PETALING JAYA: Be honest, did you have an imaginary friend as a child? What IF you could see them now? In real life, you’d be called delusional. In a movie starring Ryan Reynolds, it’s a superpower.
That’s the world writer and director John Krasinski brings to life in his latest film, “IF”. Featuring adorable animated characters and a star-studded cast with Reynolds, Steve Carell, and Emily Blunt, this movie is designed to be a joyride of fun.
Known for the success of his “A Quiet Place” horror franchise, Krasinski now flips the script with a classic children’s movie. Did he strike gold, or is he just a one-trick pony?
Well, it’s safe to say that “IF” might not sweep the Oscars, but it will definitely put a smile on your face – and maybe even have you wiping away a tear.
The movie revolves around 12-year-old Bea, played by Cailey Fleming, who discovers she has a special gift: the ability to see everyone’s imaginary friends, or ‘IFs’.
While staying with her grandmother in New York, Bea meets neighbour Cal (Ryan Reynolds) and his two acquaintances, ‘IFs’: a giant purple fuzzy creature named Blue (Steve Carell) and a ballerina Minnie Mouse named Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge).
Blue and Blossom, whose kids have grown up, are looking for new friends. Bea decides to join forces with Cal, make it her mission to help them, reconnecting forgotten IFs with their kids and turning matchmaking into her new job.
Without giving away any spoilers, “IF” may seem straightforward. However, it’s the parallel storyline in Bea’s life, a touch of sadness she carries, that gives it that extra sparkle, turning it into more than just a kids’ movie.
When it comes to the stars of the show who are the ‘IF’s, Krasinski’s imagination runs wild. He crafts quirky, out-of-the-box characters that breathe fun and life into the screen.
Each character, from superhero dog, Unicorn (Emily Blunt), Keith the invisible IF, and even an ice cube IF, transports you to a fantasy land.
But the standout ‘IF’ is undoubtedly Blue. The 2.4-metre purple pom-pom (yes, purple, not blue) is hard not to love with its gigantic, fluffy appearance and endearing clumsiness. But Carell adds an extra layer of adorableness with his infectious laugh and almost childlike behaviour.
While fans of the beloved sitcom “The Office” may have eagerly anticipated the Krasinski-Carell reunion on the big screen, it’s the dynamic between Reynolds and Carell that truly shines. Whether it’s Cal cautioning Blue not to touch anything (inevitably ignored) or Blue sneezing a gust of air at Cal, causing him to stumble, the comedic chemistry is undeniable.
Despite being geared towards kids, the humour in “IF” casts a wide net, reeling in viewers of all ages. It’s not too cheesy, but not overly complicated either.
Nothing ruins a good movie like bad visual effects, but “IF” thankfully blends animation and live action seamlessly. It’s a piece of cake for Hollywood nowadays, but still worth appreciating.
Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski does a stellar job, particularly in the scene where Bea’s grandmother, played by Fiona Shaw, dances opposite a window, with streetlights casting a stage-like spotlight on her silhouette. It’s beautifully captured.
Returning to the plot, “IF” bears resemblances to the iconic “Toy Story” movies, with the concept of kids forgetting their toys once they grow up, mirrored here with imaginary friends. While this familiarity might not blow your mind, it’s also why the film works.
However, its surface-level exploration of the concept of imaginary friends is a drawback. What happens if the ‘IFs’ aren’t paired up? Do they simply retire? A bit of drama and suspense could have elevated it from a feel-good movie to outstanding.
But fear not, there’s a decent plot twist that, while not entirely unpredictable, still leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
In “IF,” there’s not a single dull moment. Each scene either makes you laugh, tugs at your heartstrings, or fills you with cheer. Whether you had imaginary friends or not, it doesn’t matter – give this film a watch. It’ll transport you right back to your childhood.
‘IF’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.
