Netflix's Family Switch Afdah is an incredibly disappointing movie that may make even the most forgiving viewer question their decision to watch it. Directed by McG, a name that doesn't inspire much confidence, this family comedy explores the overused concept of body-switching, with a hint of astrological mysticism. It's the type of mixture that leaves you pondering whether Hollywood has exhausted all its creative ideas or if this is an elaborate joke played on unsuspecting audiences.
The narrative centers on the Walkers, a typical suburban family whose challenges could easily be confused with those of a sitcom pilot. Jess (Jennifer Garner) is the driven architect on the brink of achieving professional success, while Bill (Ed Helms) plays the role of the eccentric father—a former rock musician who has transitioned into a high school band teacher. Add in a talented soccer player and a prodigious STEM enthusiast, and with a supporting cast as shallow as a puddle, you end up with a cinematic soufflé that fails to fully rise.
The movie's main idea, where a family wakes up in each other's bodies on a crucial day, is portrayed with the clumsiness of a toddler taking their first steps. McG's direction feels more like a routine task rather than a sincere effort to rejuvenate the overused body-switching concept. The comedic moments, especially Ed Helms' physical comedy attempts, come across as heavy-handed as a falling anvil, resulting in viewers cringing rather than laughing.
The characters in the script by Adam Sztykiel and Victoria Strouse lack depth, making it difficult for the Walkers to navigate each other's lives. Emma Myers and Brady Noon, who play the younger leads, do a remarkable job imitating their adult counterparts, but this accomplishment is overshadowed by the lack of substance in the characters themselves. It feels as though the audience is watching a puppet show where the strings are more captivating than the puppets.
