Review ‘IF’

The star-studded fantastical comedy IF boasting Hollywood legends like Ryan Reynolds, Steve Carrell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Maya Rudolph, Emily Blunt, Sam Rockwell, Matt Damon, George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, Blake Lively (the list really could go on forever) hits theaters everywhere this weekend! Written and directed by father and Hollywood’s nicest nice guy John Krasinski, IF is a story about the magic of youth and how although growing up can often rob us of that magic, with the right friends we can always find it again.

IF follows a young girl named Bea who lost her mother at a young age and was forced to grow up way too young and way too fast. When returning to her childhood home in New York City while her father undergoes an uncertain surgery, Bea realizes she has the ability to see things other people can’t. Specifically, big purple furry things! When Bea understands she can see the imaginary friends once abandoned by kids who grew up no longer needing them, she decides to try and find these eccentric “IFs” new kids to befriend before they all disappear… forever.

This movie is full of laughs and joy, bringing the childish wonder most of us have forgotten back into our hearts through elements of nostalgia, love, and friendship. There are so many great moments throughout this movie and every character is voiced by an industry legend, making this film nothing short of spectacular. The first half plays a bit slowly and audiences might grow restless waiting for the ball to roll, but once it does the heart of this film beats with such relentless emotion it becomes impossible to not realize this film isn’t for children at all—it’s for adults. Those who grew up and unwillingly adopted the stresses of life—of adulting—and have forgotten the beautiful whimsy we each once had in our hearts.

It’s a beautiful message and it’s refreshing to see legends Reynolds and Krasinski lean into their identities as fathers to tell us this story. It’s fascinating to see how the bond between their personal lives and their artistic careers meet to create this new era of art and film for them and we can’t wait to see what comes for them both. This is a movie to watch with friends, family, parents, grandparents, and—of course—your imaginary friends. You won’t regret going on the journey this film takes you on and you’ll be thankful it reminded you that it’s never too late to use your imagination, to feel young and alive, to be happy and free, and to know that you are never alone.

Watch the trailer for IF below

Paramount Pictures releases IF in theatres on May 17, 2024

[Review by guest blogger Jurgen Sosa]