The "Aesthetic" over the plot
If the first movie was about the thrill of a secret getting out, this sequel is about the quiet anxiety of actually staying in a relationship. It is a classic "sophomore slump" where the production value is cranked up but the script feels a bit thinner. Critics stayed relatively kind with a 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, but the 6.1 IMDb score from fans is a more accurate reflection of the vibe.
It’s a movie that prioritizes a specific color palette—lots of teals and pinks—over high-stakes drama. For a teenager, that visual "vibe" is often the whole point. It’s aspirational and cozy. If your kid is into "clean girl" aesthetics or Pinterest-style room decor, they will likely enjoy just looking at this movie even if they find the plot predictable.
The John Ambrose of it all
The central friction here is the introduction of John Ambrose McClaren. While Peter Kavinsky was the "cool guy" in the first film, John Ambrose is the "soulmate" archetype. He’s thoughtful, plays piano, and volunteers at a nursing home.
This creates a useful talking point about compatibility versus chemistry. Peter and Lara Jean have plenty of the latter, but the movie doesn't shy away from the fact that they actually struggle to talk to each other. Watching Lara Jean navigate the guilt of liking two people at once is handled with a lot of grace. It avoids the "mean girl" tropes of other teen dramas; the conflict is internal, which makes it a much more mature—if slower—watch.
A bridge to "Older" teen content
This film sits in a very specific sweet spot for parents. It’s rated TV-14, but it feels significantly "safer" than the gritty, high-intensity teen shows found on HBO or even some other streaming platforms. It’s a great transition movie for a middle schooler who is starting to outgrow Disney Channel sitcoms but isn't ready for the heavy themes of "Euphoria" or "13 Reasons Why."
The romance is central, but it’s mostly expressed through longing looks and handwritten notes. Even the big party scene at the end, the "Starry Night" dance, feels more like a fairy tale than a chaotic high school rager. If you’re looking for more movies that capture that specific, high-stakes feeling of school dances without the darker edge, check out our guide to the best prom night films for teens.
Why the low audience score?
The 6.1 IMDb rating likely comes from the fact that the "fake dating" trope from the first movie is gone. That trope is a crowd-pleaser. Real dating—dealing with your boyfriend’s ex, feeling insecure about your lack of experience, and having awkward conversations—is just less fun to watch.
However, that’s exactly why it’s a better movie for a parent-teen co-watch. It’s less of a fantasy and more of a reflection of how high school relationships actually feel: a little bit confusing, a little bit awkward, and a lot of overthinking. It isn't groundbreaking cinema, but as a low-stress Friday night pick, it hits the mark.
