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IF
Maximum Effort Maximum Effort
Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures
Sunday Night Productions Sunday Night Productions

Not part of a collection.

IF

A story you have to believe to see.

2024 104 min ★ 6.9 (1,684) Released
Comedy Family Fantasy

After discovering she can see everyone's imaginary friends, a girl embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten imaginary friends with their kids.

Original title
IF
Language
EN
Country
US
Budget
$110,000,000
Revenue
$190,309,707
Reviews & Ratings 6
r96sk

r96sk

Jan 2, 2025 · via TMDB

★ 6.0

'IF' holds an interesting on paper concept and shows off some neat special effects. Unfortunately, though, I was pretty bored throughout. I guess I am not the core target audience, it feels more aimed at kids/families despite the moral, though I still didn't really sense much to speak positively about with this one. I will say that it does set the tone early on nicely (up until the introduction of Blossom & Co.) and concludes with some heart, though everything in-between is underwhelming. The voice cast includes Phoebe Waller-Bridge (who voices the aforementioned) and a fair few other known names, though only Steve Carell (minorly) stood out to me to be honest. Cailey Fleming does well in the lead role, I already admire her acting due to her time on 'The Walking Dead' - I wish we got more of her as Judith, in fact. Ryan Reynolds - someone I tend to enjoy - feels miscast, I'm all for seeing him play against type but it's just that his character doesn't really do enough to warrant having that sorta actor. Overall, one I'd consider as 'average'. Mind you, it does include the greatest performance of Brad Pitt's career...

O

oswaldovzki

Aug 19, 2024 · via TMDB

★ 7.0

As a fan of John Krasinski, I was really looking forward to watching "IF," but I have to admit, it left me a bit disappointed. Not because it’s a bad movie but because I went in with expectations that weren’t quite met. "IF" is a solid, well-made film with some great ideas, but it doesn’t fully explore the potential it sets up. It’s clearly aimed at a younger audience, which is fine, but the simplicity of the plot and the way certain moments are handled left me wanting more depth. There are scenes in which the movie tries to make feel urgent but falls flat and doesn’t carry the weight it should. They felt rushed, and that’s a feeling I had throughout much of the movie. The film has a charming fantasy element that could have been expanded to create something truly magical, but instead, it skims the surface. The pacing is quick, and while that might work for kids, I was hoping for a bit more exploration and development of the ideas presented. The acting, however, is a bright spot. The cast does a great job with their roles, bringing humor and warmth to the film. Steve Carell as Blue was especially a standout, delivering a performance that was both funny and heartfelt. I just wish we had more of John Krasinski himself, as his presence always adds something special. Overall, "IF" is a good movie—entertaining, sweet, and funny—but it left me wanting more. It’s worth a watch, especially if you’re in the mood for something light and family-friendly, but don’t expect it to go beyond that.

T

TheSceneSnobs

Jul 9, 2024 · via TMDB

★ 2.0

IF promised an intriguing premise but unfortunately fell short of delivering a compelling narrative. The film heavily relies on celebrity cameos, which, overshadow the story's substance. This overreliance on star power creates a superficial experience that fails to engage the audience meaningfully. The movie attempts to pull on the heartstrings of the audience, but it does so without a satisfying payoff. Emotional scenes feel forced and unearned, lacking the depth necessary to make a lasting impact. The narrative structure is weak. The pacing is uneven, jumping from one celebrity cameo to another without allowing the plot to develop naturally. This results in a fragmented viewing experience that leaves the audience struggling to connect with the characters. The film's attempt to evoke emotion through its storyline falls flat because it doesn’t give enough attention to character development. We see glimpses of potentially interesting backstories, but they are never fully explored. A scene involving a character’s past trauma is introduced but quickly abandoned, leaving the audience with unanswered questions and a sense of incompleteness. Overall, IF is a movie that misses the mark. Its reliance on celebrity cameos and superficial emotional appeals results in a lackluster film. To improve, the filmmakers should have focused more on developing a strong, cohesive narrative that allows the characters' stories to resonate deeply with the audience. Without this foundation, the film feels hollow and fails to leave a lasting impression.

