Monsters at the Movies: To All the Boys I've Loved Before

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Reviewed by Nick Spake

GRADE: B

After years of stereotyping, typecasting, and even whitewashing, western entertainment is finally starting to craft more complex roles for Asian performers. Not only has there been several acclaimed TV shows like Fresh Off the Boat and Andi Mack, but Crazy Rich Asians dominated the box office three weeks in a row. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is another romantic comedy that shines the spotlight on a strong Asian lead. What makes this adaptation of Sofia Alvarez’s young adult novel so encouraging is that the film doesn’t call attention to itself for being diverse. Actually, you could take out the fact that the protagonist is part Asian and it wouldn’t change the narrative in the slightest. There seems to be a mentality in Hollywood that if a lead is a person of color, that needs to be the focus of the movie. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, however, demonstrates that ethnicity doesn’t need to govern a character’s entire personality.

Lana Condor delivers a lovable breakthrough performance as Lara Jean, a shy teenage girl struggling to navigate through life as she enters her junior year of high school and her older sister Margot (Janel Parrish) goes off to college. Margot is also leaving behind her ex-boyfriend Josh (Israel Broussard), who was originally Lara Jean’s best male friend and longtime crush. Although Lara Jean never had the guts to reveal her true feelings to Josh, she unleashed all of her emotions in a love letter years ago. Lara Jean actually wrote letters to every boy she’s ever had a crush on, keeping them hidden away in a secret box. A can of worms is opened when the letters are accidentally mailed, sending Lara Jean into panic mode.

In addition to Josh, a letter is also sent to the hunky Peter (Noah Centineo), who Lara Jean kissed in a game of spin-the-bottle during their early teens. In order to convince Josh that she no longer has feelings for him and salvage her relationship with Margot, Lara Jean decides to enter a fake romance with Peter. Signing a contract, both make it clear upfront that they have no real feelings for each other whatsoever. Of course if you’ve seen Can’t Buy Me Love, Say Anything…, or any John Hughes movie, it should be evident that these two opposites are eventually going to attract.

Needless to say, the plot here isn’t a game-changer. We all know where the characters are going to end up and at times you wish the screenplay took a few more chances with the premise. For example, five letters are sent in total, but we really only focus on two of the boys Lara an has loved. There could’ve been great comedic potential with the other three boys, but they’re given little screen time. Then again, what matters most in a movie like this is the chemistry between the leads and the relationship that inevitably blossoms is quite sweet. Lara Jean’s relationship with Peter isn’t the only one that’s effectively handled. She also demonstrates a believable rapport with her supportive father (John Corbett), her nosy younger sister (Anna Cathcart), and Margot, who looks out for her family even when matters become strenuous.

The film also works as a story about the high school experience. While not every moment comes off as realistic, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before does touch upon everyday issues like bullying, insecurity, and the negative side of social media. It gets these messages across without coming off as cheap or manipulative, though, with a relatable role model guiding the way. For any young girl approaching their teen years, the film will likely help prepare them for some of the challenges and changes on the horizon. At the same time, it serves up a plate of comfort food that families and friends can feast upon. •

Arizona native and a graduate of Arizona State University, Nick Spake has been working as a film critic for ten years reviewing movies on his website: nickpicksflicks.com.