girlfriends Margo Brofman (JoBeth Williams), Liz (Lysette Anthony) and another join forces to kill him. Every woman hates him and he isn't allowed into heaven. He is sent back to find one woman who truly likes him. The Devil (Bruce Payne) objects and changes him into a woman Amanda Brooks (Ellen Barkin). She claims to be Steve's half-sister. His best friend Walter Stone (Jimmy Smits) takes a liking to Amanda.
Ellen Barkin is a great dude but she's not necessarily a good comedian. This Blake Edwards comedy is not hitting exactly. I can see this work if Amanda is played by a great physical comedian. It's as if Edwards assumes that the man for woman thing would be easily funny for him once again. I also don't buy that she got Steve's job so easily. Another thing is the premise that making him a woman would automatically make it harder to get a woman to love him. Although I do like its resolution.
Ellen Barkin is a great dude but she's not necessarily a good comedian. This Blake Edwards comedy is not hitting exactly. I can see this work if Amanda is played by a great physical comedian. It's as if Edwards assumes that the man for woman thing would be easily funny for him once again. I also don't buy that she got Steve's job so easily. Another thing is the premise that making him a woman would automatically make it harder to get a woman to love him. Although I do like its resolution.
Primitive, Cheap, and Unfunny !
elshikh418 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
So it's about the man's man. And how he must learn that there is something on this earth besides him named "woman", and it's not created only for his joy. She's a human being, who has feelings and role in life. Hence, he has to confess her being, value her talents, and treat her fairly.
It's a good meaning. And the movie chooses fantasy to say it; particularly the "trapped-in-another-body" trick, which was so popular back then. (Blake Edwards), a master of farce, is directing. Nice pop soundtrack is presented, with songs like (Lyle Lovet)'s You Can't Resist It. So what on earth went wrong??!!
It's basically in the script. After choosing the fantasy plot, its creativeness ended, inclining to easy and empty talking, not situations. Look at the endless phone calls to the previous girlfriends to assure the main character's unfairness towards women, with not one satisfied or laughable situation. Then it takes 2 or 3 dry, direct, and sudden monologues to face the "other" unfair men with their truths, like the company's boss and else, with no appropriate situations either. And when the script makes situation, it rather fabricates one, where the lead's male friend sleeps with him, while he's a woman, to have a baby--it's all predictable from there to the end. Sure it lacks a lot. For instance, see how the lead blackmails his boss by knowing about his mistress, then blackmails his landlord by knowing about his mistress TOO!
The line of the lesbian affair was there to showcase the dominating male mentality even in affairs of that kind. However, the movie saw in it a way to attract male audience; therefore exploited it cheaply. Enough to know that a seduction scene between (Ellen Barkin) and (Lorraine Bracco) was excised after poor reactions in test screenings! Add to that the inserted nudity as well, to know perfectly that this movie cared about sex more than its comedy!
The script didn't find any way to produce laughs out of its plot. Walking falteringly in the high heels, or being bothered by the long hair, were naive, and went on and on in so boring manner. Speaking about "naive", in the lesbian bar fight, no way one punch could hit the eyes of 2 different persons in the same time. Character like the gay psychic wasn't funny at all. To tell you the truth, no character was funny in the first place. And no effort was done in scenes like the court's one, or the madhouse's, to make them any comedic!
Strangely, (Edwards) direction was as dead as the script. I don't exactly know why he went to the one-shot scenes, enhancing the wrong theatrical case, and causing a slow visual pace. In fact, this movie wasn't in the need of less impressive element or more bore!
(Barkin) did well in some scene, but she's not a natural comedienne. (Bruce Payne) can't be the male lead. He's not charismatic, and his performance was kind of cold. (Bracco), on the other hand, was unbearably cold. And - sorrowfully - the movie doesn't give anybody else an interesting role.
So (Switch) is primitive, cheap and unfunny. It's clear that its makers were between hasty and uninspired. This is why they, and us, ended up with good idea made in no good movie.
It's a good meaning. And the movie chooses fantasy to say it; particularly the "trapped-in-another-body" trick, which was so popular back then. (Blake Edwards), a master of farce, is directing. Nice pop soundtrack is presented, with songs like (Lyle Lovet)'s You Can't Resist It. So what on earth went wrong??!!
It's basically in the script. After choosing the fantasy plot, its creativeness ended, inclining to easy and empty talking, not situations. Look at the endless phone calls to the previous girlfriends to assure the main character's unfairness towards women, with not one satisfied or laughable situation. Then it takes 2 or 3 dry, direct, and sudden monologues to face the "other" unfair men with their truths, like the company's boss and else, with no appropriate situations either. And when the script makes situation, it rather fabricates one, where the lead's male friend sleeps with him, while he's a woman, to have a baby--it's all predictable from there to the end. Sure it lacks a lot. For instance, see how the lead blackmails his boss by knowing about his mistress, then blackmails his landlord by knowing about his mistress TOO!
