This was a visually stunning and whimsical movie. It had a star studded cast with Ryan Reynolds, John Krazinski and Steve Carell. In fact it could have done without a star playing the dad I thought, as this detracted from the emotional opening scene. The movie felt boring at times for the first two-thirds, despite the interesting concept of the story; I think it lacked suspenseful direction in the plot development. Ryan Reynolds had about three great funny moments, all of which are in the trailer, and it's a shame he wasn't able to bring a bit more of this well known personality into the film throughout. The last third was definitely the highlight of the movie and did get more exciting and definitely heightened the emotion of the movie.
119 Reviews
Harmless family movie
cthirlby17 May 2024
Harmless and wholesome family fun. Pretty simple and heartfelt story for the kids. It has some great cast members mostly with the voiceovers but they are in it, not as much as I'd hoped but they are there. It's a very imaginative film with a few cool fantastical scenes, particularly the dance number in the imaginary place. Reynolds didn't really shine as much for his personality and wasn't as funny in this but still a good presence. Cailey (the girl) being from the walking dead too seems to be doing well for herself being put in a Krasinski and Reynolds movie. Sometimes the film lacks and the story gets weak in the middle but overall you can understand it. The ending is probably the best part as it has the most weight to it and emotion about what imaginary friends are and what they do and mean for us. Also a nice little surprise of an ending if you didn't see it coming. Overall just a good family film but could've been a bit better.
Why did you have to do that?
brattybecky18 May 2024
My youngest daughter wanted to see this, it has Ryan Reynolds in it, so I thought "what the heck". Man I did not anticipate that I would be a bumbling crying mess at the end of this film.
I wouldn't say this is a kids film, it's more of a film for adults who still have that child still inside of them, but they lost their way when they grew up and became adults. This is a movie for the child inside all of us, that still has that glimmer of hope.
John Krasinski seems like a big child, and that's basically what he was playing in here. I don't mean that in a negative way, I find it very endearing because you don't see that a lot anymore in people.
I really liked seeing the imagination of the little girl in here, but as I stated this is a HEAVY movie, so some things kids may not enjoy in here. When we got out of the movie I asked my daughter "did you like the movie?" and she said "yeah, it was funny and sad". I would have to agree with her assessment.
I would say that if you have a child that has trouble concentrating or sitting still, then they will be miserable in this. This is definitely targeted more for adults.
I wouldn't say this is a kids film, it's more of a film for adults who still have that child still inside of them, but they lost their way when they grew up and became adults. This is a movie for the child inside all of us, that still has that glimmer of hope.
John Krasinski seems like a big child, and that's basically what he was playing in here. I don't mean that in a negative way, I find it very endearing because you don't see that a lot anymore in people.
I really liked seeing the imagination of the little girl in here, but as I stated this is a HEAVY movie, so some things kids may not enjoy in here. When we got out of the movie I asked my daughter "did you like the movie?" and she said "yeah, it was funny and sad". I would have to agree with her assessment.
I would say that if you have a child that has trouble concentrating or sitting still, then they will be miserable in this. This is definitely targeted more for adults.
30 year old male perspective
jaredwillmer_33311 May 2024
I must admit, the first half hour had me questioning if I was wasting my time. I was confused about the vast demographics the film was trying to appeal to. Maybe there could've been some improvements there.
Once the 2nd act started, I slowly started to find myself more and more invested in the characters. However, I was still questioning potential plot holes in the story and the films demographic.
During the 3rd act, it really tied itself together and started to make a lot more sense. I want to rewatch it knowing how well it ends, similar to a Christopher Nolan film. I'm curious what a child would think of this film because it deals with some adult themes and subject matter that only an adult would relate to. It isn't crude, it's very family friendly. A child might find it slow and boring at times. The moral of the film might go over a child's head but there's plenty of humour and subject matter aimed at children.
Overall, I was very impressed with this film, and I'll be watching it again. Take your kids to it. If they don't enjoy it now, it'll definitely have a completely different meaning to them in 10, 20, or 30 years. As an adult, you'll almost definitely enjoy it.
Once the 2nd act started, I slowly started to find myself more and more invested in the characters. However, I was still questioning potential plot holes in the story and the films demographic.
During the 3rd act, it really tied itself together and started to make a lot more sense. I want to rewatch it knowing how well it ends, similar to a Christopher Nolan film. I'm curious what a child would think of this film because it deals with some adult themes and subject matter that only an adult would relate to. It isn't crude, it's very family friendly. A child might find it slow and boring at times. The moral of the film might go over a child's head but there's plenty of humour and subject matter aimed at children.
Overall, I was very impressed with this film, and I'll be watching it again. Take your kids to it. If they don't enjoy it now, it'll definitely have a completely different meaning to them in 10, 20, or 30 years. As an adult, you'll almost definitely enjoy it.
