IF

IF, like The Fall Guy before it, is delightfully old-skool. Unfortunately, like The Fall Guy before it, I feel this isn’t something that modern audiences want.

It’s strange, as both films feel relatively fresh in an over-saturated current climate. IF is a family/kids film like they don’t make anymore. An Amblin-esque, sedately paced, 90’s feeling film with John Krasinski behind the camera.

It stands out for reasons both good and ill. The style, maturity, pace, tone and design all make this a film the adults can enjoy but I can’t see many younger audiences being too entertained.

It doesn’t quite know what to do with its concept either despite some strong elements. Touching on some mature and bold themes whilst also trying to present a broader message means it doesn’t hold onto one thread for too long and instead meanders with an all too predictable ending and ‘twist.’

However, the titular ‘IF’s’ (Imaginary Friends) are imaginative and likable with an absolutely stacked voice cast that’s worth observing in the credits. It’s not exactly laugh out loud but it is smile inducing and certainly very likable with a classic Ryan Reynolds performance and a strong breakout for Cailey Fleming who has a lot to do.

So, just like an imaginary friend IF is charming, comforting and lovable but lacking substance and too easily forgotten. It shows Krasinski's versatility (and his impressive contacts list!) but doesn't quite stack up to the films it's influenced by.

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