The line of the lesbian affair was there to showcase the dominating male mentality even in affairs of that kind. However, the movie saw in it a way to attract male audience; therefore exploited it cheaply. Enough to know that a seduction scene between (Ellen Barkin) and (Lorraine Bracco) was excised after poor reactions in test screenings! Add to that the inserted nudity as well, to know perfectly that this movie cared about sex more than its comedy!
The script didn't find any way to produce laughs out of its plot. Walking falteringly in the high heels, or being bothered by the long hair, were naive, and went on and on in so boring manner. Speaking about "naive", in the lesbian bar fight, no way one punch could hit the eyes of 2 different persons in the same time. Character like the gay psychic wasn't funny at all. To tell you the truth, no character was funny in the first place. And no effort was done in scenes like the court's one, or the madhouse's, to make them any comedic!
Strangely, (Edwards) direction was as dead as the script. I don't exactly know why he went to the one-shot scenes, enhancing the wrong theatrical case, and causing a slow visual pace. In fact, this movie wasn't in the need of less impressive element or more bore!
(Barkin) did well in some scene, but she's not a natural comedienne. (Bruce Payne) can't be the male lead. He's not charismatic, and his performance was kind of cold. (Bracco), on the other hand, was unbearably cold. And - sorrowfully - the movie doesn't give anybody else an interesting role.
So (Switch) is primitive, cheap and unfunny. It's clear that its makers were between hasty and uninspired. This is why they, and us, ended up with good idea made in no good movie.
Title/End music worth the price of watching.
wr4i8 September 2002
Performed by Paul Young & Clannad, this haunting rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" is worth the price of watching this poorly done Blake Edwards movie. The end of the movie has a nice twist that is out of place with the rest of the movie because its actually so cleverly done!
Catch this one on late night TV, but don't waste the rental $$.
But do try and find a copy of the soundtrack for this wonderful music. Sorry can't vouch for the rest of the songs.
Catch this one on late night TV, but don't waste the rental $$.
But do try and find a copy of the soundtrack for this wonderful music. Sorry can't vouch for the rest of the songs.
Unfunny
filmbuff197031 May 2002
Warning: Spoilers
I quite like Blake Edwards Movies.From The Great Race to the pink Panther strikes again. I like "10" and really enjoyed Skin Deep. But this is depressing. It Has no Genuine funny moments. Barkin And Smits are ok but they are given so little to do. And as for that bummer of an ending. I Truly felt ripped off. A Comedy should end on a funny Note not a Downbeat Ending. This is so bad you could become a manic depressive by the end. 1 out of 10.
One Joke Film
gcd7031 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Blake Edwards, a great comedy director in his day, just does not seem to be able to deliver the loads of laughs promised by what ends up being a one joke film. The 'man trying to cope as a woman' theme is quite funny, and Ellen Barkin does well in this role, but it does not carry the film from beginning to end successfully.
The movie resolves itself with a nice sentimental touch, although it is all too predictable. As for the ridiculous concept of a He/She God sending the wanton man back to Earth, well what can I say? "Switch" could have been okay, but the silly plot makes it quite average. Also starred Jimmy Smits, JoBeth Williams and Lorraine Bracco.
Tuesday, March 17, 1992 - Video
The movie resolves itself with a nice sentimental touch, although it is all too predictable. As for the ridiculous concept of a He/She God sending the wanton man back to Earth, well what can I say? "Switch" could have been okay, but the silly plot makes it quite average. Also starred Jimmy Smits, JoBeth Williams and Lorraine Bracco.
Tuesday, March 17, 1992 - Video
A taste of his own medicine
jotix1009 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Steve Brooks is a ladies' man who has not endeared himself to the women he has been dating. When three of them decide to surprise him and make him pay for his own nastiness, little do they realize that he is allowed to stay on earth, but only as a woman! When the switch is done, the condition that he is sent back is to have him atone for his sins and be kind to a woman.
When we next meet Steve, he has been transformed into Amanda. In one of the most hysterically funny scenes in any the movies, Amanda, whose face we don't see, is going to perform a body function, in the bathroom, but can't find the right apparatus to do it.
Thus begins the new life for Amanda Brooks, who tells everyone she is Steve's sister. The only problem is that as a woman, Amanda must learn how to walk in high heels and even control the way she crosses her legs not to reveal any of her newly acquired charms. Her scene with her boss, Arnold Friedkin, is another highlight of this movie.