Here is your trigger warning!
carlirealtor18 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Before you go see this, be prepared on what it is and what it is not. We are a family who lost a child to cancer, so when the movie started the way it did, I automatically wanted to walk out because I thought I was taking my family to see a "funny" movie. My daughter cried many times and kept saying "mommy, why didn't you tell me this was a sad movie?" There were also plot holes and scenes that didn't seem to have much to do with the film. For example, what was that scene in the retirement home with that sad cat? I wanted to know who the cat was and we never got to see. Why were we even shown that sad kitty to never have him shown again? I had assumed something good would happen to him. Also, every time the little boy said he could not see an "IF", my daughter cried because they were all so desperate and they were being rejected yet again. The acting was well done but I was confused on who the target demographic was. I heard lots of kids asking questions during the film so be prepared to talk about tough topics after the film is over. It was a good film, but it was quite sad. Just don't go into this movie hoping for a "Minions" type comedy. You have been warned.
Not as funny as I had expected
a-clinch118 May 2024
Really hoped that this would become known as a family classic. I took two thirteen year old boys and both thought it was average at best. Effects are good but there was a serious lack of jokes. A film that will not live long in the memory. Cast is great, film also looks great but there was no sense of excitement at any point. Quite flat throughout the whole film. Felt like the film is aimed at children under ten but I think that age group will also struggle as it just has no magic. Needed alot more jokes, less schmaltz and some excitement. Waste of a very good cast. I really did want to love this film.
Pure magic!
meredithentler11 May 2024
I'm offering a huge standing ovation to John Krasinski and the entire cast of IF! This movie is magical, heartfelt, beautiful, and the kind of film that will stick with you forever. The casting is perfect.
I am a 48 year old mother of two, and all three of us left the theater with a sense of awe and wonder. I am also a mental health therapist, and I can clearly see how this movie can Serve as a highly effective tool for use in groups, as well as individual therapy. This is the type of material that illicit emotional responses that can set the stage for highly effective individual and group process. It is one that I will be incorporating in my own professional practice, and I encourage other therapists to do the same
For the teachers, this film would be a wonderful addition to social emotional learning programs. The message of the magic of childhood, resiliency, and community is undeniably effective.
I cannot wait for this movie to be released for purchase because I will be buying it on day one and re-watching this over and over again. I will confidently go so far as to say that this movie is the Mary Poppins of the day.
I am a 48 year old mother of two, and all three of us left the theater with a sense of awe and wonder. I am also a mental health therapist, and I can clearly see how this movie can Serve as a highly effective tool for use in groups, as well as individual therapy. This is the type of material that illicit emotional responses that can set the stage for highly effective individual and group process. It is one that I will be incorporating in my own professional practice, and I encourage other therapists to do the same
For the teachers, this film would be a wonderful addition to social emotional learning programs. The message of the magic of childhood, resiliency, and community is undeniably effective.
I cannot wait for this movie to be released for purchase because I will be buying it on day one and re-watching this over and over again. I will confidently go so far as to say that this movie is the Mary Poppins of the day.
Could have been Better !!!
imtiaziqbal-7566218 May 2024
Imaginary Friend is a movie likely to appeal to kids and some adults as well. I admit the movie has an interesting concept which could have been made a bit more interesting and happening than it turned out to be.
John Krasinski teamed up with his old pal Ryan to make this family friendly movie after A Quiet Place but the movie takes quite some time to take off and mashes up what could have been a more fun and action filled fantasy adventure rather than just an emotional rollercoaster.
Some of the IFs imaginary friends, although colorful and happy, could have been used a tad more and could have made this movie more adventurous and funnier than it turned out to be.
John Krasinski teamed up with his old pal Ryan to make this family friendly movie after A Quiet Place but the movie takes quite some time to take off and mashes up what could have been a more fun and action filled fantasy adventure rather than just an emotional rollercoaster.
Some of the IFs imaginary friends, although colorful and happy, could have been used a tad more and could have made this movie more adventurous and funnier than it turned out to be.
The Ending saves this from being an interesting thought experiment
crpenman11 May 2024
The majority of this film I was questioning this film, I won't lie. The messaging seemed all over the place, the target demographic similarly seemed to vary scene to scene. There were a bunch of grin inducing moments and some good laughs, but I was frustrated by the film's lack of commitment to answers or internal logic, why certain things are important etc. I was very impressed with some of the acting, John Krasinski and Fiona Shaw are delightful in particular and the stacked cast is a wonder of "I know that voice" all of which are charming. But it seemed the key function of pairing imaginary friends with kids to be a very child friendly line. The way it takes it in reality is far more adult while still being a little confusing. I got about 70 minutes into this film and started wondering why, if anything other than a 1 sentence summary John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds had said this was a live action Pixar film.
