During the pandemic, John Krasinski conceived the idea of Good News, but he wanted to continue the theme by creating something that his two daughters and other families could appreciate. IF deviates from spooky themes and focuses on Bea, a 12-year-old girl who moves into her grandmother Margaret's New York apartment while her father awaits heart surgery in the same hospital where her mother succumbed to cancer years ago. One night, while searching for a charger for her mother's old camcorder, Bea encounters a peculiar creature and follows it back to her grandmother's building. The movie boasts a star-studded cast, with a lineup of notable actors and actresses showcasing their talents. It features actors such as Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, Alan Kim, and Liza Colón-Zayas. Voice actors like Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell add to the cast.

IF isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it is a fun ride into one’s inner child. The 12-year-old heroine, Bea, who has already faced significant hardships, now faces the possibility of further emotional devastation. This raises concerns among parents of younger children, as they may not be aware of the tragic elements in the story. The story is imaginative and heart-touching but also sad and gloomy. While her father is in the hospital, Bea, a lonely girl grappling with loss, resides with her grandmother. In a town where the line between reality and imagination blurs, Cal, a peculiar neighbor with the ability to see abandoned imaginary friends, takes on the role of a matchmaker. As childhood companions grow up and leave their imaginary friends behind, Cal sees himself as the guardian of the portal between the two worlds. He enlists the help of Bea, a creative and earnest individual, in his mission to find new companions for these abandoned imaginary friends. Together, Cal and Bea embark on a journey to reunite lost imaginary friends with their new-found companions, ensuring that the magic of childhood and imagination continues to thrive. In the film, Cailey Fleming offers a compelling portrayal of the reserved character Bea, while Ryan Reynolds, in contrast to his typical comedic roles, delivers a nuanced performance as Carl, displaying a depth of vulnerability and range of emotions, including his trademark wit. Reynolds' seamless incorporation into the visual effects showcases his versatility, particularly in a captivating dance scene and his emergence from a painting. Ryan Reynolds' dynamic and nimble performance complements Cal's character, resulting in an emotionally impactful journey that may evoke a powerful response similar to the one I experienced in the film's third act. In the realm of IF, there are instances that can evoke a profound emotional response, causing tears to well up in your eyes. It is a testament to the transformative power and magical essence that IF possesses. Indeed, the film's central theme of loss and grief is particularly poignant, especially in light of the recent global coronavirus pandemic, which has highlighted the importance of human connection. Some topics presented in the theater may be too advanced for younger audiences and appear overly serious at times.

The voice cast, featuring renowned actors such as Steve Carell and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, lends their talents to bring life to a diverse range of creatures. Carell voices Blue, a gentle giant resembling a Muppet, while Waller-Bridge portrays Blossom, a cartoonish character reminiscent of Betty Boop. Together, they deliver entertaining and endearing characterizations that add depth and humor to the film. Emily Blunt as an excitable unicorn, Amy Schumer as a high-strung gummy bear, and George Clooney as a spaceman (remember "Gravity"?) and in his final role, Louis Gossett Jr. portrays a wise Teddy bear roudn out the cast. Despite having less substantial roles, these vocal performances are full of personality. Christopher Meloni voices the animated character Cosmo. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Blake Lively, Matthew Rhys, Jon Stewart, Maya Rudolph, Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, Bill Hader, and Keegan Michael-Key. Despite the impressive talent assembled, the large cast size limits the screen time for each actor, resulting in brief appearances rather than fully developed roles.

In the critically acclaimed film "Minari," Alan Kim delivered a breakthrough performance. However, in his subsequent role as Benjamin, a hospital patient who forms a friendship with Bea, Kim's screen time and storyline were underwhelming. While the chemistry between Kim and his co-star was charming, it would have been more satisfying to see Kim given more opportunities to showcase his talent and contribute to the narrative.

 In the midst of this summer's blockbuster explosions, IF stands out as a film that is specifically designed for families, addressing themes of loss and grief in a way that is both relatable and comforting. While it may not be a fully polished cinematic masterpiece, it fills a much-needed gap in the current film landscape.

IF is in theaters everywhere