The Kissing Booth, a popular young adult (YA) novel by Beth Reekles, has captured the hearts of readers worldwide with its charming characters and relatable narrative. Its successful adaptation into a Netflix film series, directed by Vince Marcello, has introduced the story to a wider audience. This article delves into the book’s storyline, its transformation into a third movie, explores the characters, soundtrack, curiosities, cosplay tips, similar movies, and novels, and more.
Book Summary: The Kissing Booth
The Kissing Booth tells the story of Elle Evans, a vibrant teenager who shares an inseparable bond with her best friend, Lee Flynn. Their friendship is governed by a set of rules, one of which explicitly forbids dating each other’s relatives. However, Elle finds herself in a predicament when she develops feelings for Lee’s older brother, Noah.
At their school’s annual carnival, Elle ends up sharing a passionate kiss with Noah at a kissing booth. The incident sets off a series of events that test her friendship with Lee and her budding relationship with Noah. The book navigates through Elle’s dilemmas, her struggle with secrets, and her journey of self-discovery.
Third Movie Summary: The Kissing Booth 3 (2021)
“The Kissing Booth 3,” the final installment in the Netflix trilogy, continues the story of Elle, Lee, and Noah. After graduating from high school, Elle faces a crossroads – whether to attend Harvard with Noah or fulfill her childhood pact with Lee to study at UC Berkeley.
In the midst of her decision-making, Elle, along with Lee, Noah, and their friends, spends the summer at the Flynn’s beach house, aiming to complete a bucket-list of activities. Amidst the fun and frolic, Elle grapples with her future, her relationships, and must make tough decisions that will define her life.
When and Where Does the Story Take Place?
The Kissing Booth series is primarily set in Los Angeles, California. The timeline spans the characters’ high school years, with the third movie encompassing their summer post-graduation. The narrative unfolds in various locations, including their school, the Flynn’s residence, and notably, the beach house in the third installment.
Film Locations of The Kissing Booth 3
Despite being set in Los Angeles, the filming of “The Kissing Booth 3” took place in South Africa, primarily in Cape Town. The production team transformed the locations to mimic Southern California’s aesthetic, creating a believable and scenic backdrop for the film.
Who’s Who in The Kissing Booth Series
The Kissing Booth’s charm lies in its relatable and endearing characters. Let’s get to know them better:
- Elle Evans: Played by Joey King, Elle is the protagonist of the series. Her character is known for her spunky energy, loyalty, and her emotional journey through friendship, love, and self-discovery.
- Lee Flynn: Lee, portrayed by Joel Courtney, is Elle’s best friend. His character is known for his jovial personality, his deep bond with Elle, and his struggle to balance his friendship and his relationship with his girlfriend, Rachel.
- Noah Flynn: Jacob Elordi plays Noah, Lee’s older brother and Elle’s love interest. Noah’s character undergoes significant development, from being a rebellious teenager to a mature and supportive partner to Elle.
- Rachel: Meganne Young’s character, Rachel, is Lee’s girlfriend. Her character highlights the importance of communication and respect in a relationship.
Memorable Quotes from The Kissing Booth 3
The Kissing Booth series is filled with memorable quotes that encapsulate its themes of friendship, love, and growth. Here are a few from “The Kissing Booth 3”:
- “Sometimes, you have to make hard decisions to figure out where you’re supposed to be.”
- “It’s never easy to see people you love go down a road you can’t follow.”
- “The more things change, the more we stay the same.”
Soundtrack by Patrick Kirst: Biography and Other Works
Patrick Kirst composed the catchy and emotion-filled soundtrack of “The Kissing Booth 3.” Born in Germany, Kirst is known for his versatility and ability to blend different musical genres. His work in “The Kissing Booth 3” complements the film’s various moods, from the fun-filled moments to the emotional scenes.
Kirst’s other notable works include the scores for “The Kissing Booth 2,” “Breaking Surface,” and “Inherit the Viper.” His unique musical style adds depth and texture to the narratives he scores.
Curiosities about The Kissing Booth Series
There are several fascinating tidbits about The Kissing Booth series:
- Beth Reekles wrote the original story on Wattpad when she was only 15 years old. It quickly gained popularity and was later published as a book.
- Joey King and Jacob Elordi dated in real life while filming the first movie but broke up before filming the sequels.
- Despite mixed critical reviews, the series has been a hit amongst the viewers, particularly the younger audience.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing like Elle Evans and Lee Flynn
Fans of The Kissing Booth series can pay homage to their favorite characters through cosplay. Here are some tips:
- Elle Evans: Elle’s style is casual and comfortable. Denim shorts, tank tops, and converse shoes are staple items. Don’t forget her signature headbands!