The ending and the subsequent hours of reinterpretation and pondering leave me in awe of its execution. I still think there are problems, and scenes that feel very haphazard in some ways, and I still feel some bewilderment over a film that takes 90% of its run time to come into its own. It's a fantastic twist, and similar to Gone Girl (an odd but apt and well considered comparison given that to mention any others would constitute a spoiler) is one of the best examples of a twist impacting your entire viewing experience, I've ever seen. Everything crystallises and the amount you get from it as a young adult increases exponentially-I can only wait and look forward to how its meaning and poignancy will change throughout the rest of my life as the best Pixar films do.
The ending and the subsequent hours of reinterpretation and pondering leave me in awe of its execution. I still think there are problems, and scenes that feel very haphazard in some ways, and I still feel some bewilderment over a film that takes 90% of its run time to come into its own. It's a fantastic twist, and similar to Gone Girl (an odd but apt and well considered comparison given that to mention any others would constitute a spoiler) is one of the best examples of a twist impacting your entire viewing experience, I've ever seen. Everything crystallises and the amount you get from it as a young adult increases exponentially-I can only wait and look forward to how its meaning and poignancy will change throughout the rest of my life as the best Pixar films do.
Emotional rollercoaster, bring the tissues
josh-8149417 May 2024
This film was advertised as a very creative kids animated movie, and it is that in parts, but very slow and lots of drama, perhaps more for Parents? Parents, bring tissues, you will cry. Folks who arent parents might not get much out of this. Problem I have with this film; What grandparent would let a 12 year old go to Coney Island every day solo from Manhatten, without communicating until dinner time?!? There is not one phone in this film, Not in this day and age. Some parts of this film are very trippy, well animated, and when its in that zone it is super fun, but it gets back to drama, and there are parents both dying and sick, and it is a tearjerker at 3 points in the film, including the opening credits. Young kids will be bored, preteens will be entertained enough. I asked my 11 year old if he ever had an imaginary friend and he said no, I said me neither. He said it wasnt bad but he was expecting more animation. This could have been better with less hospital and more roger rabbit style scenes. They made a high budget well made drama with excellent cgi animation. It has lots of Heart, 6/10.
Strange pacing and tone shifts
rmmil17 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I went into "If" with high expectations. I am a huge fan of most of the cast, and I think John Krasinski is a competent director.
About 30 minutes into watching this, I realized it wasn't going to have the broad, universal appeal of many films in this genre. It's extremely sad in parts, and then shifts to total silliness, then back to sad again. Films can be a lot of things at different times, but it was sort of whiplash here going from silly to sad and back again.
I was really looking forward to Steve Carrell's reunion with Krasinski, and that was all sort of an overblown letdown here. Steve's "Blue" character is basically a beanbag chair with eyes and emotions. He had almost zero impact on the film, in fact he really didn't even have that many lines at all.
The writing in this film also isn't the best, there are times where ithe plot just sort of wanders.
There's a scene about 1/2 into this movie that I think showcases what I'm talking about. The main protagonist girl wanders into a retirement community for imaginary friends, and stuff just happens. It has no bearing on any of the rest of the plot whatsoever. Like the film got lost on its way to a purpose for existing.
Overall it was "fine" but it has absolutely zero replay value.
About 30 minutes into watching this, I realized it wasn't going to have the broad, universal appeal of many films in this genre. It's extremely sad in parts, and then shifts to total silliness, then back to sad again. Films can be a lot of things at different times, but it was sort of whiplash here going from silly to sad and back again.
I was really looking forward to Steve Carrell's reunion with Krasinski, and that was all sort of an overblown letdown here. Steve's "Blue" character is basically a beanbag chair with eyes and emotions. He had almost zero impact on the film, in fact he really didn't even have that many lines at all.
The writing in this film also isn't the best, there are times where ithe plot just sort of wanders.
There's a scene about 1/2 into this movie that I think showcases what I'm talking about. The main protagonist girl wanders into a retirement community for imaginary friends, and stuff just happens. It has no bearing on any of the rest of the plot whatsoever. Like the film got lost on its way to a purpose for existing.
Overall it was "fine" but it has absolutely zero replay value.
Evoked something in me
awscalisi12 May 2024
Went to see an early screening of IF with my wife and son last night. The cinema was practically empty with only a few other families there? The film despite being 2024 was not the modern fast constant attention providing obvious story that films have now often now become for children . IF slowly develops , it draws you into its world and developing your care or wonder about it's characters. That adults too became invested in this is a film for multi generation and works on more levels than expected.
