For how often it is attempted it might seem hard to believe but teen romances are not easy to pull off. Usually they are actors way too old to be playing their teen parts and the romance feels more like adults rather than teenagers. The To All the Boys series is an exception to the rule. I’ve enjoyed all 3 of the films in this series including the latest To All the Boys: Always and Forever, which comes to Netflix Feb 12th.
The reason why this new film and the series work is because they have created such warm and affectionate lead characters in Peter and Lara Jean. They are both charming as played by Noah Centineo and Lana Candor respectively. They have terrific chemistry as a couple and as believable characters in their own right.
I’m one of the few people who actually enjoyed the 2nd film PS I Still Love You more than the original because I felt it made Peter a more well-rounded, fleshed out character. In the first he was a bit too perfect; whereas, in the second he had opinions and ideas all his own and their relationship had to grow. I enjoyed that dynamic.
Fortunately the 3rd movie has done away with the weakest part of the 2nd movie- the love triangle between Lara Jean, Peter and John Ambrose (played by Jordan Fisher). This love triangle was unnecessary and took away from building the relationship between Lara Jean and Peter.
The 3rd movie covers a lot of ground. We start out with Lara Jean and her family exploring Korea and her hoping she gets into Stanford to be with Peter in college. Then things get more serious as they go to New York and she starts to wonder if she belongs there more than in Palo Alto.
We also have prom, her father’s wedding and Peter trying to forgive his father for his lack of presence in his life (his father played by ET’s Henry Thomas!). All of these moments add to our characters and make the entire journey feel authentic and very sweet.
Some people may find To All the Boys: Always and Forever to be too sweet and romantic for their tastes but I’m all for it. I thought it was delightful and one of the most romantic movies I’ve seen in a long time. Viewers young and old will be swept away in the love story of Peter and Lara Jean and be cheering for them all along the way.
Most importantly all 3 movies together work as a coming of age story for both Lara Jean and Peter. They both grow and change and their love grows along with them. Honestly I could keep following them as they grow into adults, get married, have kids, the whole shebang. As it is, I’m glad we’ve gotten such a lovely trilogy to enjoy. If you like romances at all I think you will love this whole set of movies and even if you don’t, it might still win you over!
8.5 out of 10
Smile Worthy
