John Krasinski now has five films he has directed and
has made a point of not submitting to a list that makes people know who he is.
Billie Melissa said in her review, “Moving from the
thrilling duo of A Quiet Place and its sequel, Krasinski momentarily shelves
horror for a foray into nostalgia with his new film IF, led by Cailey Fleming
as Bea.”
Bea was a small child when her mother, played by Catharine
Daddario, passed. Now, on the border of adolescence, at 12-years-old, her father,
played by Krasinski, is having heart surgery. Bea goes to stay with her
grandmother, played by Fiona Shaw, where she finds a room on the top floor that
is occupied between the real and the imaginary.
Melissa said, “While a wholesome family film on the
surface, IF grapples with the complexities of coming-of-age while also
discussing how grief often manifests as us shutting down parts of our memory to
feel "safe" and move on before we are ready.”
Bea believes she isn’t a kid anymore; she is very firm
about not wanting to be interested in her childhood hobbies. She tells her
grandmother she doesn’t paint anymore and acts like she is her father’s
caretaker, whose inner child is still active, something Bea has difficulty
understanding.
Throughout “IF,” Krasinski is clearly referencing many
classic movies and, at one point, has then in the background of the film to
deepen the context of Bea’s experience. Melissa notes, “Watching a filmmaker so
lovingly wear their influences on their sleeve is endearing.” It feels nice and
familiar because of it and invites everyone to be a part of the experience.
Melissa said, “From the opening montage, Krasinski sets
his manifesto: he will use his movie to resurrect the inner child in all of us.”
At an hour and 45 minutes, he tells audiences what movies can be and how they
have their way to take us to places we have forgotten.
Ryan Reynolds plays Cal, who is helping a small group
of long forgotten imaginary friends who want to not be forgotten.
A group of imaginary friends have that same fear as
they live a few blocks away under a rundown amusement park ride in a retirement
home, and Bea and Cal go to find new children for all of them. However, as they
go on, they learn something more important, which is where Krasinski’s formula
starts.
Movies like “IF” are hard to market. Who are they for?
What message are they trying to say? Have people lost interest in the family
movie genre, and should they continue to release them?
Melissa pointed out, “Krasinski makes a strong case
for the necessity of play in cinema, and the product is a heartwarming
tearjerker that provides not only an enjoyable film that works for all the
family, but one that asks you to reconnect with who you are and what you may
have lost in the transition from childhood to adulthood.”
We need more films that are feel good, which are also
thoughtful and pay attention to detail. Jess Gonchor’s costume design is
noteworthy. It does an indirect but beautiful job of helping the narrative
while giving each character their own personality and style.
Yes, the screenplay has flaws, and the film looks over
things it would help from going deep into, “IF” does a nice job of bringing
back forgotten memories and allowing you to escape reality for some time.
To give too much will spoil everything, so the best
thing to do is to watch this with an open heart and let Krasinski suck you into
his magical, musical adventure.
Overall, my thoughts are this is a nice family film
for everyone to watch. Check it out on Paramount+ and see for yourself because
I think people will feel good after watching this. Especially the last
half-hour, which is emotional. I think everyone will like this just fine.
Thank you for joining in on this review today. Stay
tuned Friday for the next installment of “Buddy Cop Month.”
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