Cinema_Snobb

Cinema_Snobb

Jun 21, 2024 · via TMDB

★ 5.0

"What if I told you imaginary friends are real? And when they're kids grow up, they're forgotten." An "If" is the imaginary friend a child has when they are young. It is a comfort and a companion to get them through the growing up years. But where does the imaginary friend go when it is used up. Apparently, the word "imaginary" needs to be changed. Bea, played by Cailey Fleming, is a 12 year old girl who lost her mom at a young age. Now her father (John Krasinski) is sick too. Bea moves in with her grandmother to stay near the hospital. Soon she starts seeing everyone's former Imaginary Friends. She is guided by Ryan Reynolds. They are sad and need to be reunited with their formers. Some of those "friends" are pretty creepy. The film, written and directed by Krasinski, aims to be kind of like a live action "Monsters, Inc". It's really an idea that can only work in animation since it takes out that sense of reality that makes it look too silly. The plot just seems like an idea that has difficulty finding a believable footing. It might work for young kids, for me it just seems forced and overly sentimental. It's easy to watch since Krasinski obviously handled it with care, and Reynolds seems to enjoy his role. But for me that just isn't enough.

Hotplix

Hotplix

Jun 6, 2024 · via TMDB

★ 7.0

"If" is a whimsical and heartwarming film directed by John Krasinski. Starring an ensemble cast including Ryan Reynolds, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Fiona Shaw, the movie takes viewers on a fantastical journey into the world of imagination. Krasinski's direction brings a perfect blend of humor, charm, and emotional depth, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages. The narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of childhood wonder and the power of belief. With its stellar performances and enchanting story, "If" is a cinematic treat that leaves a lasting impression.

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

May 20, 2024 · via TMDB

★ 7.0

"Bea" (Cailey Fleming) arrives to stay with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw) so she can be near her father (John Krasinski) who is having cancer treatment at a nearby hospital. It's a fairly traumatic time for everyone, but it also becomes quite puzzling for the youngster when she encounters "Blosson", "Blue" (who's actually purple) and their handler "Cal" (Ryan Reynolds) living in the apartment upstairs. She quickly discovers what an "IF" is, and is introduced to loads of them, now adrift in a world where their original partners have grown up and forgotten them. "Cal" and his friends are trying to re-home these friendly and creative critters, and so "Bea" takes an hand helping out. Their first target for a new friend is the friendly "Benjamin". He's a patient in the same hospital as her dad, prone to breaking his bones and though outwardly cheery and good-natured, cuts a rather lonely sight in his room. As the story continues we begin to suspect that it's not just him that needs an "IF". Sure, it's derivative at times, but there's an engaging effort from the young Fleming and the sparing use of the colourful and well integrated visual effects along with some cheery scripting and a few amiable supporting characters that could easily inhabit any toy-box (I liked the bear and the tasting marshmallow) wired well. Also, Reynolds takes enough of a back seat not to impose his presence too firmly on the proceedings. It's an amiable story about family, loneliness and growing up that encourages folks to use and enjoy their imagination. I wasn't really expecting to, but I did quite enjoy this.

User reviews courtesy of TMDB.

Keywords 6
aftercreditsstinger friendship imaginary imaginary friend imagination live action and animation
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Cast 37
Cailey Fleming

Cailey Fleming

Bea

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds

Cal

John Krasinski

John Krasinski

Dad / Marshmallow (voice)

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw

Grandmother

Steve Carell

Steve Carell

Blue (voice)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Blossom (voice)

Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr.

Lewis (voice)

Alan Kim

Alan Kim

Benjamin

Liza Colón-Zayas

Liza Colón-Zayas

Janet

Bobby Moynihan

Bobby Moynihan

Jeremy

Catharine Daddario

Catharine Daddario

Bea’s Mom

Audrey Hoffman

Audrey Hoffman

Bea (Ages 3 & 5)

Laquet Sharnell Pringle

Laquet Sharnell Pringle

Receptionist

Ed Herbstman

Ed Herbstman

Deli Guy

Barbara Andres

Barbara Andres

Woman Upstairs

Alexander Rivero

Alexander Rivero

Custodian

Shauna Pinkett

Shauna Pinkett

Hospital Receptionist

Sa'Raya Paris Johnson

Sa'Raya Paris Johnson

7 Year-Old Girl

David Weissmann

David Weissmann

Young Jeremy

Awkwafina

Awkwafina

Bubble (voice)

