REVIEW: The Perfect Date is Not Perfect, But It Is a Fun Time

The Perfect Date is the latest addition to Netflix’s new line of romantic comedies. Directed by Chris Nelson, The Perfect Date follows Brooks Rattigan, played by Noah Centineo, as he struggles to find that one thing that will make him stand out enough on his college application to land a spot at Yale. When he realizes that his words will not be enough to get him into Yale, Brooks has to think outside the box to make himself stand out. After volunteering to escort a Warren’s cousin, Celia (Laura Marano), to her high school dance, Brooks discovers that acting as the perfect date may be his key to getting into Yale, so he and his best friend, Murph (Odiseas Georgiadis) set out to create an app that will allow Brooks to become the subscribers perfect date.

The raw chemistry between Centineo and Marano is luke warm compared to Centineo’s chemistry with his To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before costar, Lana Condor . Noah and Laura never quite reach the level of connection one needs to pull off a great romantic comedy. Their connection never really goes past the friendship level, even when viewers are supposed to believe that it does.

However, Marano and Centineo are fun to watch in the film, especially Centineo, who once again solidifies his place as romcom king. The two are perfect as their characters, just maybe not with each other. Camila Mendes, who play rich girl Shelby Pace, and Odiseas Georgiadis are vastly underused in the film and never quite gets to showcase their talent. Both stars have shining moments spattered throughout the film, but not enough material to ever become more than just a plot piece to drive Brooks story forward.

The next film in Netflix’s line of romantic comedies is The Perfect Date and, honestly, it feels like that quote from Miss Congeniality about the perfect date, “I’d have to say April 25th, because it’s not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket!” The Perfect Date never manages to become to hot like it’s Netflix’s romcom predecessor To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, but doesn’t fall quite as short like Netflix’s other romcom, Sierra Burgess Is Loser.

However, if you are looking for a fun movie to watch with your friends this weekend, check out The Perfect Date. It is the perfect movie to watch on a night in.

Grade: B-