“The Kissing Booth” officially streamed on Netflix in 2018. (same year Crazy Rich Asians came out) It received negative reviews from critics and streamers alike. Regardless of bad reception, the film spawned a sequel released in 2020 and an upcoming final entry will be released this year. I’m gonna come clean, I never read the book based on The Kissing Booth. I wasn’t even aware a book exists.
To prepare for “The Kissing Booth 3,” I wanna share my thoughts on the first installment of “The Kissing Booth Trilogy.” Joey King (one of my favorite actresses) will co-star with Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock & Aaron-Taylor Johnson in “Bullet Train” directed by David Leitch. (John Wick series, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2) Jacob Elordi will reprise his role as Nate in the upcoming second season of “Euphoria.”
This review contains no SPOILERS. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article. Keep in mind, this is a short review. It’s not a two and a half plus epic like “Gladiator” or “Troy.” Just a small stakes romantic teen comedy.
Beautiful & Ugly Aspects
Beautiful: Joey King, Jacob Elordi & Joel Courtney (Joe from Super 8) all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Chemistry between Elle, Noah & Flynn serve as the main highlight. Their interactions moves the story forward.
Character Development involving Elle & Noah. As the movie progresses, they form a strong relationship.
Humor contains legit jokes that made me laugh.
Cinematography never suffered from a bad case of Shaky Cam.
Elle & Flynn’s backstories are interesting. There lifelong childhood friends from the beginning. I mean the “very beginning” since birth.
One character is dressed as Batman minus the ears. Joey King appeared in “The Dark Knight Rises” portraying a crucial character I refuse to give away. If you’ve already seen it, you probably know why. Batman’s ally Aquaman, starred in his own solo movie in 2018.
If you’re a”into girls, you’re gonna get distracted by Joey King. Not to worry, she’s over 18. As a dude, I’m giving each scene of Joey in her underwear or wearing a bikini an Extra Point each. Unlike Matt Lauer, I always keep my damn pants on like gentlemen. If you’re into guys, Jacob Elordi will make you drool. Those two can make anybody lose their grip on reality.
Former “Brat Pack” member and Hollywood has-been, Molly Ringwald has a small role as Noah & Flynn’s mother. She hasn’t been relevant since The 80s. She was also in that god awful “Jem And The Holograms.” Oh how the mighty have fallen!
A fart scene made me laugh. I love fart jokes.
Extra scenes are played during The End Credits.
Ugly: As in most rom-coms or buddy cop films, a “We Are Through” cliche happened twice in a row. Leaves me no choice but to Double Down this con for doing the same shtick twice in a row. I hate this trope so much, because you know a pair or group will put aside their differences and eventually reconcile. It bugs the heck outta me.
A Plot Hole involving why didn’t Elle & Noah tell Flynn about their secret romance before. You can’t hide a deep dark secret from your best friend forever.
“Don’t You Forget About Me” is played during a prom scene. It’s one of my least favorite songs, because it’s been done to death many times in parodies or homages of “The Breakfast Club.” If I we’re the director, I would’ve selected Mac Miller’s “My Favorite Part.” I happen to be a fan of the late rapper/singer. Heck! The prom scene should’ve played OutKast’s “Roses!” By the way, Mac was influenced by OutKast.
Product Placement only features one brand, Apple. I’m giving this con a pass, because I couldn’t find any other brand to shove down my throat.
The Final Verdict: B-
I’m gonna be brutally honest, The Kissing Both is average. Despite my core issue with a temporary break-up often found in rom-comes and buddy cop films, I actually enjoyed Joey King & Jacob Elordi’s chemistry. I really don’t understand why The Kissing Booth is hated. This ain’t a horrendous rom-com like “Gigli. ”If you wanna prepare for The Kissing Booth 3, watch the first two entries. That’ll refresh your memory in no time.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 