Just in time for Valentine’s Day season, the Netflix hit “To All The Boys I’ve Loved” sequel is here in hopes to double down on the success of the 2018 film.
The second film of the trilogy, “To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You,” based on novels written by Jenny Han, follows the successes of “The Fault in Our Stars,” and “Love, Simon.”
Oriented towards the female teen demographic, the film, directed by Michael Fimognari, is one that appeals to a wider group of audience due to their diverse cast and fan favorite actors. The film’s original take on the cliched love story is strikingly impressive as this is a genre that is overly saturated, especially on the streaming market.
As much as the film appeals to a larger demographic, even appealing to male teens, and has a modern aesthetic, “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You,” is a token piece of what made 80’s teen flicks such as “16 Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” great Friday night popcorn movies.
Screenplay writers Sofia Alvarez and J. Mills Goodloe does somewhat of a convincing job of creating “teen dialogue” set in modern day. The only downside to the film’s overall enjoyability factor is the age of the actors compared to the age they portray on-screen.
Leads Lana Condor (22) and Noah Centineo (23) seem too old for their 16-year-old characters Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky. Both have convincing chemistry that is fit for roles in what could be set in a college atmosphere.
Condor, known for “X-Men: Apocalypse” and “Alita: Battle Angel,” does most of the heavy lifting in terms of the tone.
Centineo, known for “The Fosters” series, 2019’s “Charlie’s Angels,” and the upcoming “Masters of the Universe” film where he will play He-Man, steps back for the sequel as he and Jordan Fisher (25) sets in as another love interest for Lara Jean. Centineo’s performance is one that relies heavily on the stereotypical male love interest type of acting for films of the romance genre.
The storyline itself is well put together. Filled with many callbacks to other films and the predecessor, “To All The Boys I’ve Loved,” and unexpected plot twist, the sequel definitely ups the ante.
The set design adds interest as well. The cozy indoor homes, the typical high school atmosphere, the aquarium, treehouse and retirement home scenes felt comforting and upscale. The budget for the film seemed to be put to good use.
Overall, “To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You” is an automatic Netflix win, an enjoyable film that surely prepares fans of the novel series and film franchise.
RATING-
3.5/5
Director: Michael Fimognari
Cast: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Jordan Fisher, Holland Taylor
Sebastian Guzman