Overall It hit and pleasently entertained the younger children but then something magical happened as the film developed towards it end. Without spoiling it I saw around me the adults rubbing tears from cheeks. Grandparents suddenly holding tighly hands closer and i got it . Well it got me ! This film started to evoke strong emotions about a child's film I had not felt since those Coco or the ending of AI or toy story 3 days. This film touches you.
The screenplay and cinematography are excellent I need to see it again but the layers of this film make it a U universal (suitable for all)
Overall It hit and pleasently entertained the younger children but then something magical happened as the film developed towards it end. Without spoiling it I saw around me the adults rubbing tears from cheeks. Grandparents suddenly holding tighly hands closer and i got it . Well it got me ! This film started to evoke strong emotions about a child's film I had not felt since those Coco or the ending of AI or toy story 3 days. This film touches you.
The screenplay and cinematography are excellent I need to see it again but the layers of this film make it a U universal (suitable for all)
A movie that's confused about what it should be
fullerjoh19 May 2024
I was really excited for IF from previews. Good cast and a ton of potential to be a legendary kids movie. I think where this movie struggles is that it can't figure out if it's supposed to be a kids movie or an after school special about dealing with trauma and grief.
Another area that was annoying was in casting. Ryan Reynolds and Steve Carell are just really unable to be anything else in a movie. The same snark (no swearing) from Reynolds. Dude really just needs to stay in the Deadpool lane. Carell essentially was a big, purple, fluffy Gru.
The first 45 minutes were really rough. I'm not sure I heard a kid in my theater laugh until about 35 minutes in. Then it found a kids movie footing and I thought it might end strong. It almost stuck the landing, but then it just wanted to dive back into after school special territory.
I didn't hate it. It just isn't really the kind of movie that it's billed as.
Another area that was annoying was in casting. Ryan Reynolds and Steve Carell are just really unable to be anything else in a movie. The same snark (no swearing) from Reynolds. Dude really just needs to stay in the Deadpool lane. Carell essentially was a big, purple, fluffy Gru.
The first 45 minutes were really rough. I'm not sure I heard a kid in my theater laugh until about 35 minutes in. Then it found a kids movie footing and I thought it might end strong. It almost stuck the landing, but then it just wanted to dive back into after school special territory.
I didn't hate it. It just isn't really the kind of movie that it's billed as.
Wanted to like this movie
magee-4274517 May 2024
I was expecting more. Great cast and promotion but the movie falls flat. It's very very slow in the beginning. The end was cute and heartwarming. Not much in the middle. Should have moved faster and been a little more funny. Depending on the day you could fall asleep in this movie.
Great idea but not put together well. I do not think children would like this movie. Maybe older kids. It barely kept my attention as an adult. Now that I reflect on this movie I'm not sure who the target market is. It's just an ok movie. Will maybe watch one more time with my kids at home when it hits streaming but I wouldn't waste money seeing it in theaters.
Great idea but not put together well. I do not think children would like this movie. Maybe older kids. It barely kept my attention as an adult. Now that I reflect on this movie I'm not sure who the target market is. It's just an ok movie. Will maybe watch one more time with my kids at home when it hits streaming but I wouldn't waste money seeing it in theaters.
Fun for the kids
TheFilmFalcon14 May 2024
It's mainly fun for the kids. Adults will get some fun out of it because of the actors and mostly Reynolds' performance. But overall, definitely for the kids. I really enjoyed the imaginary friend sequences, and some of the jokes landed. I feel like some of the acting is a little underwhelming but it definitely isn't too noticeable.
A very interesting and well done ending too. It's a perfect and smooth flow throughout the movie. The kids will enjoy it overall, but there are some SLY but near none adult jokes and references. I think the casting is also well done but I wish they introduced some newer actors to show off what they're capable of. But the child actors in this are REALLY GOOD!
The movie isn't perfect still. It definitely has some unanswered elements but it is a solid watch for the family. 6.7/10.
A very interesting and well done ending too. It's a perfect and smooth flow throughout the movie. The kids will enjoy it overall, but there are some SLY but near none adult jokes and references. I think the casting is also well done but I wish they introduced some newer actors to show off what they're capable of. But the child actors in this are REALLY GOOD!
The movie isn't perfect still. It definitely has some unanswered elements but it is a solid watch for the family. 6.7/10.
Wholesome kids film for adults
masonsaul21 May 2024
IF is narratively chaotic in a way that hinders the pacing but it's also extremely wholesome and refreshingly original (in the literal sense). It has grand ambitions by merging a Spielberg homage about never truly growing up with an attempt to be a live action Pixar movie so even if John Krasinski falls short of these noble goals, he still ends up in a pretty good place.
