The Kissing Booth 3

The Kissing Booth 3 doesn't stray far from its formula, serving up a predictable romantic comedy experience. While it offers some light entertainment, it struggles under the weight of its own clichés.

A Summer of Decisions

The film picks up during the summer before Elle heads to college, where she finds herself at a crossroads. Elle has been accepted into two top colleges: Harvard, where her boyfriend Noah will be, and Berkeley, where her best friend Lee is headed. The plot revolves around her inner turmoil about which path to choose, accentuated by the typical teen romance tropes. As the summer unfolds, Elle grapples with friendship, love, and the pressure of making the right decision that will affect her future. It’s a familiar setup, but one that lacks the freshness to engage seasoned viewers.

Familiar Faces, Flat Characters

Joey King returns as Elle Evans, and while she carries the film, her performance can feel overly reliant on her character's predictable emotional arcs. Joel Courtney and Jacob Elordi provide solid support as Lee and Noah, respectively, although both characters are underdeveloped, often reduced to mere plot devices. The addition of Taylor Zakhar Perez as Marco offers a slight spark, but even he doesn't elevate the overall dynamics. The lack of character depth is a significant flaw, leaving audiences longing for more complexity in their relationships. Supporting roles like Molly Ringwald's Mrs. Flynn feel like missed opportunities.

Bright but Shallow

Directed by Vince Marcello, the visual style of The Kissing Booth 3 is consistent with its predecessors: bright, colorful, and undeniably appealing to a younger audience. However, the direction falters in creating any memorable set pieces or innovative shot compositions. The pacing drags at times, especially during lengthy montages that add little to the narrative. While the cinematography captures a summery vibe that fits the story, it often feels superficial, prioritizing aesthetics over substance. The reliance on predictable visual cues can make it a tiresome watch.

Nostalgia with a Side of Boredom

Watching The Kissing Booth 3 can feel like a mixed bag of nostalgia and tedium. There are moments that tug at the heartstrings, particularly when Elle is confronted with her choices, but these are often overshadowed by repetitive scenes and predictable dialogue. The film struggles with pacing, particularly in the second act, where prolonged sequences lead to moments of boredom. Despite some lighthearted fun, those looking for genuine emotional depth may find themselves frustrated by the recycled themes and lack of stakes. It’s a film that feels more like a checklist of rom-com clichés than a meaningful exploration of life’s crossroads.