Switch (1991)

33% of critics liked it
(18 reviews)
45% of users liked it
(6,771 ratings)

Ellen Barkin stars in this mystical comedy about a detestable male chauvinist temporarily reincarnated into the body of a woman. Steve Brooks (Perry King) foolishly accepts an invite for an evening of debauchery from three former girlfriends, and thinks he's got it made when he shows up to find them… More Ellen Barkin stars in this mystical comedy about a detestable male chauvinist temporarily reincarnated into the body of a woman. Steve Brooks (Perry King) foolishly accepts an invite for an evening of debauchery from three former girlfriends, and thinks he's got it made when he shows up to find them waiting for him in a hot tub. Eager to exact revenge on the scoundrel, the women proceed to drown him, and Steve is cast into a purgatory in which two unseen voices are deciding whether to send him to heaven or hell. Steve is given one chance to save himself from damnation -- if he can find a woman alive who actually liked him. To complicate his task and teach him a lesson, Steve is reincarnated as a sexy woman (Barkin), just the type who would have been the target of his cheesy advances. Sloppily adjusting to his new body, Steve (now Barkin) tells people he is the sister of the missing Steve Brooks, and begins working at his old advertising agency as a means toward completing his arduous task. As Steve's sister, he also enlists the help of his best friend, Walter (Jimmy Smits), despite the complication that Walter is noticeably attracted to the woman he has become. Steve's homophobia -- and several of his other hateful traits -- are put to the test. ~ Derek Armstrong, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Blake Edwards
Written By: Blake Edwards
Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: May 10, 1991 Wide
On DVD: Aug 7, 2001
Studio: HBO Video

Critic Reviews

Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Fascinating mix of comedy, gender bending, feminism and fantasy.
Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Blake Edwards' inventive take on gender
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Funny, and ultimatelty romantic. Barkin is a riot!
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Typical late-in-the-day Edwards desperation
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
another tepid attempt by Edwards to recapture his comic edge

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Mason W

Switch is an off the wall film starring Ellen Barkin and Jimmy Smits. A playboy ends up coming back as a woman whom needs to make an actual lady friend....easier said than done for this womanizer. It has some funny scenes worth seeing.
xGary X

Yet another dreary body swap comedy in which an actress assumes that all men scratch their crotch, fart and spit in public. Now, pull my finger.
Leigh R

I love this...
Dean M

Ellen Barkin's quite good and funny as the former self from a man after who was murdered.
Leo L

Absolutely hilarious!! Ellen Barkin and Jimmy Smits are fantastic. Good movie with tons of laughter.

Cast

            Ellen Barkin as Amanda Brooks

            Jimmy Smits as Walter Stone

            JoBeth Williams as Margo Brofman

            Lorraine Bracco as Sheila Faxton

            Perry King as Steve Brooks

            Tony Roberts as Arnold Friedkin

            Lysette Anthony as Liz

            Bruce Payne as Devil

            Victoria Mahoney as Felicia

            Basil Hoffman as Higgins

            Catherine Keener as Steve's Secretary

            Kevin Kilner as Dan Jones

            Rick Aiello as Wiseguy at Duke's

            Helena Apothaker as Gay Club Waitress

            Michael Badalucco as Hard Hat

            Greg Barnett as Thug at Duke's

            Ross Brittain as Morning DJ

            Jim J. Bullock as The Psychic

            Dena Burton as Party Guest

            Diana Chesney as Mrs. Wetherspoon

            Patricia Clipper as Girl in Elevator

            Robert Clotworthy as Bailiff

            Linda Dona as Gay Club Patron

            Robert Elias as Photographer

            Lou Eppolito as Al the Guard

            Joe Flood as Mac the Guard

            Yvette Freeman as Mae the Maid

            David Gale as Doctor

            Linda Gary as God

            Tony Genaro as Mental Patient

            Teri Gold as F&B Model

            Jay R. Goldenberg as Sardi's Maitre d'

            James Harper as Lieutenant Laster

            Ben Hartigan as Minister

            Jessie Jones as Arnold's Secretary

            John La Fayette as Sgt. Phillips

            Tracy Lambert as Store Model

            Mindy Lawson as F&B Model

            Téa Leoni as Dream  Girl

            Lily Mariye as Nurse

            Karen Medak as Saleswoman

            Faith Minton as Nancy the Bouncer

            Jacquelyn Rene Moen as Girl at City Grille

            Virginia Morris as Assistant District Attorney

            Marti Muller as Woman Client

            Jennie Nauman as Party Guest

            Kimberly Oja as F&B Model

            Molly Okuneff as Little Girl

            Dennis Paladino as Duke

            F. William Parker as Barber

            Richard Provost as God

            Annette Quinn as Party Guest

            Michelle Reese as Party Guest

            Barbara Schillaci as Mental Patient

            William Shockley as Party Guest

            Alana Silvani as Girl at City Grille

            Elena Statheros as Girl at Aiko's

            Savant Tanney as Judge Harcrow

            Robert Towers as Mental Patient

            Emma Walton as Fur Protestor

            David Wohl as Attorney Caldwell

            Michelle Wong as Photo Assistant

            Rebecca Wood as Gay Club Patron

            Fred Lerner as Thug at Duke's

            Lauren Lloyd
            
            Taunie Vrenon as Store Model

            Jim Lovelett as Jogger
See full cast