With Ryan Reynolds doing a nice family version of his usual cynical quip machine and a bunch of A-list stars in small voice roles who are fun to recognise if nothing else, it's up to Cailey Fleming to bring all the emotions and really sell the sense of wonder which she achieves with ease. Also, John Krasinski casting himself as the dad avoids vanity thanks to how endearing he is.
Crafting a world of imagination isn't easy to do and John Krasinski's direction manages to come up with enough inventive moments to avoid feeling creatively inert. Michael Giacchino's score threatens to be overbearing without completely going there. There's barely a moment where it isn't present and it's got the sense of childlike wonder and adorably twee nature to pull it off.
With Ryan Reynolds doing a nice family version of his usual cynical quip machine and a bunch of A-list stars in small voice roles who are fun to recognise if nothing else, it's up to Cailey Fleming to bring all the emotions and really sell the sense of wonder which she achieves with ease. Also, John Krasinski casting himself as the dad avoids vanity thanks to how endearing he is.
Crafting a world of imagination isn't easy to do and John Krasinski's direction manages to come up with enough inventive moments to avoid feeling creatively inert. Michael Giacchino's score threatens to be overbearing without completely going there. There's barely a moment where it isn't present and it's got the sense of childlike wonder and adorably twee nature to pull it off.
A total new experience on the second viewing
xikarikaturist12 May 2024
After the 1st viewing, I was delightfully surprised at how strong the story is, since what I expected from the trailer was a fun and colorful children's adventure film. But I was deeply touched by the characters and couldn't stop pondering the plot.
Then after the 2nd viewing, I discovered the complex psychology of the story. I saw many little clues that I missed the first time and they led to a new interpretation of everything, which gave me many Wow and Aha moments. Also knowing the twist gave me totally new emotional experience watching the characters' reactions in different scenes.
My kids as well as I have thoroughly enjoyed the humor, the creativity, and the wonderful visual. For kids it's a perfect imaginative story with a huge twist and a happy ending. For adults, it possesses layers exploring the psychology of the character and it's a bitter-sweet, yet very satisfying emotional journey.
It's an entirely original story, which is rare and precious among big-budget films with an all-star cast.
The last thing I want to add from my perspective as an artist is that the character design and animation is top-notch. It's not the established Pixar style, but feels very original while fitting the narrative perfectly.
Then after the 2nd viewing, I discovered the complex psychology of the story. I saw many little clues that I missed the first time and they led to a new interpretation of everything, which gave me many Wow and Aha moments. Also knowing the twist gave me totally new emotional experience watching the characters' reactions in different scenes.
My kids as well as I have thoroughly enjoyed the humor, the creativity, and the wonderful visual. For kids it's a perfect imaginative story with a huge twist and a happy ending. For adults, it possesses layers exploring the psychology of the character and it's a bitter-sweet, yet very satisfying emotional journey.
It's an entirely original story, which is rare and precious among big-budget films with an all-star cast.
The last thing I want to add from my perspective as an artist is that the character design and animation is top-notch. It's not the established Pixar style, but feels very original while fitting the narrative perfectly.
Family Fun?
pressboard21 May 2024
The preview promised a lot more than was delivered. Without spoilers it started with depressing news, moved quickly to immediate depressing news and proceeded to be downbeat and depressing until the end which was not enough whimsical to save the movie. I like Ryan Reynolds but they did not give him much to work with. The cartoon characters were all entertaining but not enough to overcome the overarching dark tone. Acting overall was good but comic imagination needed a defibrillator - clear! I not sure children would enjoy this movie or adults for that matter. Because of it's heartfelt attempt to promote and encourage imagination I hope it makes money and that you enjoy it.
😢Sad..... So Sad 😢
DoNotComeToTheCinemaDepressed11 May 2024
Just Got Out of a Screening of IF.
Such a Perfectly Calibrated Film Across All of the Aspects Of the Filmaking.
🏠📜 The intro, Build & Plotline - The opening "Shows you" and doesn't "Tell You" of the Tragedy. And then the rest of the build of the film is so well put together in this Slowly unfolding manner, about the IFs, the Plotline with Bea and her Role with the IFs, and also the Plotline of Bea and the Tragedy that hit her and then another trial(with the father) that is shaky and unsure of the outcome. The Reveal of Cal and what he was all along. It's just so good.
🎵 The Score - Again, another perfect calibration, Firstly, we have the Tone of the Score which exactly fits this particular film, and then Secondly we have the Use of the Score, Perfectly Placed When Needed and this Score NEVER outstays it's welcome.
😢The Tone of the Film - There's this Underlying Tone of Sadness Steeped within that's present throughout the Entirety of this Film. That's the Main Contents of the Tone, With Fits and Starts and Glimmers of Happiness.
