“To All the Boys: Forever and Always” was released on Netflix on Feb. 12. This movie is the third and final movie in the trilogy based on the books by Jenny Han.  I had low expectations, considering the fact that I was not impressed by the last movie, “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You.”

In this movie, we see Laura Jean (Lana Condor) in her senior year of high school, facing the challenge of college acceptances and decisions. As one door closes, she discovers a new opportunity she didn’t think she’d ever explore. When she falls in love with a university she thought she’d never go to, she worries about how this will impact her relationship with her high school boyfriend Peter Kavinski (Noah Centineo).

Laura Jean and Peter’s relationship could most definitely be considered ‘picture perfect,’ but this left Laura Jean letting her high school relationship determine her future. Although high school relationships work out for some, for most, they don’t last forever. Laura Jean ended up making the decision for her future by herself, but only after she let the thought of risking her perfect relationship weigh her down. I wish we could have seen Laura Jean live out her college dreams to show young girls that making decisions for yourself can allow you to flourish. 

Throughout the first half of the movie I was unimpressed, it honestly gave me second hand embarrassment. The portrayal of high school was unrealistic, it reminded me of “High School Musical.” As the movie progressed, though, I was pleasantly surprised with how things turned around. Maybe it had to do with Laura Jean finally becoming more self-reliant, but there was also a new relationship that blossomed within her family. 

The chemistry the cast of the Covey family has is on another level, Dr. Covey (John Corbett) is an excellent father figure who helps his daughters through all of their ups and down. As things change in the Covey family, viewers can continue to witness the incredible chemistry the cast has. Seeing how this family was brought together made me emotional, the advice the whole family gives one another can easily be applied to anyone’s life. Seeing these moments of growth within a family is wholesome and, considering this movie is directed toward an audience of teenage girls, it is important to show healthy communication skills. 

“To All the Boys: Forever and Always” won’t end up on my list of favorites, but I think if someone’s willing to put up with the awkward first hour of this movie, it might be considered enjoyable. This film can be a useful life lesson to the young women watching, encouraging them to make decisions for themselves and not for a boy—  especially a high school boy.