3x3 Movie and TV Series Review: The Prom, Bridgerton, The Princes Switch (1 and 2)

Here is my 3x3 reviews of Netflix movies and TV series I have seen over the holiday break. It was fun to watch them all but none of of them has really resonated with me.

The Prom (Murphy, Martin, Beguelin Ryan Murphy Productions, 2019) has spectacular acting. The music and the choreography are dazzling and on quiet and gentle moments, it is honest in its message of inclusion and tolerance. Then again, on its final note, I felt I had been chewing gum all along.

Vanessa Hudgens shines in the The Princess Switch (Rohl, Burger and Metzger MCPA, 2018) and The Princess Switched Again (Rohl, Burger and Metzger MPCA, 2020). A very predictable script is made charming by the actors' visuals and production design. These two movies are Christmas candy canes and I had to drink hot chocolate less the sugar and the vanilla right after.

And then, there is Bridgerton (Van Dusen, Netflix 2020). Is it worth all the hype?

It is not Pride and Prejudice so don't keep your hopes up if you are a loyal Austen fan. There are eye-rolling moments but the chemistry between Rege Jane Page and Phoebe Dynevor, as well as the friendship of Eloise and Penelope make up for the enormous cliché. Women in this Regency era TV series are given agency enough to crack open the patriarchy a little bit but it is Lady Danbury, portrayed by Adjoah Andoh, who wields power over them all.

Oh, Lady Danbury! How to be you? There are explorations of gender roles and the treatment of race in a multiracial London is a given. Yet, social class and elitism remain the primary conflicts affecting beloved characters. The OST is pretty cool!