Overview
Lynn Painter’s Better Than the Movies is a lighthearted teen rom-com that leans fully into classic romantic tropes while still feeling fresh and self-aware. The story follows Liz Buxbaum, a hopeless romantic obsessed with movie-style love, as she teams up with her annoying neighbor, Wes, to win over her long-time crush. What unfolds is a predictable (but charming) friends-to-lovers story packed with humor, heart, and plenty of swoony moments.
But teen rom-coms sometimes come with content that is not necessarily safe for a young audience. We did the research on Better Than the Movies so you can be prepared if your child wants to read it. Let’s begin!
Harmful Content ❗️
The book is generally mild in terms of content. There is some language and behavior that is to be expected among teenagers. Teens attend a high-school party where drinking takes place, but the main characters hardly drink themselves.
Additionally, there are some emotionally intense moments, particularly around grief, as Liz is still processing the loss of her mother. These themes are handled thoughtfully but may be sensitive for some readers.
Language
Teens use profanity, such as “sh*t” and the occasional F bomb.
Sex
Romance is central to the story, but sexual content is minimal. There are a few kissing scenes and lots of flirting and romantic tension, but nothing explicit. Some language edges into sexual territory, with references to things like grinding and “knocking boots.”
Violence
There is no real violence in the story.
Positive Value 💫
One of the book’s strengths is its emphasis on growth and emotional honesty. Liz learns to move beyond unrealistic expectations shaped by movies and begins to appreciate genuine relationships. Themes of friendship, family, and healing from loss are present throughout, offering more depth beneath the teen romance storyline.
So, should my kid read it?
We’d recommend this book for ages 14 and up! Overall, it’s a harmless teen rom-com, but some content may not be suitable for all audiences. Be sure to take your own child’s level of maturity into consideration before making a decision.
