The first film in the franchise wasn't anything groundbreaking, but still felt fresh. The second installment was, in my opinion, a major downgrade, particularly in terms of character development. Now we have come to the conclusion of the trilogy, and a movie that feels just like a hundred teen romance dramas that have come before it.
The main criticism is that this movie doesn't implement anything that hasn't been done before. Really, from the second the plot of the movie becomes apparent, anyone who has ever seen a movie will be able to guess what happens. It's a simple story of 'girl loves boy, but girl receives a huge opportunity that forces her to choose between her own life and her relationship'. Some standard awkward situations follow, that could as always be so easily avoided if the characters possessed even a lick of common sense. The couple breaks up, realizes they do still love each other, and eventually decide to try and work things out. Doesn't that sound familiar?
The saving grace of the movie are still its characters however. Lara Jean is a charming, kind and positive spirit, while Peter distinguishes himself as a supportive and caring boyfriend. The Covey family dynamic, and their Korean roots, are fleshed out even further, and deservedly so. It's the little interactions between the characters that give the movie most of its charm.
The actors do a fine job, and the cinematography and camerawork deserve some applause as well. The humor in the film is fine, but also feels derivative of other teen comedies.
All in all, this movie is by no means the worst of its kind. It has its moments and several positive aspects, but it falls flat in simply providing nothing that original or new to the genre or movies in particular.
