'IF' Review: Ryan Reynolds and Steve Carell's banter livens up John Kransinski's experiment
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'IF' directed by John Krasinski hits the theatres on May 17, 2024. The movie stars Ryan Reynolds as Cal and Cailey Fleming as Bea. The film also features John Krasinski, Steve Carell, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and Fiona Shaw in voice roles as imaginary friends.
'IF' tells the story of a girl named Bea (Cailey Fleming) who can see imaginary friends who have been left behind as people grew up and made real friends. Bea helps Cal (Ryan Reynolds) be the matchmaker for the imaginary friends who are now lonely.
John Krasinski caters to a younger demography but delivers a mature message of dealing with loss and finding happiness. The film is a tribute to all the good things in life. Here is a detailed review of this thought-provoking experimental film.
Imagination and creativity on show in 'IF'
Writer and Director John Krasinski creates a world with the gaze of a child and the innocence of 'IF' resonates through the film and can be felt by the audiences.
The whole idea of having empathy for imaginary friends is a beautifully creative thought but the funny dialogues and cute screenplay create moments that take the audiences back to their childhood.
Janusz Kaminski crafts great visual imagery
Janusz Kaminski is the unsung hero of the film. The film is heavy on VFX but it is also brilliant for its visual imagery. The cinematographer has used bookshelves and leading lines to create a cinematically masterful film. The shot composition and use of camera angles to enhance Cailey Fleming's presence is a great touch from the cinematographer.
The film's editing is outstanding, making the imaginary characters look organic and real. The pacing of the film is appropriate for the genre. Maybe, the only thing that doesn't work for the film is that the humor sometimes feels a little forced and inorganic.
Ryan Reynolds and Steve Carell deliver wonderful performances
Ryan Reynolds loves a role where he can be witty and tongue-in-cheek with his humor and one-liners. This role gives him all the scope to be free and relaxed as he delivers a funny yet empathetic performance.
Steve Carell is amazing as Blue in a voice role. His delivery has pitch and tone variations and he brings depth to his voice as and when required. It is great to see a mature actor bring out the child in him for such a role.
A special mention must go to young Cailey Fleming who delivers an extraordinary performance. She is a revelation in a role that pits her against some legends but she more than holds her own.
'IF' Trailer
'IF' releases in theatres on May 17, 2024