In Lynn Painter’s delightful YA debut “Better than the Movies,” love isn’t just in the air—it’s practically bursting off the pages in a confetti explosion of movie references, witty banter, and swoon-worthy moments that would make even the most jaded cynic believe in happily ever afters. This charming enemies-to-lovers romance is a pitch-perfect ode to all the classic romantic comedies we’ve grown up watching and re-watching until the VHS tapes wore out (kids, ask your parents).
The Plot: Girl Meets Boy…Again
Liz Buxbaum has had a crush on Michael Young since they were kids. But he moved away before she could ever make her move, leaving her pining after an idealized version of her dream guy for years. When Michael unexpectedly returns to town just before senior year, Liz is determined to finally land her leading man and get that magical prom moment she’s always dreamed of.
There’s just one problem—her annoying next-door neighbor, Wes Bennett. He’s been the bane of Liz’s existence since childhood, pulling pranks and generally making her life miserable. But Wes and Michael have somehow become friends, making Wes her reluctant ticket into Michael’s world. As Liz enlists Wes’s help to catch Michael’s eye, she starts to realize that maybe the boy next door isn’t quite as insufferable as she always thought. And those sparks flying between them? Totally not part of the plan.
The Characters: More Than Meets the Rom-Com Eye
Liz: Our Lovably Quirky Heroine
Liz Buxbaum is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for, even when she’s being ridiculously stubborn or oblivious. A diehard romantic raised on a steady diet of rom-coms, Liz sees the world through rose-colored glasses tinted by Hollywood magic. She dresses in vintage clothes, makes elaborate playlists for every occasion, and firmly believes that her perfect meet-cute is just around the corner.
But underneath her bubbly exterior, Liz is still grappling with the loss of her mother years ago. Her obsession with romantic movies is partly a way to feel close to her mom, who loved them too. Liz’s journey isn’t just about getting the guy—it’s about learning to open her heart again and embracing the messy, imperfect reality of love instead of a fantasy version.
Wes: The Boy Next Door with Hidden Depths
At first glance, Wes seems like your typical cocky jock—all smirks and swagger as he mercilessly teases Liz. But as layers are peeled back, we discover there’s way more to him than meets the eye. He’s whip-smart, surprisingly thoughtful, and harboring some long-held feelings of his own. Wes challenges Liz in all the best ways, pushing her out of her comfort zone while still respecting who she is at her core.
The banter between Liz and Wes absolutely crackles with chemistry. Their back-and-forth is razor sharp and laugh-out-loud funny as years of mutual antagonism evolve into something much deeper. You’ll find yourself grinning like an idiot every time these two are on the page together.
Michael: The Dream Guy Who May Not Be So Dreamy
Poor Michael never really stood a chance, did he? As Liz’s longtime crush, he has some impossibly big shoes to fill. The real Michael can’t possibly live up to the perfect version Liz has built up in her head over the years. While he’s a perfectly nice guy, he lacks that essential spark with our heroine. Their interactions always fall a bit flat compared to the fireworks between Liz and Wes.
Themes: Finding Your Own Happily Ever After
While “Better than the Movies” is a pure joy to read, brimming with humor and heart-fluttering romance, it also touches on some deeper themes in a thoughtful way:
Reality vs Fantasy
Liz has to learn that real love isn’t like the movies—it’s messy and complicated and doesn’t always follow a perfect script. But it can be even more beautiful and fulfilling than any Hollywood ending.
Grief and Moving On
Liz’s attempts to recreate her mother’s favorite movies are a way of keeping her memory alive. But she eventually realizes that truly honoring her mom means living her own life and making her own love story.
Looking Beyond Labels
Both Liz and Wes have to get past their preconceived notions of each other to see the person underneath. It’s a reminder not to judge people based on first impressions or reputation.
