This sequel has done what many sequels have failed to do, it has actually improved on the first film. That isn’t to say that it wasn’t still clichéd, cringe-y and downright boring. There is no sexual harassment and isn’t quite as outright misogynistic as The Kissing Booth which is definitely something to be proud of, but still a pretty basic requirement to meet.
Unfortunately, this two-hour long snore fest is a thinly stretched plotline that would have realistically been resolved by a simple conversation between the two main characters Elle and Noah. Jacob Elordi returns to this teen rom-com after the success of the critically acclaimed Euphoria TV series and it is definitely a step down for him, although it is clear that his acting has improved from the first film despite the dire script he has to work with. The relationship between Elle’s right-hand man Lee and his girlfriend is much more interesting and developed in this second instalment and it is often a welcome relief from the almost constant, irritating narration from Elle.
Additional obstacles to the ending of this film are an absurdly conveniently dance championship and a love triangle, or even quadrangle. These events all come across as pure vehicles for extending the run time for as long as possible rather than driven by any motivation or reasonable decision by the characters. There are so many different things going on but nothing to actually invest in or care about.
‘The Kissing Booth 2’ is available to stream on Netflix.
Pep Reviews 