Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is a young adult romantic comedy that delivers all the warmth, laughter, and heartache you’d want from a coming-of-age love story. Packed with nostalgic references, quirky characters, and emotional depth, it captures the magic of first love while subverting typical rom-com clichés. At its core, it’s a story about growth, grief, and discovering that sometimes, real life can be even better than the fairy tales we chase.
Meet Liz Buxbaum: The Rom-Com Dreamer
Elizabeth Buxbaum, affectionately called Liz, is a die-hard romantic with her head in the clouds and her heart set on a cinematic kind of love. Raised by a mother who adored romantic comedies, Liz finds comfort and expectations in the genre’s tropes. She longs for a swoon-worthy love story of her own—preferably with her long-time crush Michael Young, who has just moved back to town.
Enter the Charming Villain: Wes Bennett
Wes Bennett, Liz’s annoying next-door neighbor, is everything Michael isn’t—loud, unpredictable, and frustrating. He teases Liz endlessly and doesn’t fit the mold of the perfect love interest she’s been dreaming about. Yet, when she enlists Wes’s help to get closer to Michael, things take a hilarious and unexpected turn.
Plot That Flips the Script
The plot plays out like a classic romantic comedy—but with clever twists. As Liz navigates her mission to win over Michael, she begins to see Wes in a new light. Their banter grows deeper, their shared memories resurface, and Liz finds herself questioning the ideal romance she’s always envisioned. The twist? The boy next door—the one she thought she despised—might just be her real-life leading man.
Themes of Grief and Healing
One of the most touching elements of the novel is how it handles grief. Liz’s mother passed away years earlier, and her absence is felt deeply. Through romantic subplots and teen drama, the book sensitively explores how loss shapes expectations and the struggle of letting go of someone who was the cornerstone of your identity. Liz’s journey isn’t just about love—it’s about healing.
Rom-Com References for Every Fan
Fans of romantic comedies will find endless joy in the many references sprinkled throughout the novel. From 13 Going on 30 to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Liz narrates her life like a rom-com, making the story meta, fun, and very relatable. These nods aren’t just for laughs—they mirror her journey and ultimately challenge her understanding of love.
Why Readers Fall for Wes Bennett
Wes is the epitome of the unexpected love interest. Though he starts off as the “annoying boy next door,” his kindness, depth, and subtle affection for Liz shine through. He’s the kind of character you root for—a bit rough around the edges but genuine at heart. His emotional intelligence and patience with Liz make him a standout among YA romantic leads.
Subverting Tropes and Stereotypes
Instead of following the predictable path of girl gets crush, girl dates crush, Painter flips it. Liz’s initial idea of love—based on polished, charming boys like Michael—proves misguided. The story embraces the “enemies-to-lovers” and “fake dating” tropes but adds layers that feel fresh and emotionally grounded. This makes the romance not just entertaining but meaningful.
High School Vibes and Realism
The setting—high school senior year—is filled with prom drama, locker gossip, and bittersweet goodbyes. But unlike many YA books, Better Than the Movies feels grounded. The dialogue is realistic, the friendships are nuanced, and the characters’ decisions reflect genuine adolescent experiences. Liz’s insecurities, fears, and awkwardness make her easy to relate to.
Character Growth Over Plot Twists
Rather than relying heavily on shocking reveals, the story focuses on emotional evolution. Liz grows from someone stuck in a fantasy to someone who accepts and embraces reality, even if it’s messier and more unpredictable. Her relationship with Wes becomes a symbol of that growth—imperfect but honest.
Writing Style That Shines
Painter’s writing is sharp, witty, and filled with heart. Her ability to mix humor with heavy topics like grief makes the story all the more impactful. Liz’s inner monologue is hilarious and authentic, pulling readers into her world effortlessly. It’s like reading a teen rom-com script but with far more depth and sincerity.
Perfect Read for Hopeless Romantics
If you love romantic comedies, swoony banter, unexpected love, and feel-good endings, this book is a must-read. It’s charming without being cheesy, emotional without being heavy, and predictable only in the best, most comforting ways. Think of it as 10 Things I Hate About You meets The Fault in Our Stars—but lighter and full of hope.
What Makes It Better Than the Movies
The novel’s brilliance lies in showing readers that real love stories aren’t always cinematic—they’re messy, imperfect, and require growth. Yet, they can still be magical. Liz’s transformation from rom-com dreamer to someone who embraces unexpected realities is the heart of the novel’s message: love, in its rawest and most genuine form, is better than the movies.
Critical Acclaim and Reader Reception
Better Than the Movies has been praised by both critics and readers for its heart, humor, and fresh take on YA romance. It’s become a popular recommendation on BookTok and Goodreads, earning a loyal fanbase. Many readers note that it renewed their love for reading romance—and made them rethink what “happily ever after” really means.
Conclusion
Better Than the Movies isn’t just a love story—it’s a heartfelt exploration of growing up, letting go, and finding happiness where you least expect it. Liz’s journey is funny, frustrating, and full of relatable moments that tug at the heartstrings. In the end, it reminds us that life’s best love stories often don’t follow a script—and that’s what makes them unforgettable.
FAQs
Is “Better Than the Movies” suitable for younger readers?
Yes, it’s a clean YA romance appropriate for ages 13 and up, with mild romantic themes and no explicit content.
is there a sequel to “Better Than the Movies”?
As of now, there is no direct sequel, but Lynn Painter has other YA romances with similar tones and charm.
What makes Wes a great romantic lead?
Wes is charming, flawed, and deeply kind. His relationship with Liz grows naturally, based on shared history and emotional understanding.
Do you need to be a rom-com fan to enjoy the book?
Not at all! While rom-com fans will appreciate the references, the story stands strong on its own with heartfelt character development.
Where can I buy or read “Better Than the Movies”?
The book is available in bookstores, online retailers like Amazon, and on ebook platforms such as Kindle and Apple Books.
