IF

What happens to your imaginary friend when you grow up and forget them?

That's the question 'IF' poses to us, and tries to debunk the mystery.

It's also a film that's trying very very hard to be liked and to be a modern classic that can live on forever. So it throws everything at the screen in order to attempt to achieve this.

There's elements of 'Toy Story' here, there's 'Inside Out', but because of this the plot seems to be being pulled in lots of directions in a relatively short run time.

A little girl getting over her mum's death with the help of a mysterious neighbour would have been enough. Or a girl trying to help reunite imaginary friends with their former children. Instead we get a bit too much all in one go.

This is though a nice piece of family entertainment, I do recommend it, but it is just trying to do too much for its own good.

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 am 70 years old and my wife is right there with me. My childhood was filled with movies that entertained, made you sad, made you happy, and sometimes really made you think. Seems like lately, movies have dropped the "entertaining" part in order to lecture you on a variety of social issues. It's still possible to find movies that do what movies were supposed to do but they are rarely from the major studios (Unsung Hero, Arthur the King, The Shift).

However, what a delight THIS movie is.... It makes you run the gamut of emotions from sadness to anticipation to thinking you know what's going to happen to having your heart warmed :)

We absolutely loved this movie and will probably see it again before it leaves the theater.

On a side note, I continue to be amazed by these young actors who can display such a wide range of emotions. Much like Alisha Weir in Abigail, Cailey Fleming absolutely nailed the role.

If you want a family friendly movie to take your kids to, this one is it!

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)

IF had all the hallmarks of being a great family film and in the main it did not disappoint. There is humour, crazy characters and a unique and understandable plot. However, I did spend a lot of the film thinking it could have been better but not being able to put my finger on why. There are clearly moments when the jokes don't land like you might hope and some of the IF's are not given much screen time making the whole thing seem rushed. Despite this Reynolds is as watchable as ever and Cailey Fleming steals the show as Bea, a 12 year old girl just trying to find her way in life after the death of her mother. But at the core of the film is the heart of Krasinski and it seems that he is able to find that in whatever genre he turns to. There are moments that are genuinely moving in IF and if you're not wiping away a tear or two then maybe it is not one for you. All in all, a fun, family ride that, despite its faults creates a feeling of warmth and joy.