IF

It's interesting how Hollywood hasn't really utilized the whole concept of imaginary or invisible friends since there is so much great fodder in which to write about. One film that was actually used in this film, "IF" was a clip from "Harvey" with James Stewart about him obtaining a best friend who is an invisible, six-foot white rabbit named Harvey--a brilliant film. Well, "IF" is about rescuing imaginary friends from obscurity since their kids have grown up. 

After a difficult time in her life, a girl, Bea (Cailey Fleming) discovers that she can see everyone's imaginary friends after they've grown up. So, what does she do with that superpower? Through the meeting of Cal (Ryan Reynolds), an adult that also can see them, they embark on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IF's with their kids. Since Bea is attempting to be strong since her dad (John Krasinski) is going into the hospital for a heart procedure, her demeanor is that she's hiding her 'strength' behind her fear of potentially losing her dad. 

Others to round out the cast are Fiona Shaw as Grandmother, Steve Carell as voice of Blue, Phoebe Waller-Bridge as voice of Blossom, Louis Gossett Jr. as voice of Lewis, Alan Kim as Benjamin, Bobby Moynihan as Jeremy, Liza Colon-Zayas as Janet, Emily Blunt as voice of Unicorn, Awkwafina as voice of Bubble and Bradley Cooper as voice of Ice. 

This was whimsically directed with heart by John Krasinski ("Brief Interviews with Hideous Men" '09, "The Hollars" '16, "A Quiet Place" '18, "A Quiet Place Part II" '20) plus TV. This filmmaker is definitively a chameleon--"A Quiet Place" and "IF"? These couldn't be more diametrically opposed film genres on the planet, yet Krasinski was able to pull off both films with finesse and expertise. He was definitely able to showcase this young girl's transition of having to be strong and yet allowing herself to get involved in helping these IF's, and the total frustration of Cal trying to rid of these IF's in order to get his life back. Krasinski is again one of those actors to transition from acting to directing with relative ease similar to those actors, such as Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, Ron Howard and the like. It was also written in a heartwarming way by John Krasinski ("Brief Interviews with Hideous Men" '09, "Promised Land" '12, "A Quiet Place" '18, "A Quiet Place Place Part II" '20) plus TV. Although there might have been small places of sentimentality to this story, it was still able to pull ones' heartstrings in a way that caused the audience to cheer for these IF's to find, again, their forever home. Otherwise, the script was concise, cohesive and well thought out. Not sure what the lackluster reviews were about--what were these other critics looking for? I felt this story gave us exactly what it was striving to emulate, and was able to do it in spades. And the visual effects predominantly designed by Framestore were incredible and thoroughly enhanced the story, whereas in so many films, the opposite occurs. 

This being the quintessential family film, it is a film for all to see--young and old alike. It's a film that is fantastical, humorous, loving and redemptive all rolled up into one film. Sure, it gets a bit sentimental, but if this doesn't pull anyone's heartstrings, then that person is simply not human. Enjoy this small gem, I know I did.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                      Rated: PG                                         104mins.