IF - They've Always Been There

John Krakinski is a brilliant writer and director. I absolutely loved "A Quiet Place" and this one was a really well written. The story was full of heart and focused on a little girl thrust into an incredible world of Imaginary Friends...IF...get it?

I've only seen a handful of Invisible Friends movies. Blumhouse recently did "Imaginary". One of my favorites growing up was "Drop Dead Fred". Don't @ me. I know its weird, dumb and a terrible movie, still enjoyed it.

This one had a mix of these two without the horror and oddball gross-out comedy.

One of the hardest things for a child actor is to play the part believable. You're not always going to get a seasoned actor caliber performance. Sometimes you'll get a performance like Natalie Portman in "Leon" or Dakota Fanning in "I am Sam". While Cailey Fleming isn't quite on their level, she gave a wonderful performance as a kid who who grew up after the death of her mom.

She's facing the possible death of her dad who's about to go into surgery. He's a good dad and very much a kid at heart (like me!). He goofs around to make her laugh and wants her to go out and make a story. Which she does.

One of the things I didn't like about this movie was that it moved a little too fast into the story. She arrives in NYC with her grandma, her dad (Krakinski) is in the hospital to have surgery on his heart. As he had director duty you don't see him much. Though you'd figure she'd have a few more scenes in the hospital with him.

Early in the film she hears noises, follows it and sees imaginary creatures. Didn't really scream or freak out as anyone would. I know it was mostly to move the story, but could have been a little longer and have her freak out at first.

The main story is Bea teaming up with Cal (played by the always charming Ryan Reynolds), a man who sees IF's, and together they try to help the IFs.

There is of course a few twists. One of which I figured out early on. Because again, I'm clever...and you know its kinda obvious. It's a sweet story about growing up, but not forgetting that its okay to hold on to your inner child.

Not ashamed to say there were a number of moments that made me tear up a little. I tend to hold in my emotions sometimes, but movies just bring it out.

Would definitely see this again. Krakinski brought so much to this story. I highly recommend all parents go see this and try to remember their IF they had when they grow up.

5/5