John Krasinskiis taking it on the chin this time around from the critics, resulting in aRotten Tomatoesscore forIFthat is nearly splatting, at the time of this writing. It’s been almost three years sinceA Quiet Place: Part IIscared up audiences in 2021. Krasinski’s primary focus on the horror sequel was as the writer and director, and the filmmaker scored big with the critics:Part IIreceived a 91% rating on the Tomatometer.
So, it goes without saying that there are high hopes for Krasinski’s latest project, the animatedIF,which he also wrote. Unfortunately, the reviews are tilting toward the wrong side of the Tomatometer with a current RT score of only 60% against 62 reviews. MovieWeb’s ownJulian Romansays of the flick:
IF tugs on your heartstrings as the fantastic Cailey Fleming rediscovers her sense of joy and youthful exuberance. The film treads a bit sentimental, but wows as an endearing fantasy adventure with superb visual effects.
IF, originally titled Imaginary Friends, is a comedic fantasy film written and directed by John Krasinski. A young girl who experiences a tragic moment early in her life discovers she can see the imaginary friends of others who leave them behind as they grow older.
Valerie Complexof Deadline succinctly questions whether kids will even have the attention span to sit still in theaters for the film’s duration. Complex writes:
IF wasn’t enough to keep my attention, how will it keep the attention of a child for 104 minutes??
William Bibbianiof The Wrap says:
It’s tonally discombobulated and nowhere near as enchanting as Michael Giacchino’s score seems to think it is.
Krasinski collaborates onIFwith his long-time friend and co-star fromThe Office,Steve Carell. However, given the early reviews, there might not be enough imagination on-screen to result in any movie magic for these two Hollywood heavy hitters — to say nothing of whatThe Officeaccomplished on television.Mick LaSalleof the San Francisco Chronicle writes:
The movie is a disordered wreck that confuses impulse for inspiration and dissipates any impossibility of impact by constantly switching focus.
IF Is ‘Much More Than a Failure of Just Imagination’
Now that the review embargo has lifted,IFis taking a bit of a beating at the hands of the critics. However, as most moviegoers and cinephiles already know, audiences who show up and fork over their hard-earned money will decide how much moolah John Krasinski’s latest directorial effort ultimately makes. AndIFis forecast to make around $40 millionduring its opening weekend. However, the animated feature will have to continue dodging tough reviews like the one written byKate Erblandof IndieWire. Erbland, who givesIFa “C-” score, says:
We don’t know what’s happening most of the time, and worst yet, we don’t know how to feel about it, no matter our age. That’s much more than a failure of just imagination.
Clarisse Loughreyof the United Kingdom’s Independent writes:
[It] isn’t so much a film but a series of emotional cues. It’s the same experience, really, as sitting down to watch an hour-and-a-half video loop of dogs being adopted.
John Krasinski’s IF Movie BTS Clip Shows Funny, Yet Touching Reunion with Steve Carell
John Krasinski and Steve Carell’s latest venture, IF, will showcase the duo’s comedic chemistry.
Ty Burrof the Washington Post adds:
IF is largely a bust — a family film in search of an audience that it never convincingly finds.
What Krasinski’s film has going for it, aside fromIF’spromising trailerand its $40-million weekend forecast, is that the movie is opening up as the kid-friendly alternative against a number of titles aimed at older audiences, includingThe Blue Angels(IMAX),The Strangers: Chapter 1andBack to Black.