💭 Imagination Segment - This was such a Great Segment, the Part when Bea Is told by the Bear to Use Her Imagination to Create Anything she wanted and Ryan Reynolds' character is constantly on the ropes 🤣😂 through the hallways and so on. It was Such an Excellent Segment.
💃The Dance Segment with the Grandmother - Such a Beautiful Segment, knowing her Story, and her describing the lighting and dust particles Whilst dancing when she was a Child and seeing her relive that Moment and Reconnect with her IF was Great to See.
🙋The Performances - Cailey Fleming who is Very Good Here, Ryan Reynolds, again Very Good, and then we have John Krasinski who certainly adds to the film.
🎭The IF designs - I really liked Blossom 🌼 and her Voice, Blue was ok 💜, and I really liked many of the Designs, Sunny 🌞, Unicorn 🦄, Robot🤖, Bubble💦, Art Teacher 🎨, Spaceman🌌, Ice Water🚱, Magician Mouse 🐁. All these particular Designs Mentioned, I really liked them.
💬 - The Speech that Bea Gives near the Very End in the Hospital. It was so Emotional. There were at least 2 people Sniffling in the Auditorium from what I could hear.
Overall, The Emotional Core Within the Film was So Strong.
Such a Perfectly Calibrated Film Across All of the Aspects Of the Filmaking.
🏠📜 The intro, Build & Plotline - The opening "Shows you" and doesn't "Tell You" of the Tragedy. And then the rest of the build of the film is so well put together in this Slowly unfolding manner, about the IFs, the Plotline with Bea and her Role with the IFs, and also the Plotline of Bea and the Tragedy that hit her and then another trial(with the father) that is shaky and unsure of the outcome. The Reveal of Cal and what he was all along. It's just so good.
🎵 The Score - Again, another perfect calibration, Firstly, we have the Tone of the Score which exactly fits this particular film, and then Secondly we have the Use of the Score, Perfectly Placed When Needed and this Score NEVER outstays it's welcome.
😢The Tone of the Film - There's this Underlying Tone of Sadness Steeped within that's present throughout the Entirety of this Film. That's the Main Contents of the Tone, With Fits and Starts and Glimmers of Happiness.
💭 Imagination Segment - This was such a Great Segment, the Part when Bea Is told by the Bear to Use Her Imagination to Create Anything she wanted and Ryan Reynolds' character is constantly on the ropes 🤣😂 through the hallways and so on. It was Such an Excellent Segment.
💃The Dance Segment with the Grandmother - Such a Beautiful Segment, knowing her Story, and her describing the lighting and dust particles Whilst dancing when she was a Child and seeing her relive that Moment and Reconnect with her IF was Great to See.
🙋The Performances - Cailey Fleming who is Very Good Here, Ryan Reynolds, again Very Good, and then we have John Krasinski who certainly adds to the film.
🎭The IF designs - I really liked Blossom 🌼 and her Voice, Blue was ok 💜, and I really liked many of the Designs, Sunny 🌞, Unicorn 🦄, Robot🤖, Bubble💦, Art Teacher 🎨, Spaceman🌌, Ice Water🚱, Magician Mouse 🐁. All these particular Designs Mentioned, I really liked them.
💬 - The Speech that Bea Gives near the Very End in the Hospital. It was so Emotional. There were at least 2 people Sniffling in the Auditorium from what I could hear.
Overall, The Emotional Core Within the Film was So Strong.
Fell Asleep in the Theater
kylethegenius17 May 2024
Let me start by saying that I do agree with a lot of the reviews which state that the ending was the best part, and it did evoke an emotional response from me. That being said, the middle part of the movie was soft spoken and boring. There was never any real antagonist in the story or major plot development. The same imaginary characters were recycled throughout the film and there was only one brief instance where the true imaginative power of our female protagonist is unlocked. I felt like they dwelled too much on grief. I Kill Giants and Who Framed Roger Rabbit are much better! Disappointed to say the least.
What IF... Jim from the Office made a live action Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends
tmoser143418 May 2024
Pros:
Cons:
- A stellar cast with some good performances by both adults and children. Along with a legendary voice cast that will have you checking the credits at the end of the movie.
- Some good moments of fun that are mixed in with some heartfelt moments that will bring back your childhood.
Cons:
- The plot is very over complicated (especially for a family movie) that will have both parents and kids scratching their heads at times.
- Besides a few scenes, the film lacks a lot of imagination and creativity which contradicts the film's message.
- The special effects used on the IFs comes off as flat instead of popping off the screen.
