Switch Up | SXSW 2024 Film Review

Switch Up follows Ricardo De La Cruz (Cristián de la Fuente), a popular TV host in Miami, known for his show, La Vida with Ricardo. He has everything: money, cars, mansion, a beautifully yet shallow girlfriend, etc. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way to his success, he lost himself. His ratings are also taking a tumble, so his showrunner, Marie (Shondrella Avery) crafts the idea of heading down to Brownsville, TX and covering a local homeless shelter run by Cassandra (Julieth Restrepo).

There also happens to be a local Miami talent, Marcus (R. Brandon Johnson), waiting desperately for his shot at Ricardo’s slot. Therefore, when Ricardo finds himself embroiled in a manufactured Ponzi scheme, Marcus talks the new producer on the show, Maclane (Temple Baker, making the most of his comedic opportunities), into forcing a change to the mantle. Suddenly, the vacuous host is forced to deal with the FBI, freezing of his assets, and asking the homeless shelter he just made a mockery of for a handout. Can Ricardo rediscover his roots, as well as possibly woo Cassandra?

The riches-to-rags story is nothing new, but that does not make for any less of an entertaining attempt. Director Tara Pirnia and her team of writers clearly want to craft a family-friendly rom-com, and in most respects, she succeeds. Switch Up is perfect fodder for an afternoon matinee with both your kids and grandparents alike. It is a story stuffed with life lessons and likable leads.

The real issue with the film is it is trying to accomplish too much at one time. Ricardo’s dilemma is surrounded by a dying guardian angel of sorts (an always welcome Jeff Fahey), Marie’s extended kidnapping that ultimately makes zero logistical sense in reasoning nor the time it covers, and also manages to jam in the FBI as major characters. The plot falls off the cliff of complexities, despite everyone involved offering their best efforts.

Thankfully, you do have charming leads in Cristián de la Fuente’s Ricardo, and especially Julieth Restrepo’s Cassie. Cristián de la Fuente is a handsome beast of a man, and though the convoluted plot weighs his character down with selfish tendencies and eccentricities, de la Fuente does his best to keep us engaged. Restrepo, on the other hand, is the true star of the film, elevating every aspect of Cassie’s story and a bit of Ricardo’s as well. Charm, depth, even a hint of rage. Of all involved, Julieth Restrepo deserves a better script, as she is brimming with talent that anyone can see.

Overall, Switch Up is a low-key, entertaining comedy that does not quite deliver everything it lines up. That said, there are far worse ways to spend an afternoon with your family.

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