IF is silly and fun at times, but also packs an emotional punch that will have viewers of all ages learning how important it is to always keep the magic alive.
When kids grow up they often lose the spark and magic of imagination. It’s a sad transformation that happens to most as few are able to really hold onto it. IF delivers a few important life lessons, but really focuses on the importance of being able to keep the magic alive and believe in the unbelievable. The tagline, a movie you have to believe to see, is sure to hit home with viewers after they watch this film.
IF follows Bea (Cailey Fleming), a twelve year old girl who has already gone through so much in her short life. She is forcing herself to grow up, but when she meets Cal (Ryan Reynolds) she re-discovers her belief in the unbelievable, and quickly finds herself helping to place IFs (imaginary friends) with those who can see them.
Not Just For A Younger Audience
Looking at the trailer and reading the synopsis of IF might have you thinking that this movie is only geared towards a younger audience, but that simply is not the case. Yes, younger audiences will be able to find the magic in this film, but so will audiences of all ages.
One of the underlying themes of this film is that we need someone in our corner always, no matter how old we are. Parents will almost instantly relate to Bea growing up and not wanting to be a child anymore. There is nothing wrong with staying young, even if it is just young at heart. And kids should take advantage of all that time before they have to grow up and get real responsibilities.
This is part of the reason John Krasinski’s role as Bea’s father is so perfect in IF. He is silly and fun and refuses to let her give up on being a child. He goofs around with her, even when she tells him to stop. In fact, his response to that request is “never.”
Krasinski isn’t just an actor in the film. He wrote it and directs it as well. The man is brilliant in terms of creating a relatability for anyone watching. He perfectly delivers the emotional beats, weaving them through the laugh out loud humor. IF will make you laugh and cry, sometimes simultaneously.
Fun & Unique IFs
IFs, or imaginary friends, are at the forefront of this movie. Cailey does an incredible job of capturing the hearts of those watching while interact with things that are clearly not there. They are all so unique in their designs, that they add something special into every scene they are a part of.
When speaking with Cailey, she explained that John Krasinski wanted to make her performance as realistic as possible so the role of the IFs on set were played by puppets, drawings, or cardboard cut outs — and John would move them around and do the voices for her. This clearly worked, because they are seamlessly added and believable, which is key to the story working.
The Score Plays A Major Part
It should come as no surprise that the score in IF helps to take it to the next level when you hear that it is Michael Giacchino who is behind it. He is a brilliant composer and his IF score perfectly accompanies every emotional and funny beat of the story.
Often the score is whimsical and fun, especially when exploring Coney Island, but then sometimes it leans more dark and sad during the emotional moments. Krasinski must be thrilled by how it all came together.
Packed With Humor & Heart
The cast is incredible, boasting talented comedians such as Ryan Reynolds, Steve Carell, Maya Rudolph, Jon Steward, Awkwafina, and Bobby Moynihan. So yes, IF is hilarious. But it is also filled with heart. Right from the start of the film there is an underlying layer of emotions.
There are some truly devastating moments and while they are not exactly spelled out, most viewers will be abel to pick up on what happened. There was no real need to show the heartbreaking stuff, but it is there and it shapes the plot and the characters. Young children might not pick up on it, however the majority will.
The messages of needing somebody in your corner at all stages of your life to help you get through the rough times and the scary times is subtle but overwhelming. Not in a bad way, but in a way that could certainly overcome some audience members and cause the tears to flow.
There is a lot of heart in IF, but it is laugh out loud funny as well. Krasinski has been able to craft a perfect balance between the two so that viewers never sit with a certain emotion for too long. This helps with the pacing, causing the movie to feel the perfect length, and never drag.
Overall Thoughts
IF is a charming movie that teaches audiences the importance of imagination. No matter our age, taking the time to have fun is something that should never leave us. It is sad when that spark of imagination starts to leave someone as they grow older, and hopefully after IF, adults will remember to harness that magic whenever they can.
For a movie with a lot of VFX because of the imaginary friends (IFs) it seamlessly plays out. Never does an IF look or feel out of place. They are unique and silly, entertaining viewers all the way through.
While parents, or those who have lost parents, will likely connect on a deeper level than others, this movie packs an emotional punch for all watching. Probably the biggest issue with this movie is the predictability at times, but that can certainly be forgiven considering how special the messages are.
Charming and full of magic, IF delivers the important message of never letting that light go out, and just how important it is to always have someone in your corner, no matter your age.
IF is a film that audiences of all ages are sure to enjoy. See it in theaters on May 17th.
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About IF
From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about 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.
IF stars Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.
IF comes to theaters on May 17th.
IF is silly and fun at times, but also packs an emotional punch that will have viewers of all ages learning how important it is to always keep the magic alive.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.