The story of a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.
- Released: 2024-05-22
- Runtime: 104 minutes
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
- Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, Louis Gossett Jr., Bobby Moynihan, Alan Kim, Steve Carell, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Vince Vaughn, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Sebastian Maniscalco, Richard Jenkins, Christopher Meloni, Awkwafina, Jon Stewart, Liza Colón-Zayas
- Director: John Krasinski
Comments
- Anurag-Shetty - 2 July 2024
Fun & heartwarming.
IF tells the story of Bea(Cailey Fleming), a young girl who has gone through a tragic experience. After this incident, Bea starts seeing everyone's imaginary friends, who have been ditched by their human friends who thought them up.
IF is a brilliant film. Writer-director John Krasinski keeps going from strength to strength as a director, by now directing a family movie, after mastering the horror genre with the Quiet Place films. There are several scenes that are emotional & heart-touching. The comedy will make you laugh uproariously. The set pieces are inventive & an absolute joy to watch. The visual effects are amazing. The animation on all the adorable imaginary friends is flawless. The only flaw is, it feels slightly derivative of Pixar movies. Cailey Fleming is spectacular as Bea. Fleming has a long & bright future ahead of her, in Hollywood. Ryan Reynolds is awe-inspiring as Cal. Reynolds' layered performance shows his versatility as an actor, apart from his generally comedic roles. John Krasinski is outstanding as Dad. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is perfect as Blossom. Fiona Shaw is fantastic as Grandmother. Steve Carell is incredible as Blue. Carell shows us his impressive vocal range, after voicing Gru in the Despicable Me films. The supporting cast & all the other actors who voiced various imaginary friends are unforgettable. IF is a must watch with your entire family. Watch it & feel nostalgic about the innocence & magic of childhood. - irunthepaint - 28 June 2024
IF: A Sweet but Flawed Journey of Imagination
John Krasinski's "IF" offers a heartwarming, albeit imperfect, exploration of childhood imagination. The film centers around Bea, a young girl who encounters a host of forgotten imaginary friends (IFs) while staying with her grandmother. With a star-studded cast including Ryan Reynolds, Steve Carell, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the movie brings a mix of charm and whimsy.
Krasinski's shift from the horror genre to a family-friendly dramedy is notable. The vibrant, creatively designed IFs and imaginative sequences are visually captivating, particularly the scenes in the IF retirement home where Bea's imagination shines. However, the film's plot occasionally feels scattered and inconsistent, with some rules about the imaginary friends not clearly defined.
Steve Carell's portrayal of Blue, Bea's central IF, is a standout, adding both humor and heart to the film. Despite the impressive ensemble, some characters feel underutilized, and Ryan Reynolds' character, Cal, seems somewhat awkwardly placed within the story.
While "IF" may not reach the narrative cohesion of Krasinski's previous works, it compensates with emotional depth and a heartfelt message about the enduring power of imagination. The film resonates more with parents, especially dads, who may find themselves shedding a tear.
Overall, "IF" is a flawed yet endearing movie that families will enjoy. Its warmth and imaginative spirit make it worth watching, even if it doesn't fully live up to its potential.
6/10 stars.
