IF Movie Review: The movie IF (2024) is a family-friendly comedy directed by John Krasinski. It stars Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, and features voices of famous actors like Steve Carell and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
The story revolves around imaginary friends and how they help people navigate life’s challenges. With its mix of humor, emotion, and creativity, IF has become a favorite for both kids and adults. Let’s break down the movie’s plot, characters, themes, and what makes it special.
Plot Summary: A Girl’s Journey to Rediscover Magic
The movie follows Bea (played by Cailey Fleming), a 12-year-old girl who moves to New York City after her mother’s death. She stays with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw) while her father (John Krasinski) recovers from heart surgery. Bea feels lonely until she discovers she can see “IFs”—imaginary friends left behind by grown-ups who’ve forgotten them.
One day, Bea meets Cal (Ryan Reynolds), a grumpy but kind man who works as a caretaker. He introduces her to a secret world where IFs live in an old theater. These IFs include Blue (Steve Carell), a giant, fluffy monster who loves hugs, and Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), a witty unicorn obsessed with glitter. Bea and Cal team up to find new “owners” (children) for these IFs so they can feel loved again.
The story takes a twist when Bea realizes her own imaginary friend from childhood, a robot named Cosmo (Louis Gossett Jr.), is still waiting for her. She must confront her grief and reconnect with her imagination to help Cosmo and the other IFs.
Characters and Acting: Fun and Emotional Performances
Ryan Reynolds shines as Cal, blending his signature humor with moments of sadness. His character hides a painful past, which Reynolds portrays subtly. Cailey Fleming, known from The Walking Dead, is excellent as Bea. She shows both innocence and maturity, making her relatable to young audiences.
The imaginary friends steal the show. Steve Carell’s Blue is adorable and funny. His voice brings warmth to the character. Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Blossom is sassy and full of energy. Louis Gossett Jr. gives a touching performance as Cosmo, making you care about a CGI robot. Even small roles, like Emily Blunt as Bea’s late mother (in flashbacks), add depth to the story.
Visuals and Animation: Colorful and Imaginative
The movie mixes live-action with CGI. The imaginary friends are creatively designed. Blue looks like a giant teddy bear with rainbow fur. Blossom the unicorn has glowing wings and a sparkly mane. Cosmo the robot has retro, clunky parts but kind eyes.
New York City is shown in bright, dreamy colors. Scenes in the IFs’ theater are magical, with floating lights and giant toys. The animation feels smooth, especially during action scenes, like when Bea and Cal chase a runaway IFs through Central Park.
Some critics say the CGI is too cartoonish compared to movies like Inside Out. However, kids will love the playful designs. The mix of real-world settings and fantasy makes the movie visually engaging.
Themes and Messages: Healing Through Imagination
IF is more than just a silly comedy. It tackles heavy topics like grief, loneliness, and growing up. Bea uses her imagination to cope with losing her mother. The movie suggests that holding onto childlike wonder can help adults heal too. For example, Cal rediscovers joy by helping IFs after shutting himself off from the world.
Another theme is the importance of friendship. The IFs represent unconditional love. They never judge their owners, even when forgotten. The movie teaches kids that it’s okay to feel sad but encourages them to stay open to hope.
Parents should know the film has emotional moments. Bea’s flashbacks about her mother might make young viewers cry. However, the story ends on a hopeful note, showing that love and memories last forever.
Humor and Entertainment: Laughs for All Ages
The movie balances humor and heart. Blue’s obsession with snacks leads to funny scenes, like him accidentally eating a cellphone. Blossom’s sarcastic jokes will make adults chuckle. Ryan Reynolds’ deadpan delivery adds to the comedy, like when he calls a grumpy IF “a furry potato with anger issues.”
Kids will love the silly antics, like a dance-off between IFs or a giant cupcake rolling through the city. The pacing is fast, so younger viewers won’t get bored. However, some jokes feel repetitive, and a few scenes drag in the middle.
Critic Reviews: Mostly Positive with Some Flaws
Critics praise IF for its creativity and emotional depth. The Guardian calls it “a sweet, visually charming film about healing inner wounds.” Variety highlights Cailey Fleming’s performance as “a standout in a sea of CGI.”
Negative reviews mention the plot is predictable. Bea’s journey follows a familiar “hero saves the day” pattern. Some feel the imaginary friends’ stories could’ve been explored deeper. For instance, a subplot about an IF who feels rejected ends too quickly.
Overall, the movie holds a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics agree it’s not groundbreaking but has enough heart to entertain families.
Audience Reactions: Kids Love It, Parents Appreciate the Message
Fans of Ryan Reynolds flocked to theaters, making IF– a box office hit. On social media, parents share stories of kids drawing their own IFs after watching the movie. Many adults admit they cried during Cosmo’s final scene.
Some viewers wanted more screen time for certain IF, like Blossom. Others found the ending too tidy. Still, most agree it’s a feel-good film perfect for a family movie night.
Conclusion: A Charming Film for the Whole Family
IF is a delightful movie with humor, heart, and stunning visuals. While the story is simple, its messages about love and healing resonate deeply. Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming make a great team, and the imaginary friends are characters you’ll want to hug.
The film isn’t perfect—some jokes fall flat, and the plot is predictable. But it succeeds in making you laugh, cry, and think about your own childhood. Whether you’re 8 or 80, IF reminds us all that imagination is a superpower we should never outgrow.
FAQs About IF movie review
1. Is IF suitable for young children?
Yes! The movie is rated PG for mild emotional themes. There’s no violence or swearing. Very young kids might need help understanding parts about grief.
2. Does Ryan Reynolds sing in the movie?
No, but there’s a fun soundtrack with upbeat songs. The end credits feature a catchy tune by a popular pop artist.
3. Are there post-credit scenes?
Yes! Stay until the very end for a funny blooper reel and a hint about a possible sequel.
4. How long is the movie?
The runtime is 1 hour and 44 minutes.
5. Can I stream IF at home?
Not yet. It’s currently in theaters. It will likely come to Paramount+ later this year.