IF (English) review {2.0/5} and review rating
Star Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Kylie Fleming, John Krasinski, Steve Carell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Director: John Krasinski
If Movie Synopsis:
So It is the story of a young girl and her imaginary friends. Elizabeth aka bKailey Fleming), 12, lost her mother to a serious illness. Her father (John Krasinski), meanwhile, is hospitalized for risky heart surgery. B, still reeling from her mother’s death, fears that she has lost her father as well. She moves in with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw) in an apartment in New York. One day, she hears movement in her grandmother’s upstairs flat. When she goes to check, she discovers that it belongs to Cal (Ryan Reynolds) and two Imaginary Friends (IFs) – Blue (voiced by Steve Carell) and Blossom (voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge). Bea soon discovers that she and Cal are the only two people with the ability to see people’s IFs. After Bee befriends Cal, the latter takes her to the IFs retirement home where many such animals live. Many of them feel sad that the children they helped have abandoned them. Bea and Cal decide to help IF find a new home. But there is a little problem. What happens next sets up the rest of the film.
Review the movie story if:
John Krasinski’s story is unique and commendable for coming up with such an out-of-the-box concept. John Krasinski’s screenplay is filled with some beautiful moments. But it failed to attract the audience. John Krasinski’s dialogue is mediocre.
John Krasinski’s direction is a mixed bag. He has given the film a light and mainstream treatment similar to Disney’s holiday releases. Certain scenes will surely tug at the hearts of movie goers and make their eyes water. It also makes a big point about innocence and life that will surely be appreciated.
On the contrary, the concept is a bit confusing and John fails to simplify the audience. Even adults may not fully understand the plot. So one can get an idea of how the film will fare for children who are its target audience. Not a single scene hits the audience’s heart. Finally, the climax is predictable.
If the film is shown:
Ryan Reynolds is excellent though. He underlines his role in some scenes. He lets the other actors take over and yet, he excels in those scenes. Callie Fleming stars with panache. She is good in emotional scenes. John Krasinski is charming in a special appearance. Fiona Shaw leaves an impression, especially in her pivotal scene in the second half. Alan Kim (Benjamin) is cute while Liza Colon-Zais (Janet) and Bobby Moynihan (Jeremy) provide competent support.
From the voiceover cast, Steve Carell graced the show followed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Louis Gossett Jr. (Lewis; Bear), Emily Blunt (Unicorn), Sam Rockwell (Guardian Dog), Aquafina (Bubble), Blake Lively (Octopus), George Clooney (Spaceman), Amy Schumer (Gummy) do other good work. and Bradley Cooper (ice). Ironically, Brad Pitt is credited as the voice behind Keith, an invisible IF, with not a single dialogue!
If music and other technical aspects:
Michael Giacchino’s music has a sense of fantasy. Janusz Kamiński’s cinematography is neat. Jess Gonchor’s production design is imaginative. Jenny Egan’s costumes are realistic. VFX is awesome. The scene where Cal comes out of a painting is very well done. Editing by Christopher Rouse and Andy Canny is slick.
If the conclusion of the film:
Overall, IF relies on unique concepts and star value. But a confusing plot and lack of ‘wow’ factor may have a tough time at the box office.
