If is certainly going to draw in it’s fair share of families this weekend when it opens up everywhere, based on the trailer alone. What most won’t realize is that they are walking into one of the best experiences you’ll have at the movies this year. Brilliantly conceived, extremely heart felt, and full of originality, If strikes that perfect chord with audiences of both being relatable and crossing generations of movie goers. Whether you are 18 or 88, everyone at some point has had to deal with change. Sometimes that change is expected, but most of the time it comes in the form of some type of traumatic event.
Trauma can come in all shapes or sizes. A minor trauma could be moving from your hometown and losing your friends. Certainly not ideal but can be overcome over time. Of course, major trauma can in the form of losing a loved one, In the case Bea (Cailey Fleming), it was losing her mother to Cancer at such a young age. These can cause children or adults to lose faith in both the explained and unexplained, which really is the root of what is plaguing the IF’s (Imaginary Friend). When IFs don’t have people that believe in them, they cease to exist. Calvin (Ryan Reynolds) is attempting to help the IFs be placed with new families.
John Krasinski proves deft in a genre of film we haven’t seen him tackle thus far in his young directorial career. The backdrop of Coney Island was a tremendous choice to provide a backdrop for the 2nd act to unfold. Krasinski does a tremendous job framing those emotional beats in the film as well. Seeing him soar with this sort of material only makes me wonder what his next projects will be.
Dewey Singleton has been reviewing new releases in television and film for many years. Dewey's reviews have been heard in multiple markets (Houston Atlanta, Tampa). Dewey's past work has been with awardswatch.com, awardsradar.com, and bleeding cool. Dewey is a proud member of the CCA.