Movie Review: “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You”

in Entertainment/Reviews by
“To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You” highlights Lara Jean’s budding relationship with Peter, left, when John Ambrose, right, arrives and evokes new feelings that could spell the end for the new couple. (Photo/Parade)

After Jenny Han’s young adult (YA) book-turned-movie “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” attracted book lovers and movie aficionados alike, many anticipated the sequel “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You,” released Feb. 12 on Netflix. As someone who read the entire series in two days and watched “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” more times than I care to admit, I couldn’t wait to watch the next movie with my friends on Galentine’s Day. 

The movie picks up where the first left off and follows Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter (Noah Centineo) as they explore their new relationship. However, as the couple gets to know each other better, they come face-to-face with their differences and their conflicting pasts. With Genevieve (Emilija Baranac), Peter’s ex-girlfriend and Lara Jean’s ex-best friend, stirring up drama and John Ambrose (Jordan Fisher), one of the recipients of Lara Jean’s original five love letters, sparking new feelings in Lara Jean, tension arises.

Focusing on the emerging love triangle (square?) between Peter, Lara Jean and John Ambrose (and Genevieve), “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You” provides a romantic comedy that leaves viewers split between Team Peter and Team John Ambrose. When Lara Jean made her choice (no spoilers here!) between the two love interests, I felt like there wasn’t an explanation behind her decision, leaving the scene feeling rushed and unsatisfying after dedicating an hour and 42 minutes to the film. Although I understand why she ended up with whom she did, I wished the screenwriters provided more reasoning behind her decision.

The most entertaining part of the movie centered on the secondary character. Lara Jean’s younger sister Kitty (Anna Cathcart) and best friend Christine (Madeleine Arthur) kept me hooked on the movie, between Kitty’s commentary and Christine’s growing relationship with her seemingly polar opposite Trevor (Ross Butler).  

As a whole, the movie offered a cute and comedic way to pass time. While not my first choice to rewatch, “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You” serves as a great movie to watch with friends (especially if you and your friends enjoy adding your own commentary in response to the characters’ actions). 

As a senior, Kayla Rubenstein spends her fourth (and heartbreakingly final) year on staff as Online Editor-in-Chief, Business Manager and Social Media Correspondent. Wanting to make the most of her senior year, Kayla serves as the President of Quill and Scroll, Historian of Rho Kappa and Co-Historian of NHS, while also actively participating in EHS and SNHS. Outside of school, Kayla contributes to Mensa’s publications and volunteers with different organizations within her community. An avid reader, Kayla can often be found with her nose in a book when not working on an article for The Patriot Post or developing a project for iPatriot Post.