Writing Style: Witty and Warm
Lynn Painter’s writing fizzes with energy and personality. The prose is snappy and modern, peppered with pop culture references and laugh-out-loud one-liners. But there’s also a lot of heart underpinning the humor. Painter has a knack for crafting those small, intimate moments that make your breath catch—a lingering glance, a hand brushing hair back, the electric tension of almost-but-not-quite touching.
The pacing clips along at a brisk, engaging tempo that’ll keep you turning pages well past your bedtime (ask me how I know). Chapters often end on little cliffhangers that make it way too easy to say “just one more” until suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’ve finished the whole book in one sitting. Not that I’m speaking from personal experience or anything…
Rom-Com Redux: Tropes and References Galore
Part of the fun of “Better than the Movies” is spotting all the classic rom-com tropes and references sprinkled throughout. From enemies-to-lovers and fake dating to makeover montages and rain-soaked declarations of love, this book hits all your favorite beats while still feeling fresh.
Painter clearly knows and loves this genre, paying homage to iconic films like “You’ve Got Mail,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” and “Bridget Jones’s Diary.” But she also gently pokes fun at some of the more outdated or problematic elements, updating them for a modern audience.
Each chapter opens with a quote from a famous rom-com, perfectly setting the tone. And Liz’s tendency to imagine her life as a movie, complete with soundtrack, adds an extra layer of cinematic fun.
Sweet but Not Saccharine
While “Better than the Movies” is undeniably a feel-good read, it never veers into overly sappy territory. The characters feel like real teenagers, not idealized versions. They make mistakes, say the wrong thing, and don’t always have the perfect quip ready. This grounding in reality makes the romantic moments all the more swoon-worthy when they do happen.
The book also touches on heavier topics like grief and self-doubt with a deft, honest touch. These elements add depth without dragging down the overall buoyant tone of the story.
Verdict: A Must-Read for Rom-Com Fans
“Better than the Movies” is the literary equivalent of curling up with your favorite romantic comedy and a giant bowl of popcorn. It’s warm, comforting, and guaranteed to leave you with a goofy smile plastered across your face.
Lynn Painter has crafted a debut that feels both nostalgic and fresh, paying tribute to the classics while carving out its own place in the rom-com pantheon. With its pitch-perfect blend of humor and heart, this book is an absolute delight from start to finish.
So pop some popcorn, queue up your favorite rom-com playlist, and settle in for a reading experience that really is better than the movies. Just don’t blame me when you’re up until 3 AM because you can’t put it down!
Who Should Read This Book:
- Anyone who has ever stayed up way too late watching “You’ve Got Mail” for the millionth time (guilty as charged)
- Fans of contemporary YA romance authors like Jenny Han and Kasie West
- Readers looking for a feel-good escape that’ll leave them grinning
- Anyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers story with plenty of witty banter
- Those who appreciate clever pop culture references and meta-humor
Who Might Want to Skip:
- Readers who prefer their romance with a side of brooding vampires or dystopian revolutions
- Those looking for steamy content (this one’s pretty tame in the physical department)
- People who break out in hives at the mere mention of romantic comedies
Similar Books to Check Out:
If you loved “Better than the Movies,” here are a few other titles that might tickle your rom-com fancy:
- “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
- “The Fill-In Boyfriend” by Kasie West
- “Tweet Cute” by Emma Lord
- “Today Tonight Tomorrow” by Rachel Lynn Solomon
About the Author
“Better than the Movies” is Lynn Painter’s YA debut, but she’s no stranger to romance. She’s also the author of “The Do-Over,” an adult romantic comedy. When she’s not crafting swoon-worthy love stories, Painter contributes to the Omaha World-Herald’s parenting section and wrangles her own pack of wild children. Rumor has it she fuels her writing with a steady diet of Rockstar energy drinks and a complete inability to be a Pinterest mom.
With “Better than the Movies,” Painter has announced herself as a rom-com force to be reckoned with. I for one can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. In the meantime, excuse me while I go re-read this book and pretend I’m not tearing up at that ending all over again.