Brings back great Child Memories
CineMani00710 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Before John Krasinski brings his «A Quiet Place: Day One» horror prequel to the cinema, he surprises us with the emotional family drama «IF». The abbreviation stands for «Imaginary Friends» and, like «Toy Story» or «Monsters, Inc.» before it, takes us into the world of childhood heroes that we have generally long forgotten as adults. And so «If» is not just a great children's movie, but also reminds adults of their own childhoods full of fairies, unicorns, wizards and clowns, as well as monsters. From the childishly animated Paramount logo, Krasinski lays the emotional carpet for great Hollywood family cinema. His self-written story pleases with sound (by Michael Giacchino) and vision (by «Schindler's List» cameraman Janusz Kaminski), captivates with grandiose «Cocoon»-moments (see Grandma) and childhood memories (such as the water ballet). Many films have already combined real and animated film, sometimes better, sometimes worse, but this heartbreak drama goes far beyond pure showmanship. Really strong and deep. Great Escapism from todays Horror World. Thanks!
NFFF
stevendbeard19 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I saw IF, starring Cailey Fleming-The Walking Dead_tv, Peppermint; John Krasinski-Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan_tv, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness; Ryan Reynolds-the Deadpool movies, Green Lantern and Fiona Shaw-Killing Eve_tv, the Harry Potter movies.
This is a NFFF-Nice Family Friendly Film. Just in case you didn't know, the IF title of the movie stands for Imaginary Friends. It's written, directed and stars John Krasinski. John plays Cailey's father, a single parent that gets sick after loosing his wife. Cailey has to stay with her grandmother Fiona, while John is in the hospital. Cailey meets Ryan in Fiona's apartment building, who introduces her to some Imaginary Friends and tells her that his job is to find homes for the IFs. Either with their original grown up kids or with some new kids that need them. It seems that when most people grow up, they don't need their IFs anymore. There are a lot of cameo voices for the IFs; I remember hearing Steve Carell, Emily Blunt, Awkwafina, George Clooney, Bradley Cooper & Matt Damon, just to name a few. There is a nice twist near the end and a message of hope.
It's rated PG for mild language and thematic content and has a running time of 1 hour & 44 minutes.
I enjoyed it and it would be a good one to stream.
This is a NFFF-Nice Family Friendly Film. Just in case you didn't know, the IF title of the movie stands for Imaginary Friends. It's written, directed and stars John Krasinski. John plays Cailey's father, a single parent that gets sick after loosing his wife. Cailey has to stay with her grandmother Fiona, while John is in the hospital. Cailey meets Ryan in Fiona's apartment building, who introduces her to some Imaginary Friends and tells her that his job is to find homes for the IFs. Either with their original grown up kids or with some new kids that need them. It seems that when most people grow up, they don't need their IFs anymore. There are a lot of cameo voices for the IFs; I remember hearing Steve Carell, Emily Blunt, Awkwafina, George Clooney, Bradley Cooper & Matt Damon, just to name a few. There is a nice twist near the end and a message of hope.
It's rated PG for mild language and thematic content and has a running time of 1 hour & 44 minutes.
I enjoyed it and it would be a good one to stream.
Tries too hard to force emotions out of you.
MikeHunt107520 May 2024
IF
This film about assigning imaginary friends like it's a match making service could've been something decent, but its execution falls flat of being anything but a soon forgotten film that Ryan Reynolds made while waiting for his next Deadpool film to go into production.
This film has an idea of what it wants to portray but fails to build up any connection with any of the characters for the viewers to care any less about.
Everything seems to try to set up some emotionally uplifting pay-off in the end, but the build up is so quick that it is eye-rolling that the film is "This person. Who? Jump over any character development to care about. Something. All smiles and uplifting music" pay-off = Huh?
Whoever this films leading little lady is has a dad about to go under some sort of risky operation and stays with her grandmother. She doesn't have the expected sad, loner, left out, unhappy vibe. She stumbles upon Ryan Reynolds who is some sort of rjngleader of Imaginary Friends. She pushes her way into his life, and then is shown the place these IF things live.
There's no reason to care about how Ryan Reynolds character is supposed to be grumpy now compared to how he once was, and that small plot becomes extremely predictable what the outcome will be, leaving no surprise when it does to anyone over 7 years old.
This girl then just gets told to use her imagination and suddenly becomes God of the IFs world instantaneously, in a very unimpressive sequence of CGI cluster and a pointless musical number. Then back to the real world for some more snorefest interactions of almost seemingless pointless dialogue and it just leads up to a Labrynth knock-off ending.
The film tries to ram feeling good and smiling during uplifting happy music, with no set up as to why you're supposed to feel anything at all? It's like some stupid TikTok brain saw a film that did it, and said "who cares why? Just have the music kick in and make hearts glow and rainbows shine while everyone smiles and make everyone tear jerk at the happiness of it" but, without any setup as to why we're supposed to care as an audience, it's just lazy writing, or some sort of social expirement to see if people are going to feel emotional and tear up just because of the soundtrack and a bunch of characters in slow motion looking up and flashing their pearly whites.
