Netflix Drops 'The Kissing Booth 2': Stream It Or Skip It? [Review]

Netflix subscribers rejoice because the release date for Kissing Booth 2 is finally here! Yes, you read that correctly. Kissing Booth 2 is now streaming on Netflix as of July 24th, 2020. Run! (And then don’t forget to come back here so we can review and recap the Netflix Original teen romance together).

The Kissing Booth 2 Netflix Release Date and Trailer

As we previously reported, Netflix released the official trailer for The Kissing Booth 2 a few weeks ago on July 6th, 2020. The trailer revealed fans of the first movie would not have to wait long. The second movie was coming. And fast.

While those who loved the first movie were thrilled, hearts quickly shattered. The trailer did NOT paint a pretty picture for Rochelle “Elle” (Joey King) and Noah (Jacob Elordi). In fact, fans grew concerned their relationship might not survive the distance. Were Noah and Elle going to break up?

The trailer only made things worse by introducing a new character. Marco (Taylor Zakhar Perez). Marco is basically the “hot guy” replacement for Noah. And, the trailer shows clips of Marco and Elle spending a lot of time together. Will Elle leave Noah for Marco?

The trailer also introduces a second new character. Chloe (Maisie Richardson-Sellers). Chloe is an impossibly beautiful girl with an accent that seems to be getting chummy with Noah. Has he also found a replacement for Elle? Is this relationship doomed?

As we mentioned before, the trailer does not paint a great picture.

Now, if you haven’t watched the movie yet, you may not watch to read the rest of this article.

Warning: Spoilers for The Kissing Booth 2 ahead.

The Kissing Booth 2: Stream it or Skip it?

The Kissing Booth hit Netflix in 2018. It was one of the biggest movies on the streaming service. It was the teenage romantic comedy subscribers didn’t know they needed. Interestingly enough, The Kissing Booth soared to the top of the list of one of the movies subscribers were watching on repeat. Be honest, how many times did you watch the first Kissing Booth? Don’t worry, we won’t judge you. The way Elle and Noah find each other in the first movie is electric.

So, should you stream or skip the sequel? You absolutely should stream it. About half way through the movie you’ll be terrified. You’ll be disappointed. And, you’ll be angry. You will be wondering why Netflix made a sequel of a movie just to break your heart. After all, The Kissing Booth had such a sweet and satisfying ending. Did Netflix make a sequel just to crush that?

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Now, when you start to feel that way… Pause the movie, take a few deep breaths, and keep watching. It gets better.

The Kissing Booth 2 is going to feel like it is about to rip your heart out. If you are human there are several scenes where you will gasp and hold your hands over your mouth with your eyes wide. Yes, the movie is that intense.

So, do Noah and Elle end up together?

Initially, you probably won’t like Marco. He was pretty full of himself. But, that was not that different from the personality of Noah. Perhaps Elle has a type? Shockingly, however, Marco grows on you. He ends up being the reason Elle fights for her relationship with Noah. Marco ends up giving Elle some pretty great advice about love. It’s just unfortunate for him because he fell in love with Elle in the process. Who can blame him though, right?

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Things get awkward for Lee and Rachel…

Rachel (Meganne Young) is one face you do not see much of in the trailer. But, she plays a pretty big role in the movie. She’s definitely at the center of some of the drama. She and Lee (Joel Courtney) remain strong in the beginning of The Kissing Booth 2. But, the relationship falls apart.

Rachel has a hard time dealing with being the second most important girl on Lee’s life. And, Elle doesn’t notice she’s crossing boundaries and invading in their relationship space.

There are a few heated fights between Rachel and Elle. The fights are largely Lee’s fault. He never bothered to discuss the issue with Elle.

What makes things awkward is Lee not knowing how to have a conversation with Elle about it. Perhaps the biggest issue with their friendship is how afraid they are to hurt each other’s feelings. If the duo just communicated instead of hiding things, their relationship would be smoother.

Mrs. Flynn has a minor role, gives powerful advice.

We don’t see tons of Molly Ringwald as Mrs. Flynn in The Kissing Booth 2. But, she gives some of the most powerful advice in the movie. There is a scene near the end of the movie where things get explosive at Thanksgiving. Lee is mad at both Noah and Elle. Elle is mad at Noah. And, Noah is mad at Elle. Rachel is mad at everyone.

Everything comes unhinged. Mrs. Flynn talks to Elle about “cleaning up her mess” afterwards. She points out that she noticed everyone at the table was doing a lot of talking. But, it did not feel like anyone was listening. She encouraged Elle to try to listen to what other people had to say instead of just worrying about what to say next.

Mr. Evans also has a minor but powerful role.

Viewers also don’t seen tons of Stephen Jennings as Mr. Evans in The Kissing Booth 2. But, like Mrs. Flynn, he offers Elle some powerful advice. Early in the movie, Elle approaches her father about money for college. She learns they don’t have the kind of money she would need to go to schools closer to Noah.

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In a separate scene, Elle’s father asks his daughter to take a hard look at her choices. He expresses his concern for her turning her life upside down just because of Noah. Mr. Evans just didn’t want his daughter to pick a school to be closer to her boyfriend instead of going where she wanted.

How does the movie end?

Things work out between Lee and Rachel. Things work out between Noah and Elle. Marco isn’t ready to give up on getting Elle. He tells a friend he believes she’s worth the fight. Unfortunately, we don’t know what Elle will do for school. She tells Noah and Lee she got wait listed at both schools. But, truthfully, she got accepted to both places.

Overall, The Kissing Booth 2 was just as satisfying as the first movie. Netflix did a great job of holding onto the magic the first movie had.

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Allie Johnson

Allie Johnson loves reality TV. She can't believe she was able to find a job writing about it. Allie has been doing this for two years.

Netflix Drops ‘The Kissing Booth 2’: Stream It Or Skip It? [Review]