To All the Boys I've Loved Before | Movie Review
This was originally a New York Times Best Seller, Netflix made it into a movie, it's currently streaming on the app now — this is a teen flick, but still super cute.
It's like when you watch Mean Girls as an adult, although some scenes are a bit too mature, and better suited for at least 13.
When I was a teenager, my favorite teen movies were Clueless, Cruel Intentions, and She's All That.
I thought this movie was super cute though. I was tempted to read the book (because I always think the book is usually better), but I didn't because I found out the book is actually a trilogy series.
There's a part that reminds me of myself when I was a teenager — the main theme of the novel/movie, writing letters to her crushes that she never intended to send. ♡
Anyway, it's a good movie to watch with your daughter; or for teen girls.
Very clean cut and none of those crazy stuff in other teen flicks. Very wholesome, and the guy that plays Aidan from Sex and the City, plays Dan, the dad.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before is the kind of romantic comedy that knows exactly what it wants to be and never tries to pretend it's something deeper or more complicated.
Based on the novel by Jenny Han, the film takes a familiar teen-romance setup and gives it enough charm, warmth, and sincerity to make it feel fresh.
The story follows Lara Jean Covey, a shy high school student who secretly writes love letters to her crushes but never intends for anyone to read them.
When the letters are mysteriously mailed out, her carefully controlled world is thrown into chaos, leading to an unexpected fake relationship with popular athlete Peter Kavinsky.
What makes the movie work so well is its sweetness.
In an era when many teen films lean heavily into sarcasm or edgy humor, this one embraces earnest romance without embarrassment.
Lara Jean is a relatable protagonist whose tendency to retreat into fantasy feels believable rather than exaggerated. The film captures the awkwardness of first love, the fear of rejection, and the comfort of finding someone who sees you for who you really are.
The chemistry between Lara Jean and Peter is the movie's greatest strength. Their relationship develops gradually enough that viewers can enjoy watching genuine feelings emerge beneath the fake-dating premise.
The performances help elevate material that could have easily become formulaic. Lana Condor brings warmth and vulnerability to Lara Jean, making her easy to root for. Noah Centineo gives Peter enough charisma and emotional depth to prevent him from becoming just another stereotypical high school heartthrob. Together, they create a romantic pairing that feels both charming and surprisingly natural.
The film also deserves credit for its portrayal of family relationships. Lara Jean's bond with her sisters is often just as engaging as the romance itself.
The Covey family feels authentic, and the movie spends enough time developing those relationships that the emotional moments carry real weight. The story understands that teenage life isn't solely about romance; family, friendship, and personal growth are equally important parts of the experience.
While the movie doesn't break much new ground in terms of plot, its execution is consistently strong.
Some viewers may find the story predictable, and many of the major developments can be seen coming well in advance. However, romantic comedies often succeed not because of surprise but because of how effectively they deliver familiar emotional beats. In that regard, the film succeeds beautifully.
Overall, To All the Boys I've Loved Before is a delightful, feel-good romantic comedy that combines likable characters, strong performances, and genuine heart.
It captures the excitement and uncertainty of young love without becoming overly sentimental, making it an easy recommendation for fans of modern romance films. Even viewers who don't typically gravitate toward teen movies may find themselves won over by its sincerity and charm.
It is a comforting, crowd-pleasing film that reminds audiences why the romantic comedy genre remains so enduringly popular.
