To All The Boys I've Loved Before
Start writing a post
Entertainment

'To All The Boys I've Loved Before' Is A Love Letter To The Rom-Coms Before It

Peter Kavinsky has ruined all men for me.

161
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhZeAtTB8fn/?hl=en&taken-by=lanacondor
Instagram @lanacondor

Rom-coms have a reputation in the film world, for being a lower art form. Not as thoughtful and provoking as other genres, relying on tired tropes and poor characterization to create a movie.

Some rom-cons certainly fall prey to this and turn-out, less than stellar films. In recent years it seems as though studios have turned away from rom-coms in favor of prestige Oscar bait films or an always reliable franchise.

Teen rom-coms were a staple of the 90s and early 2000s. "Drive Me Crazy," "10 Things I Hate About You," anything with Amanda Bynes. In 2018 the film industry is seeing a resurgence in rom-coms thanks to Netflix. With "Set it Up," the soon to be released "Sierra Burgess is a Loser," and most recently "To All the Boys I've Loved Before."

The film based off the book series by Jenny Han centers around Lara Jean Covey (an excellent Lana Condor), a junior in high school, with a love of romance novels, but fear of relationships. She writes letters to boys she has crushes on, over the years writing five and storing them in her bedroom. Eventually, at the hands of her younger sister, the letters are sent out, including one to her older sister's, Margot (Janel Parrish), ex-boyfriend, Josh. Another is sent to her seventh-grade crush, Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo). Peter proposes he and Lara Jean pretend to date so he can make his ex-girlfriend jealous and Lara Jean can keep Josh from discovering her true feelings. Over the course of the film, hijinks ensue and ends with Lara Jean and Peter together.

Rom-coms of the last few years, pride themselves on being unconventional. Subverting expectations, or commenting on genre somehow. To All the Boys I've Loved Before, sees no need to do that. It simply has a good premise and a likable cast. The movie's love of rom-coms is embedded into the script's DNA. The film isn't apologizing for being a rom-com, it loves rom-coms as much as the viewer.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

49723
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31683
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955248
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180439
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments