Since it was first realized in the summer of 2018, the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before series has proved to be a success, now considered one of Netflix’s “most viewed original films ever.”

Based on Jenny Han’s bestselling book series, many consider the movie, along with the acclaimed Kissing Booth, a revival of the romantic comedy (rom-com) genre for the new generation.  

The series follows high schoolers Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) and Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) as they enter into a fake relationship and (big surprise) eventually develop feelings for each other.  

Following a sub-par second movie that focused on the love triangle between Lara, Peter, and childhood friend John Ambrose (Jordan Fisher), the third and final installment in the series Always and Forever takes us with the couple as they attempt to navigate graduation and their future together.  

While I love the relationship and chemistry between Lara and Peter, it was not easy to forget about John Ambrose, who proved to be the sweet and thoughtful guy whose standards Peter struggled to reach in the second movie. Unfortunately, as these films typically go, nice guys finish last, and, sorry, Ambrose, you are no exception.

Despite his rocky personality in the previous movies, Kavinsky stepped up to the plate in the latest film. Overall, his character was (debatably) more mature and understanding in their relationship as he was always there to support Lara Jean in her decisions (most of the time).  

At the beginning of the movie, Lara Jean discovers she is not accepted to Stanford, the college where Peter had received a lacrosse scholarship. In a text meant for her sister, Peter believes that she has gotten in, initiating an awkward celebration dinner where Lara tries (and fails) to tell him the truth.  

I have to admit, in the beginning, I thought her “secret” would take up the entire movie, and I would have to sit through two hours of Lara Jean trying to figure out how to tell Peter they will not be going to the same school.  

Luckily, this was not the case. Eventually, Lara lets Peter know of her rejection letter, and she begins to consider other options for colleges, including the University of New York across the country.  

The rest of the movie then focuses on Lara Jean’s decision to either stay close and go to Berkeley (only an hour away from Peter) or travel across the country to her dream college. Spoiler: she chooses the latter.

In all honestly, I enjoyed the movie. Was it one of my favorites? Not by a long shot, but it was just what one wants in a rom-com.

My only real complaints about the movie were the times I felt they rushed certain plot points, as they were trying to cram several events into one film. Between Lara Jean’s family going to Seoul, the trip to New York, prom, graduation, and even a wedding, it felt like a lot was going on at once. There were also times I wished some of the side characters, specifically her best friend Chris (Madeline Arthur) and Trevor (Ross Butler), got more screen time, but I have to admit the movie did well in developing its characters throughout the series.

Looking at the film’s face value, the To All The Boys series was a great rom-com trilogy. It is nothing revolutionary by any means, but it is just what someone might need. Sure, there might be clichés and predictable endings, but with a pretty good soundtrack, compelling storyline, and decent acting, the To All The Boy’s I’ve Loved Before series ended in the best way possible.