Laura Jean has returned to our Netflix screens in a film that proves just as quirky and romantic as its predecessor...
Director: Michael Fimognari
Starring: Noah Centineo, Lana Condor, Jordan Fisher
Running Time: 104 minutes
For those unfamiliar with the first film, To All the Boys tells the story of dreamer and true romantic Lara Jean writing five letters to her past lovers, which are delivered by her younger sister, causing a dilemma. However, one of them, Peter Kavinsky (played by the gorgeous Noah Centineo) strikes a deal with Lara Jean to be her fake boyfriend in order to spite his ex-girlfriend and Lara’s former best friend. Eventually, after so much time spent together, this fake relationship turns into love and this is where the sequel picks up.
The key difference in the sequel is that Lara and Peter are now in a relationship - and not a fake one. This is obviously a primary focus in the film, but this is a romance, and in a typical romance not every relationship is plain sailing, meaning there are a few bumps along the road to watch out for. Sparks fly and confusion is in the air, but all things happen for a reason.
Many people expect sequels not to live up to the first film, but in this case the movie maintains its originality and allows audiences to enjoy it just as much. However, much of the film’s content was typical of the rom-com genre, including plenty of close-ups of Lara and Peter to emphasise the closeness of the couple. Where the cinematography really succeeds is its intimate point-of-view shots, which help viewers to be engrossed in the setting of the film and feel what the characters are feeling in each moment.
A must-watch for any fan of the first film
One of the ways in which P.S. I Still Love You surpasses the first movie is its emotive scenes, which we didn’t get as much of before because the relationship was only fake. Witnessing these two characters having genuine feelings for each other really tugs on the heartstrings and leaves you more engrossed in the story, which pays off with the satisfying ending.
Yet, despite being full of lovey-dovey romance, there isn’t as much focus as you would think on the main couple. Instead, most of the spotlight is given to new love interest John, which was less satisfying to watch right up until the end of the movie.
Ultimately, for a sequel, P.S. I Still Love You does a very good job of staying both quirky and original, making it a must-watch for any fan of the first film.
Did you know? Both films are based on novels by Jenny Han, and an adaptation of the third book has been announced.
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is on Netflix now
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