Judging by its posters, you might think "IF" (short for "Imaginary Friend") is designed purely for young audiences. However, don't be misled by its colorful appearance; this film is crafted to tug at the heartstrings of adults rather than children. This creates a bit of a conundrum: while "IF" is emotionally resonant for those who understand its context, its deeper themes may be lost on younger viewers.
The story follows Bea (Cailey Fleming), a girl who recently lost her mother and discovers she can see everyone's childhood imaginary friends, or "IFs." These imaginary friends, now retired, have lost their connection to the kids who once imagined them. Bea, with the help of her neighbor Cal (Ryan Reynolds), who shares the same ability as hers, helps these IFs find new "owners."
"IF" presents many intriguing ideas, but they don't all come together seamlessly. The film's overall message is poignant and will resonate with some viewers, making it a potentially relatable and dramatic experience. However, when watching it with kids, their initial amusement with the colorful and whimsical characters faded as the plot's complexity became too challenging for them to grasp fully. The film's pacing also reveals its twists too slowly, making them predictable long before they unfold. Despite its flaws, Cailey Fleming's performance stands out. She is the heart and soul of the film, and her talent shines through in her first major role. The visual effects were also a stand out for us as we feared that the characters might come out as fake but it never really bothered us. In conclusion, "IF" offers drama and emotion but is heavily geared towards older audiences. As a family film, it falls short of providing a balanced experience for all ages. We expected a more inclusive approach that could engage the whole family.
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