- Lee Flynn: Lee’s attire is also laid-back. Opt for graphic tees, jeans, and sneakers. For an authentic touch, consider a varsity jacket.
Biography of Beth Reekles, the Author of The Kissing Booth
Beth Reekles, born in 1995, is a Welsh author best known for her book, The Kissing Booth. She began writing on Wattpad at the age of 15, where The Kissing Booth gained popularity and was later published. In 2013, she was awarded the Wattpad prize for ‘Most Popular Teen Fiction.’ She has since written several other novels and continues to engage readers with her relatable characters and engaging narratives.
Beth Reekles’s 5 Best Works
Apart from The Kissing Booth, Beth Reekles has written several notable books:
- The Beach House: A companion novella to The Kissing Booth, it explores a summer before Elle and Noah’s relationship begins.
- Rolling Dice: The story follows Madison, the school nerd, who befriends the popular guy, and how their lives intertwine.
- Out of Tune: The protagonist, Ashley Bennett, tries to navigate her small town life after her boyfriend becomes a pop star.
- Cwtch Me If You Can: This sweet romance novella is set in Wales, where the protagonist, Alex, meets an intriguing stranger.
- The Kissing Booth 2: Going the Distance and The Kissing Booth 3: One Last Time: These sequels to The Kissing Booth continue Elle’s story as she navigates love, friendship, and her future.
5 Other Media Adaptations by Vince Marcello
Vince Marcello, the director of The Kissing Booth series, is known for his work in family-friendly films. Here are five other projects by Marcello:
- Teen Beach Movie: A Disney Channel Original Movie about two teenagers who are transported into a 1960s beach movie.
- Zombie Prom: A short musical film about a high school boy who comes back from the dead to take his girlfriend to prom.
- An American Girl: Saige Paints the Sky: A movie about a young artist trying to save her school’s art program.
- Liar, Liar, Vampire: A Nickelodeon movie about a shy teenager who is mistaken for a vampire.
- Isabelle Dances Into the Spotlight: A movie about a young dancer trying to find her own way to shine.
10 Similar Movies to The Kissing Booth 3
If you enjoyed The Kissing Booth 3, here are 10 similar movies that explore themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery:
- To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
- The Perfect Date
- The DUFF
- Sierra Burgess is a Loser
- Love, Simon
- The Spectacular Now
- Alex Strangelove
- The Half of It
- Five Feet Apart
- After
Book Club Questions for The Kissing Booth
If you’re part of a book club or enjoy discussing literature, here are some questions about The Kissing Booth:
- How does the “friendship rule” affect Elle and Lee’s relationship?
- Discuss Elle’s character development throughout the series.
- How does the book handle the theme of love?
- Explore the significance of the Kissing Booth in the story.
- How do Elle’s decisions shape her future?
10 Similar Novels to The Kissing Booth
If you liked The Kissing Booth, you might enjoy these 10 novels that also delve into themes of friendship, love, and coming-of-age:
- “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
- “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli
- “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
- “Anna and the French Kiss” by Stephanie Perkins
- “The DUFF” by Kody Keplinger
- “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
- “P.S. I Still Love You” by Jenny Han
- “The Spectacular Now” by Tim Tharp
- “Five Feet Apart” by Rachael Lippincott
- “After” by Anna Todd
Parent Guide for The Kissing Booth Series
The Kissing Booth series is a light-hearted and enjoyable watch for teenagers. However, parents should be aware of certain content:
- Age Recommendation: The series is suitable for teenagers. It deals with relationships, friendships, and personal growth.
- Language: The series contains some mild profanity.
- Themes: The series explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It could lead to discussions about relationships, making decisions, and navigating high school life.
Buying Guide and Gift Idea
The Kissing Booth series, both the books and the movies, make for great gifts for fans of YA fiction. The books are available in paperback and e-book formats. The movies can be streamed on Netflix, with Netflix gift cards serving as a thoughtful present. Other related merchandise, like t-shirts, posters, and mugs, featuring quotes or images from the series, are also popular gift ideas.
Conclusion
The Kissing Booth series, both the books by Beth Reekles and the movies directed by Vince Marcello, has resonated with a generation of young readers and viewers. With its relatable characters and engaging narrative, it has carved a niche in the realm of YA fiction. Whether you’re a book lover, a movie buff, or a fan of the series, The Kissing Booth offers a delightful exploration of friendship, love, and the rollercoaster ride of growing up.