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt

Unicorn (voice)

George Clooney

George Clooney

Spaceman (voice)

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper

Ice (voice)

Matt Damon

Matt Damon

Flower (voice)

Bill Hader

Bill Hader

Banana (voice)

Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins

Art Teacher (voice)

Keegan-Michael Key

Keegan-Michael Key

Slime (voice)

Blake Lively

Blake Lively

Octopuss (voice)

Sebastian Maniscalco

Sebastian Maniscalco

Magician Mouse (voice)

Christopher Meloni

Christopher Meloni

Cosmo (voice)

Matthew Rhys

Matthew Rhys

Ghost (voice)

Sam Rockwell

Sam Rockwell

Guardian Dog (voice)

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph

Alligator (voice)

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer

Gummy Bear (voice)

Allyson Seeger

Allyson Seeger

Viola (voice)

Jon Stewart

Jon Stewart

Robot (voice)

Craig 'Radio Man' Castaldo

Craig 'Radio Man' Castaldo

Radio Man (uncredited)

Crew 26
Jess Gonchor

Jess Gonchor

Production Design

Arnau Valls Colomer

Arnau Valls Colomer

Additional Director of Photography

Janusz Kamiński

Janusz Kamiński

Director of Photography

Jenny Eagan

Jenny Eagan

Costume Design

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore

Choreographer

Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr.

In Memory Of

Mike Gunther

Mike Gunther

Stunt Coordinator

Alesha Forche

Alesha Forche

Stunts

John Krasinski

John Krasinski

Director

Michael Lerman

Michael Lerman

First Assistant Director

Christopher Rouse

Christopher Rouse

Editor

Tricia Wood

Tricia Wood

Casting

Michael Lerman

Michael Lerman

Co-Producer

George Dewey

George Dewey

Executive Producer

Allyson Seeger

Allyson Seeger

Producer

Andrew Form

Andrew Form

Producer

John Krasinski

John Krasinski

Producer

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds

Producer

George Doering

George Doering

Musician

Michael Giacchino

Michael Giacchino

Original Music Composer

Brandon Proctor

Brandon Proctor

Sound Re-Recording Mixer

Mike Prestwood Smith

Mike Prestwood Smith

Sound Re-Recording Mixer

Erik Aadahl

Erik Aadahl

Supervising Sound Editor

Ethan Van der Ryn

Ethan Van der Ryn

Supervising Sound Editor

Arslan Elver

Arslan Elver

Animation Supervisor

John Krasinski

John Krasinski

Writer

Gallery 430
Videos 35
Similar Movies 199
US Release Dates 5

May 17, 2024

PG Theatrical

Jun 18, 2024

PG Digital

Jul 9, 2024

Paramount+ / MGM+

PG Digital

Jul 12, 2024

MGM+

PG TV

Aug 13, 2024

Blu-ray

PG Physical

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The Brother

The Brother

2017

VS
80 Day Obsession: Day 75 AAA (Phase 1)

80 Day Obsession: Day 75 AAA (Phase 1)

2018

Sign in to vote

Battle your watched movies head-to-head

Community Top Movies

🥇 Evil Dead II

Evil Dead II

1987 · 14 wins

🥈 The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight

2008 · 14 wins

🥉 Halloween

Halloween

1978 · 13 wins

#4 Final Destination

Final Destination

2000 · 12 wins

#5 Halloween II

Halloween II

1981 · 11 wins

Sign in to build your own ranking
0 Points
0/0 Correct
0 Streak

Playing as a guest — sign in to save your score and rank on the leaderboard.

Movie Trivia

Guess the movie from a clue — tagline, plot, cast and more. Pick from four posters.

What movie experience do you prefer?

Movie theater — theater popcorn with Icee/soda & maybe nachos 67%
At home — relaxed on your favorite couch or chair with whatever drinks & snacks are in the kitchen 33%
3 votes

What is your favorite movie genre?

Action 50%
Adventure 0%
Animation 0%
Comedy 0%
Crime 0%
Documentary 0%
Drama 0%
Family 0%
Fantasy 0%
History 0%
Horror 50%
Music 0%
Mystery 0%
Romance 0%
Science Fiction 0%
Thriller 0%
War 0%
Western 0%
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