The Kissing Booth 2

The Kissing Booth 2 is the continuation of the well-received teen Netflix film, The Kissing Booth. The sequel, released in July 2020, sees the return of the beloved characters from the first installment, with Joey King reprising her role as Elle Evans, Joel Courtney as Lee Flynn, and Jacob Elordi as Noah Flynn, and introduces some new faces sparking a flurry of fresh drama.

In the final scenes of the first film, we saw Noah heading to Harvard, leaving Elle and Lee behind as they head back to their senior year at high school. The sequel picks up where the first film left off, with Elle and Lee navigating their final year of high school while Noah settles into his first year of college. These pivotal years lead to transitional changes, challenges, and unforeseen trials for each of them.

Elle and Noah now have to traverse the tempestuous waters of long-distance relationships. As Noah settles into university life he befriends a seemingly perfect college girl, Chloe, which sends a surge of insecurities and doubt through Elle’s mind back home. Simultaneously, Elle is battling her emerging feelings for the new student, Marco, who is sure to set hearts fluttering with his wit, charm, and easygoing nature. Will Elle and Noah's love endure the distance and new temptures, or will it crumble under pressure?

Meanwhile, Lee's relationship with his girlfriend, Rachel (Meganne Young), is tested as he tries to balance an unwieldy love triangle. He's caught up trying to peg his devotion to his best friend Elle and his growing feelings for Rachel. The rollercoaster of emotions shared between the characters is as raw and potent as it can be for teenagers discovering themselves while navigating personal and romantic relationships.

Moreover, the much-loved Kissing Booth from the previous film also makes a comeback, bringing forth a mix of nostalgia, fresh drama, secrets, and promises. The evolution of the iconic kissing booth mirrors the evolution of the characters’ relationships, signifying their growth and maturity.

The sequel plays to its strengths, showcasing the permanence and transformation of high school friendships and love. It extends the narrative arcs of its ensemble cast, proffering a balanced display of comedy, romance, and drama. Amid the allure and tribulations of teenage life, the film explores pertinent themes such as long-distance relationships, jealousy, trust issues, peer pressure, friendship dynamics, personal growth, and the looming life decisions expected from an individual on the cusp of adulthood.

King, Courtney, and Elordi deliver stellar performances, capturing the full range of teenage emotions in a manner that is empathetic, delightful, and resounding. They bring a remarkable depth to their characters, further investing the audience into their lives, hopes, dreams, and dilemmas. Complementing the noteworthy performances is an upbeat and infectious soundtrack that perfectly echoes the film’s youthful energy and vibrant spirit.

The chemistry between the lead characters is palpable and stirring, effectively building on their established relationships and unresolved tensions. The movie also features some new chemistry, with characters Marco (Taylor Zakhar Perez) and Chloe (Maisie Richardson-Sellers) serving as new love interests, and effectively bring a level of complexity and intrigue to the relationships. While the film might have its fair share of clichés that are typical of the teen rom-com genre, it also brings a few unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers on their toes.

The Kissing Booth 2 is directed by Vince Marcello, who also co-wrote the script with Jay Arnold. Based on the book series "The Kissing Booth" by Beth Reekles, the movie is a heartwarming tale about friendships, youthful romances, and the challenges and upheavals that come with growing up.

Whether you're drawn in by the charm of teenage love, the complexity of friendships, or the challenges of self-discovery, The Kissing Booth 2 is sure to entertain and touch your heart.