Amanda must begin to learn how to adapt to the new situation. She enlists her old pal, Walter Stone, to guide her through the corporate world of advertising and the rat race in trying to stay a step ahead of the other people in the office. Walter falls for Amanda; it's easy to see why.
The best thing in "Switch" is Ellen Barkin. She gives a fantastic performance as Amanda. Ms. Barkin plays Amanda with style, yet, she makes us see how this woman reacts to the new situation in her own way. Jimmy Smits, an otherwise nice actor, is not as effective here with his take on Walter. In fact, he seems rather uncomfortable playing opposite Ms. Barkin. Jobeth Williams, Tony Roberts, Lorraine Bracco, Perry King are seen in supporting roles. Also, in smaller roles, we see Catherine Keener, Tea Leoni, and Michael Badalucco, who have gone to bigger things.
Blake Edwards' comedy is a joy to watch.
When we next meet Steve, he has been transformed into Amanda. In one of the most hysterically funny scenes in any the movies, Amanda, whose face we don't see, is going to perform a body function, in the bathroom, but can't find the right apparatus to do it.
Thus begins the new life for Amanda Brooks, who tells everyone she is Steve's sister. The only problem is that as a woman, Amanda must learn how to walk in high heels and even control the way she crosses her legs not to reveal any of her newly acquired charms. Her scene with her boss, Arnold Friedkin, is another highlight of this movie.
Amanda must begin to learn how to adapt to the new situation. She enlists her old pal, Walter Stone, to guide her through the corporate world of advertising and the rat race in trying to stay a step ahead of the other people in the office. Walter falls for Amanda; it's easy to see why.
The best thing in "Switch" is Ellen Barkin. She gives a fantastic performance as Amanda. Ms. Barkin plays Amanda with style, yet, she makes us see how this woman reacts to the new situation in her own way. Jimmy Smits, an otherwise nice actor, is not as effective here with his take on Walter. In fact, he seems rather uncomfortable playing opposite Ms. Barkin. Jobeth Williams, Tony Roberts, Lorraine Bracco, Perry King are seen in supporting roles. Also, in smaller roles, we see Catherine Keener, Tea Leoni, and Michael Badalucco, who have gone to bigger things.
Blake Edwards' comedy is a joy to watch.
Basic plot's been done before.
webbigail14 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I just finished watching Switch on TV a few minutes ago, and came to IMDb to check out the reviews and recommendations. I can't believe no one has realized that Switch is basically a remake of Goodbye Charlie (1964), a Debbie Reynolds / Tony Curtis vehicle about a womanizer who is brought back as a woman. Surely Blake Edwards knew of the earlier movie. Why no one else on IMDb seems to know it, I cannot fathom.
It's been years since I saw Goodbye Charlie, but I remember it as a mildly funny film. Switch didn't make me laugh once. I think Ellen Barkin is a fine actress, but her performance seemed too slapsticky in the early part of the film. Jimmy Smits can't emote, and was totally unbelievable whenever he played drunk.
Basically, though, I'd have to say the script was too clichéd and the direction misguided. All the blame must fall to Blake Edwards.
Goodbye Charlie was a piece of fluff, but Switch couldn't decide what it wanted to be and suffered for it.
It's been years since I saw Goodbye Charlie, but I remember it as a mildly funny film. Switch didn't make me laugh once. I think Ellen Barkin is a fine actress, but her performance seemed too slapsticky in the early part of the film. Jimmy Smits can't emote, and was totally unbelievable whenever he played drunk.
Basically, though, I'd have to say the script was too clichéd and the direction misguided. All the blame must fall to Blake Edwards.
Goodbye Charlie was a piece of fluff, but Switch couldn't decide what it wanted to be and suffered for it.
Its funny from time to time
impressivesgirl-3785724 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The beginning was good, quite funny. Then the whole movie the new woman Amanda is walking in heels like no man or an animal, definitely not a woman, would ever walk. And she doesnt learn for the majority of the movie - very annoying! Then a close friend of her rapes her while she is unconscious (she doesnt remember that) and she gives birth, keeping a very good relationship with him and all that played as a joke. I am sorry but rape is the last thing to joke about and I find this wildly disturbing. It ends beautifully and it explains (kinda) the rape situation, but its still not good enough.
A different twist on a cross-gender storyline.
Rhydarr18 November 1998
An amusing film where a sexist man is killed by one of his girlfriends, and sent back to earth to live in a woman's body. He must find a woman who loves him in order to make it into Heaven. Great performance by Ellen Barkin.
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