The Kissing Booth trilogy turned out to be wildly popular on Netflix, capturing the attention of viewers worldwide. Netflix highlighted its success, noting that a third of viewers watched the first movie more than once, which was significantly higher than the rewatch rate for other films on the platform. Despite this popularity, critics weren’t as fond of the series and offered mostly negative reviews. It’s one of those cases where you might enjoy a movie, but critics on social media heavily criticize it.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the ratings for the three movies were 55, 39, and 17, respectively. This makes you wonder why they didn’t appeal to everyone. Let’s explore a few possible reasons.
Cliché Storyline
The typical high school romance where a girl meets a boy isn’t new or exciting for everyone. The series includes several overused plot elements, like the group of popular girls obsessed with the school heartthrob, Noah, while Ella wishes she could be like them. Other clichés such as dramatic airport goodbyes, students skipping school, hot guys frequently going shirtless, and the classic prom party are also present.
Sexism
Critics, like Kate Erbland from Indiewire, have called the films sexist and outdated, although her critique might seem harsh to some. The movies struggle with gender dynamics and don’t accurately depict a healthy relationship. Ella, the main character, often faces slut-shaming, while her love interest is portrayed as a romanticized ‘bad boy’ prone to fighting and possessiveness. The film includes moments where male students catcall Ella for wearing a short dress, reinforcing stereotypes. Additionally, the movie seems to go out of its way to keep Ella underdressed.
Confusing Scenes
Many scenes in The Kissing Booth might leave you scratching your head. For instance, Ella agrees to date a guy who previously harassed her, seemingly for a weak apology. Another puzzling detail is the absence of any explanation for how Noah and Lee afford living in their luxurious home. During one scene, Ella undresses publicly at Noah’s suggestion, with no clear explanation if this is in character or just a ploy to gain his attention. Other baffling moments include Noah’s sudden acceptance to Harvard without any hints of his intelligence, and how Ella fails to recognize a mix-up between Noah and Lee despite their size difference.
Parental Concerns
A survey by Common Sense Media found that many parents were dissatisfied with both the movie and Netflix for marketing it as suitable for pre-teens. Most parents felt the film was appropriate for teenagers over fifteen due to its toxic depictions of masculinity, lack of parental guidance, and portrayal of predatory behavior and harassment. Reviews suggest the film sends the wrong message, implying that obsessive and controlling behavior is a sign of love, even if it’s harmful.
A Teen-Focused Film
The Kissing Booth primarily targets a teen audience. Common Sense Media noted that many teenagers aged 13 and older loved the film, despite some mature themes like condoms and lube being subtly included. While potentially inappropriate for younger kids, it’s praised for its themes of friendship. Actress Joey King became a fashion icon for Gen Z viewers, inspiring many online articles on her style.
In summary, although The Kissing Booth wasn’t everyone’s favorite, it was a standout hit for young viewers.