Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
With echoes of Fosterâs Home for Imaginary Friends, John Krasinskiâs latest Feature – in which he stars, directs and writes – IF does feel a tad familiar, but nonetheless heartfelt.
The Movie focuses on Bea (Cailey Fleming) who has been through a lot already in her young life. She has lost her mother to what appeared to be cancer, though never confirmed, and now her Dad (John Krasinski) has to undergo a relatively standard procedure for a broken heart (a euphemism clearly, but never explained what is actually wrong with him). She now has to live with her grandma (Fiona Shaw), and insists she is no longer a child but in fact an adult. A fact she wants to wear with pride because of everything she has already gone through. Though things start to change when she discovers Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) an imaginary friend that lives on the top floor of Grandmaâs building with Cal (Ryan Reynolds). Shortly thereafter, Bea discovers that imaginary friends exist, and is potentially identified as the chosen one by Blue (Steve Carell) who can help all of these Imaginary Friends find new kids after their kids grew up and forgot who they were.
What makes IF work is its stellar Cast and storytelling. First and foremost, Krasinski behind the camera and the pen manages to craft a story that is suitable for all ages that deals with loss and getting lost in a world of imagination to help navigate the world we find ourselves in when that happens. While the Script is a little light, despite the arguably hard start it lacks further emotional gravitas. Granted it is a childrenâs movie and creating something truly dark would be unlikely, it just missed that mark of being something truly exceptional. It is standard fare, on the storyline front but manages to hold the attention of an older audience and surely will create a world of delight for a younger audience to fall in love with.
Moving forward though, the cast is where the Movie shines. With our human protagonists of Cal and Bea played by Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming respectfully, manage to craft a perfect duo of a Willy Wonka-esque characterization and a wanting to be jaded but still really a child Charlie in a sense, they get trapped in a world of imagination. While having to navigate life now without a mother, and on the cuff of possibly losing her dad â Cailey manages to perfectly craft the emotional platitude to carry both sides of the coin, the hardened needing to grow up and the whimsical imagination. On the other hand the entire voice cast from Steve Carell to Phoebe Waller-Bridge and the late Louis Gossett Jr, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Maya Rudolph, Jon Stewart and so forth, the list truly goes on brings all of these IFs to life and gives audiences characters to stand behind and route for. The entire Cast help you realize the child that still resides inside of you.
IF is a movie for the family, but definitely geared towards the younger children. Parents, if they possess some child like wonder still will enjoy the journey, but maybe its more suitable for the fun aunt or uncle. The Film doesnât ask what if we let our imaginations run wild, it reminds us about the friends we never truly forgot about.
Paramount Pictures Canada release IF in theatres May 17, 2024.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com