Lara Jean’s saga has all the hallmarks of a good romance. Unrequited love, romantic gestures, and devastating heartbreak. Adapted from the loved novels by Jenny Han, To All The Boys I've Loved Before and To All the Boys: P.S., I Still Love You are the ultimate stories of teenage romance. These stories bring realism to the tale of Lara Jean’s love life as well as celebrating romantic tropes.
To All The Boys I Loved Before and To All the Boys: P.S., I Still Love You are separate stories that both have their merits but at the same time, cannot help but be cyclical. Here are five reasons why there should be a third movie and five reasons why to stop at two.
10 Make A Third: Completing The Trilogy
Lara Jean's story is concluded in the third book in the trilogy, Always and Forever, Lara Jean. These films are adapted from the wildly successful series written by Jenny Han. While the film sequel may have had its ups and downs, not finishing the series would throw the adaptations off balance. Lara Jean herself states that “our story is not over” and not finishing it would be strange and disrespectful to the series.
9 Stop At Two: The Love Letters Are Played Out
Lara Jean lived her high school life in relative anonymity until her little sister Kitty sent five love letters Lara Jean had written. These love letters were an outlet to express her passion and at the same time not face the heartbreak of actual rejection.
Once Peter Kavinsky receives one of these letters, it kickstarts a romantic drama fit for the exact sort of books Lara Jean loves consuming. This love letter ultimately sets her on a track to start dating Peter. In P.S., I Still Love You, another recipient of these letters starts vying for Lara Jean’s attention. However, Lara Jean realizes that only one for her is Peter. These love letters are the reason for the story but have no place in it any longer. Continuing with the love letters would only cause more predictable romantic drama between the characters which has already been explored.
8 Make A Third: Lara Jean Is Unique
To All the Boys is a romantic dream only seen in romance novels. This is a good thing. It takes the romantic tropes but instead of causing them to become predictable, it makes them fresh again. Lara Jean is a protagonist not often seen in these stories and is celebrated in other mediums. She loves romance and is a bit of a dork.
While it ultimately is a story about romance, To All the Boys does not over-romanticize the teenage experience. Lara Jean is awkward, cares about her family, and does not always make the right choice. There are not a lot of Asian American characters in lead roles, especially females. It shows an American experience not often portrayed. She represents the terrifying stage in high school where you do not quite know yourself and makes it okay.
7 Stop At Two: There Did Not Need To Be Any Sequels
While All the Boys I've Loved Before is based on a trilogy, that does not necessarily mean sequels are required. Many franchises could have done with just one movie. Lara Jean and Peter had their happy ending in the first film.
P.S., I Still Love You is not required. John Ambrose arrives, causing conflict in Peter and Lara Jean’s relationship with no real payoff. Nothing comes from Lara Jean doubting her relationship with Peter. The sequel ends where the first one began, with Peter and Lara Jean happy together.
6 Make A Third: Peter Kavinsky Sends A Good Message
There is an abundance of teen romances, but none quite so supportive as this one. While Peter Kavinsky is a jock and seemingly obsessed with his ex-girlfriend, he genuinely cares about and supports Lara Jean. He is the epitome of being a non-toxic boyfriend.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before makes a point to show how Peter and Lara Jean connect through the loss of their respective parents. Peter genuinely enjoys spending time with Lara Jean’s family and takes responsibility when he makes mistakes. These films portray the awkwardness of first love as well as Peter’s sweetness and devotion.
5 Stop At Two: Lara Jean and Peter’s Story Is Concluded
While Lara Jean states at the end of P.S. I Still Love You that she and Peter are just beginning, that does not mean that it necessitates another film. Their relationship has been uncertain for the first two movies for different reasons. Lara Jean had always been insecure regarding their relationship.
Her insecurities are resolved when she learns that Gen and Peter are over for good. Peter comes to Lara Jean and makes it clear that he is committed.
4 Make A Third: Another Great Soundtrack
To All the Boys has a penchant or great musical choices. The first film consisted of classics such as Tears For Fears hit, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."
P.S. I Still Love You becomes even better with covers of New Order as well as the high school a cappella group singing "I Want It That Way" to a class full of students. To All the Boys fills a voice of nostalgia as well as updating it for a new young audience.
3 Stop At Two: Will Not Have To Experience Lara Jean And Peter Heartache
The most anxiety-producing aspect of P.S., I Still Love You is the drama between Lara Jean and Peter. While it is the crux of the conflict of the film, these altercations are heartwrenching as well as realistic. Teenage relationships are full of insecurity and self-deprecation.
Lara Jean thinks that her issues with Peter stem from the love letters but they come from her fear that Peter will return to Gen. She constantly compares herself to Peter’s ex when he is nothing but supportive and affectionate to her. Their breakup is cemented at the aquarium where Peter takes back the necklace he gave her on Valentine’s Day. It is cinematic and threatens a story where Peter and Lara Jean do not reconcile. After investing so much time into this relationship, it is difficult to witness.
2 Make A Third: Female Friendships
Lara Jean is close to her sisters and has Chris as her best female friend. But the most surprising connection is the one made between Lara Jean and Peter’s ex, Gen. Gen spends most of To All the Boys I've Loved Before trying to put a wedge between Lara Jean and Peter. She turns a corner in P.S., I Still Love You after Lara Jean has broken up with Peter.
For the first time, Gen is vulnerable, admitting that she never meant to hurt Lara Jean. She has insecurities too. While they do not stem from the same place as Lara Jean’s, it makes Gen a more believable character instead of remaining simply the antagonist.
1 Stop At Two: No More Self Sabotage
Lara Jean is the example of a teenage girl encountering her first love. She has her ideas about romance but her inexperience makes her insecure. She sabotages herself, convincing herself that she is not good enough and that is her downfall. The only reason she falters with her relationship is that she can’t believe in herself.
P.S., I Still Love You is proof that Lara Jean can finally accept herself and another movie would just invite her to backtrack.
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