REVIEW: IF

4/5

What If...?

104 Mins. Starring: Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. & Steve Carell. Written & Directed By: John Krasinski. In: Theatres.

If you could meet one of your fondest friends from childhood again, who would it be? The kid that sat next to you who picked their nose? Maybe, the school bully who was mean to you because they actually liked you? Or how about that purple blob that looked like Barney meets McDonald's purple Grimace...wait...what?! That's 'IF' for you. The new movie from director John Krasinski, part passion project for his kids. What else could dear John ('Jack Ryan', 'The Office') make for his and his wife Emily Blunt's kids? It's not like they can show them the 'Quiet Place' saga before bed.

A new 'Day One', produced by the pair, is about to make noise in the Summer blockbuster circuit. Going up against the Marvel machine of 'Deadpool and Wolverine'. Here, an NSFW Ryan Reynolds plays it as safe as PG-13 houses, smarting up with braces and a Krasinski beard. This and an A-list cast, all on their A-game in this epic ensemble, not to mention some classic cameos too real to reveal, is enough to get over the fact that Blunt and Krasinski won't be returning for 'A Quiet Place: Day One', let alone the 'Fantastic Four' film that was teased with a classic cameo in this multiverse of madness. Never mind, they still exist in that world. And besides, Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby are going to own it. Just like the Human Torch of 'Stranger Things' star Joseph Quinn will in this and the 'A Quiet Place' prequel too.

The charming Canadians Reynolds is all pure star power in a fabulous family film that will remind you of when movies were made to be magical. Bringing it all back like it does the inspired illuminations of New York's Coney Island candy land. You'll feel all warm and fuzzy as hearts soar and tears fall (I was in bits watching 'IF'). The trademark humour from the other Ryan is there, along with some from John, who goes back to his 'Office' days in more ways than one. All as the 'Aloha' and 'Monsters University' star shows he's the best actor to director since Ben Affleck. Let alone the most versatile, as this kid's film, from the guy who previously had you checking for what's under your bed, reminds us of 'Mad Max's' very own George Miller going to the city with a pig called Babe. But that'll do.

The real star of the show is 'Walking Dead' family member Cailey Fleming. After playing younger versions of Disney characters like Star Wars' Rey ('The Force Awakens') and Marvel's Sylvie ('Loki'), Cailey really comes of age here in this heartbreaking and healing film. She's amongst legendary company, too. Whether that be the great Fiona Shaw ('Killing Eve', 'Three Men and a Little Lady') fresh off her descent into the wilderness for 'True Detective: Night Country' (I am impressed, 'Spartacus'). 'Fleabag' favourite Phoebe Waller-Bridge after her adventure with Indy. Krasinski's old boss, Steve Carell in his most magical movie since 'Welcome To Marwen', all before 'Despicable Me 4'. And the late, great Louis Gossett Jr. ('A Raisin In The Sun', 'The Color Purple'), who this movie is dedicated to in loving memory.

'IF' in all caps is all about imaginary friends, and what all of them and this stands for. Our collective, lost childhoods, swept away by responsibility and the great power of what love and life does when it disappoints us. But we, like this film, can find that glow again as this one reaches out with the best live-action and CGI animation you've seen since Reynolds' 'Free Guy' video game life, either James or Jordan's 'Space Jam', and the original legacy made when they framed Roger Rabbit. Not to mention, a terrific Tina Turner tribute, rock and rolling like a Blue Brother. A cute and cuddly mascot to deal with your emotions, like Benedict Cumberbatch's much darker 'Eric' on Netflix, or Pixar's 'Inside Out 2'. 

What if, 'IF' was a Disney movie. Because it certainly feels one. And it's got enough star power with a cast of characters ready to become collective classics. "Keith", by the way, is a hilarious running in-joke by Ryan Reynolds, joined in by John. Still, sadly, this is the type of big picture that could get lost in the summer shuffle. Especially with everybody keeping quiet, waiting in place for all the big blockbusters, like the merc with the mouth. But just those who missed out wait. They may find this film on television, or in a streaming swipe around about Christmas, where the magic of this movie belongs. My friends, imagine. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Free Guy', 'Inside Out 2', 'Eric'.