To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You : Movie Review

 TO ALL THE BOYS: P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU

Director : Michael Fimognari

Genre : Romance/Drama

Cast : Lana Condor (Lara Jean), Noah Centineo (Peter Kavinsky), Jordan Fisher (John Ambrose) and        others

Release Date : February 12, 2020

Rating : 3/5

Duration : 1 hr 42 mins

Language : English

Reviewed By : Shravni Datta Borade

The beginning of the film will please viewers who are eager to see more of Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter (Noah Centineo) on their first date. He takes her to an Italian restaurant, where the atmosphere becomes increasingly odd after Peter becomes unduly enthusiastic about having two forks (so he can drop one on the floor). Lara Jean admits, "This is my first date—I've never been a girlfriend before. "I'm hoping I do well at it." This may seem nice on paper, but it gives you an odd feeling in your stomach. And despite his extensive relationship experience dating Lara Jean's ex-friend Gen, it becomes clear that despite her efforts to be his wonderful girlfriend (even changing some aspects of who she is), he's not going to do many unique things for her (Emilija Baranc). A key component of this is Condor's appealing performance, which moves us over Lara Jean's awkward duty by inspiring empathy for Lara Jean and the other aspects of her existence.

The story has plenty to offer those who are not rooting for team PK + LJ in between its thirty or so lush pop song needle drops and its aggressively teal colour scheme from director/cinematographer Michael Fimognari. A sixth-grade crush named John Ambrose McClaren (Jordan Fisher) received one and responded with a lovely letter, just as Lara Jean attracted Peter's attention when he received a love letter she never intended to give him. Nevertheless, before Lara Jean can dismiss it, he shows up at the retirement community where she volunteers. Flashing smiles, which seamlessly blend into whatever connection he may make to the bonding experiences they enjoyed years ago, allow Fisher to show how John Ambrose has eyes for Lara Jean.

The script (written by Sofia Alvarez and J. Mills Goodloe) clearly argues why John Ambrose (He speaks clearly! It would be better for, no, more fitting for Lara Jean if he could play a love tune on the piano while talking. Even more than whatever it is that ties Lara Jean and Peter together, they have a sweet Halloween costume recollection that shows off the humour of Lara Jean and John Ambrose. When collaborating on a bingo game, Lara Jean and John Ambrose come to the realisation that they are "lame in a cool manner." The connection is endearing and just as transparent as the later plot devices used by the film to preserve the on-screen romance between its two major actors, Condor and Centineo.

As one might expect, the more enjoyable scenes in this film take place elsewhere than in Lara Jean & Peter's dilemma. John Corbett gets a few happy sequences as Lara Jean's dad with a potential new love interest. Even better, the narrative has a few amusing turns when it discusses Lara Jean's previous connections, which are not romantic but are much clearer about who she hangs out with and where she is now. It's more creative than the occasionally entertaining comedy from the elderly inhabitants or the fleeting exchanges between Lara Jean and her kind friends Chris (Madeleine Arthur) and Lucas (Trezzo Mahoro)

Then again, there is Peter. In his soft-spoken manner, Centineo portrays the many things he does to let Lara Jean down as honest blunders. Peter's mistakes range from unintentional—not messaging to say he would be arriving hours late—to dangerously dumb, to a serious dating offence including plagiarism. Yeah, the movies are intended to focus on youth and all the poor decisions that come with it. To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, however, is dangerously honest in portraying Peter as more than he actually is.

These two films are about how hindsight may reveal a larger picture, and perhaps in the inevitable fifth, sixth, or twelfth chapter, Lara Jean will recognise the problems in her relationship with Peter that these movies do their best to downplay. But for now, we can at least hope for the best for Lara Jean, whose two so far experiences have made you curious about who she is. From occasional voiceover references, we know that she's an excellent baker and that romance novels have influenced her fantasies. But, you don't really understand what she's aiming for in life when she talks about going to college. When Lara Jean navigates unfamiliar situations with grace throughout the movie, Condor's performance evokes a sense of amazement. It's challenging to let go of the wish that Lara Jean will soon experience better things, such as a better boyfriend and a better movie.