The only thing this film made me feel was rolling my eyes at just how pathetic the build ups are to scenes where you're being forced to think everything's all magic and unicorn poop to fool the adolescent or people with IQs well below average.
Seriously, I'm expecting Dead Pool 3 to have some line about how IF was a late April Fools joke or made just to see if audiences even pay attention to what they're watching anymore and if competent writings even required anymore?
If you like CGI overkill characters, predictable outcomes, sloppy writing, forced emotional scenes only a child or moron would tear up for, and characters you won't invest a cent in, then this is the perfect movie for you. Otherwise, don't bother.
This film about assigning imaginary friends like it's a match making service could've been something decent, but its execution falls flat of being anything but a soon forgotten film that Ryan Reynolds made while waiting for his next Deadpool film to go into production.
This film has an idea of what it wants to portray but fails to build up any connection with any of the characters for the viewers to care any less about.
Everything seems to try to set up some emotionally uplifting pay-off in the end, but the build up is so quick that it is eye-rolling that the film is "This person. Who? Jump over any character development to care about. Something. All smiles and uplifting music" pay-off = Huh?
Whoever this films leading little lady is has a dad about to go under some sort of risky operation and stays with her grandmother. She doesn't have the expected sad, loner, left out, unhappy vibe. She stumbles upon Ryan Reynolds who is some sort of rjngleader of Imaginary Friends. She pushes her way into his life, and then is shown the place these IF things live.
There's no reason to care about how Ryan Reynolds character is supposed to be grumpy now compared to how he once was, and that small plot becomes extremely predictable what the outcome will be, leaving no surprise when it does to anyone over 7 years old.
This girl then just gets told to use her imagination and suddenly becomes God of the IFs world instantaneously, in a very unimpressive sequence of CGI cluster and a pointless musical number. Then back to the real world for some more snorefest interactions of almost seemingless pointless dialogue and it just leads up to a Labrynth knock-off ending.
The film tries to ram feeling good and smiling during uplifting happy music, with no set up as to why you're supposed to feel anything at all? It's like some stupid TikTok brain saw a film that did it, and said "who cares why? Just have the music kick in and make hearts glow and rainbows shine while everyone smiles and make everyone tear jerk at the happiness of it" but, without any setup as to why we're supposed to care as an audience, it's just lazy writing, or some sort of social expirement to see if people are going to feel emotional and tear up just because of the soundtrack and a bunch of characters in slow motion looking up and flashing their pearly whites.
The only thing this film made me feel was rolling my eyes at just how pathetic the build ups are to scenes where you're being forced to think everything's all magic and unicorn poop to fool the adolescent or people with IQs well below average.
Seriously, I'm expecting Dead Pool 3 to have some line about how IF was a late April Fools joke or made just to see if audiences even pay attention to what they're watching anymore and if competent writings even required anymore?
If you like CGI overkill characters, predictable outcomes, sloppy writing, forced emotional scenes only a child or moron would tear up for, and characters you won't invest a cent in, then this is the perfect movie for you. Otherwise, don't bother.
You Need A Friend
boblipton19 May 2024
It's a tough time for Cailey Fleming No longer a little girl, not yet a woman, she lost her mother some time ago. Now her father, John Krasinski, is in the hospital for something to do with his heart, so she's staying with her grandmother, Fiona Shaw, at her apartment in Brooklyn Heights. Cailey goes to visit her father every day, and makes friends with Alan Kim, who keeps breaking bones in falls but remains cheerful. But there's a mystery in her building. It turns out to be Ryan Reynolds, a grumpy ex-magician who's working with discarded imaginary friends to find them new friends. Gradually he recruits her to help, and takes her to the retirement home for imaginary friends underneath the Wonder Wheel on Coney Island. But as she figures out how to help the imaginary friends, she continues to worry about her father.
Krasinski directed from his own script. Between him and Ryan, they got a surprising assortment of talent to voice the imaginary friends, who range from a giant, purple blob to a glass of water with an ice cube. Although Krasinski is unwilling to make the adjudment in the end about whether the imaginary friends are real or figments of imagination, he does make the point they are an absolute necessity for lonely children everywhere. I think anyone who ever had an imaginary friend or, like me, aspired to be one, will enjoy this sweet little movie.
Krasinski directed from his own script. Between him and Ryan, they got a surprising assortment of talent to voice the imaginary friends, who range from a giant, purple blob to a glass of water with an ice cube. Although Krasinski is unwilling to make the adjudment in the end about whether the imaginary friends are real or figments of imagination, he does make the point they are an absolute necessity for lonely children everywhere. I think anyone who ever had an imaginary friend or, like me, aspired to be one, will enjoy this sweet little movie.
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