Current:Home > Finance'If' movie review: Ryan Reynolds' imaginary friend fantasy might go over your kids' heads -FutureProof Finance
'If' movie review: Ryan Reynolds' imaginary friend fantasy might go over your kids' heads
View
Date:2025-04-19 06:57:30
Even with likable youngsters, a vast array of cartoonish characters, various pratfalls and shenanigans, and Ryan Reynolds in non-Deadpool mode, the family comedy “IF” isn’t really a "kids movie" – at least not in a conventional sense.
There’s a refreshing whiff of whimsy and playful originality to writer/director John Krasinski’s big-hearted fantasy (★★½ out of four; rated PG; in theaters Friday), which centers on a young girl who discovers a secret world of imaginary friends (aka IFs). What it can’t find is the common thread of universal appeal. Yeah, children are geared to like any movie with a cheery unicorn, superhero dog, flaming marshmallow with melting eye and assorted furry monsters. But “IF” features heady themes of parental loss and reconnecting with one’s youth, plus boasts a showstopping dance set to Tina Turner, and that all leans fairly adult. Mash those together and the result is akin to a live-action Pixar movie without the nuanced execution.
Twelve-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming) doesn’t really think of herself as a kid anymore. Her mom died of a terminal illness and now her dad (Krasinski) is going into the hospital for surgery to fix his “broken heart,” so she’s staying with her grandma (Fiona Shaw) in New York City.
When poking around her new environment, Bea learns she has the ability to see imaginary friends. And she’s not the only one: Bea meets charmingly crusty upstairs neighbor Cal (Reynolds) as well as his IF pals, like spritely Blossom (voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and overly sensitive purple furry monster named Blue (Steve Carell). They run a sort of matchmaking agency to connect forgotten IFs whose kids have outgrown them with new children in need of their companionship, and Bea volunteers to help out.
'Welcome to Wrexham':Ryan Reynolds talks triumph, joy and loss of new season
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Bea is introduced to an IF retirement community located under a Coney Island carousel with a bevy of oddball personalities in the very kid-friendly middle section of the movie. “IF” low-key has the most starry supporting cast of any movie this summer because of all the A-listers voicing imaginary friends, an impressive list that includes Emily Blunt and Sam Rockwell as the aforementioned unicorn and superdog, Matt Damon as a helpful sunflower, George Clooney as a spaceman, Amy Schumer as a gummy bear and Bradley Cooper as an ice cube in a glass. (It's no talking raccoon, but it works.)
One of the movie's most poignant roles is a wise bear played by Louis Gossett Jr. in one of his final roles. Rather than just being a cameo, he’s nicely central to a key emotional scene.
While the best family flicks win over kids of all ages, “IF” is a film for grown-ups in PG dressing. The movie is amusing but safe in its humor, the overt earnestness overshadows some great bits of subversive silliness, and the thoughtful larger narrative, which reveals itself by the end to be much more than a story about a girl befriending a bunch of make-believe misfits, will go over some little ones’ heads. Tweens and teens, though, will likely engage with or feel seen by Bea’s character arc, struggling to move into a new phase of life while being tied to her younger years – not to mention worrying about her dad, who tries to make light of his medical situation for Bea.
Reynolds does his part enchanting all ages in this tale of two movies: He’s always got that irascible “fun uncle” vibe for kids, and he strikes a fun chemistry opposite Fleming that belies the serious stuff “IF” digs into frequently. But unless your child is into old movies, they probably won’t get why “Harvey” is playing in the background in a scene. And when “IF” reaches its cathartic finale, some kiddos might be wondering why their parents are sniffling and tearing up – if they're still paying attention and not off playing with their own imaginary friend by then.
veryGood! (5288)
Related
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Report says instructor thought gun was empty before firing fatal shot at officer during training
- Caitlin Clark's next game: Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun on Wednesday
- How Christopher Reeve’s Wife Dana Reeve Saved His Life After Paralyzing Accident
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- What is a returnship and how can it help me reenter the workforce? Ask HR
- Crews work to restore power to more than 300,000 Michigan homes, businesses after storms
- Ben Affleck is 'not dating' RFK Jr.'s daughter Kick Kennedy, rep says
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- College football Week 1 predictions and looking back at Florida State in this week's podcast
Ranking
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- How Christopher Reeve’s Wife Dana Reeve Saved His Life After Paralyzing Accident
- Militia group member sentenced to 5 years in prison for Capitol riot plot
- Tristan Thompson Celebrates “Twin” True Thompson’s Milestone With Ex Khloe Kardashian
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- American Idol's Scotty McCreery Stops Show After Seeing Man Hit Woman in the Crowd
- 80-year-old man dies after falling off boat on the Grand Canyon's Colorado River
- Don't Miss Kate Spade Outlet's Labor Day Sale: Chic Bags, Wristlets & More Up to 81% off, Starting at $19
Recommendation
Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
Officials thought this bald eagle was injured. It was actually just 'too fat to fly'.
'After Baywatch': Carmen Electra learned hard TV kissing lesson with David Chokachi
'Your worst nightmare:' Poisonous fireworms spotted on Texas coast pack a sting
The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
Full of battle scars, Cam McCormick proudly heads into 9th college football season
Stefanos Tsitsipas exits US Open: 'I'm nothing compared to the player I was before'
Breaks in main water pipeline for Grand Canyon prompt shutdown of overnight hotel stays