I remember being pleasantly surprised by To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, back in 2018; the story of the romantic life of two high school students, Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter (Noah Centineo).
Then came To All the Boys – P.S. I Still Love You (2020), a film I concluded was okay compared to the first. Having now watched To All the Boys – Always and Forever, the final instalment, I can say that minus one or two minor niggles, director Michael Fimognari’s film is close to as satisfying as high school romance stories get. Especially for girls who picture themselves in Lara Jean’s position.
It certainly helps that Peter is quite decent, somewhat mature, and the story feels generally quite grounded in the reality of what life is like for high schoolers in similar predicaments. I enjoyed letting To All the Boys – Always and Forever take me back to the romantic ups and downs of high school life and remembering just how absorbing my high school romances were.
Other highlights include the general look and feel of the visuals, including the colours, illustrations, plus a perfectly fitting, sometimes rebellious soundtrack.
The only parts that had me raising an eyebrow or two involve the situation with the pink sofa on the New York subway. Particularly the expectation that I’m supposed to believe they fully carried it there. There’s also the fact that Peter’s father looks very unlike him and some of his dialogue left me wanting.
I say watch To All the Boys – Always and Forever if you enjoyed the first two movies. The story is wrapped up rather well.
Happy Film Loving
G
