To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You missed the soundtrack mark, which was one of the best parts of the original film. Something about the arrangement felt less cohesive. The scene with Lara Jean running out of the senior home after kissing John Ambrose was a heightened moment, but the music surrounding that scene, and then cutting to Peter standing there to her surprise, did not feel elevated. The first film’s soundtrack SLAPS🎶.  I still play it, and I’m so happy that that one film put me on to so many incredible artists! The only song I’d like to replay from this film is the remake of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Charlotte Lawrence, Nina Nesbitt and Sasha Sloan.

I appreciated the use of the same score to transition from scene to scene accompanied by Lara Jean’s narration.

Strong direction in a few key scenes: 

🌊🌊🌊 The argument between Peter and LJ about the hot tub fiasco, and Peter finally admitting that Gen circulated the video—good acting by Lana and Noah, but also solid directing. The moment was brief (kinda wished it was a little longer), but the audience finally got to the climax of conflict between LJ’s jealousy of Peter and Gen’s relationship and Peter straight lyin’ to save her feelings.

🐙🐙🐙 The aquarium scene when Peter got the Valentine’s Day locket back from LJ—appreciated the linear screenplay of Peter and LJ discussing the video being posted, idea of John Ambrose volunteering with LJ at the senior home, and Peter covering up that he didn’t know it was Gen who posted the video all while they’re dissecting an 🐙 in science class, then a few scenes later he retrieves the locket in front of a tank of beautiful floating octopi 🐙 .

👗👗👗 And at the very end when Peter picked LJ up from the senior home. I hated the dialogue. I thought it was odd—I don’t care if it was lifted directly from the books,  something about the words Peter said to LJ before their kiss felt unearned. BUT, the moment was still well-paced and sweet. 

Something about the editing in this film fell flat. If there’s an extended cut, it should be released to help balance the conflict, and add a little more dialogue and context to the big rift between LJ and Peter and the introduction of John Ambrose. The treehouse scene was essential to bring the love triangle conflict to the mat, but something in the falling action to the conclusion was lacking.

Overall, I’m excited about the continued success of this series. It’s good, clean, teen-drama fun, and I live for the story. Can’t wait until the final installment!!

Shouts to Riverdale shawty Ross Butler, and Dance Moms alum Maddie Ziegler for their cameos!