STORYLINE: A young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone’s imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up.

     Some films are powerful, while others are scary. Sone are silly while others are dramatic. Some can just be fun to watch. That is the case with If, the ensemble, family film starring Ryan Renolds. The film features a voice cast second to none.  Steve Carell leads the way.  He is supported by Louis Gossett Jr, Phoebe Waller+Bridge, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and others.

     The story is simple and been done  before in many films from the vhs era from my childhood.  This engaged me in a way I did not expect to be engaged.  The through back to films such as Hook and The Indian in the Cupboard reminded me that not all movies have to be deep and thought provoking. 

   The animated creations of the imaginary friends were colorful and creative  they added an overall since of fun to the film. The same is true with Steve Carell’s voice performance of Blue, the main imaginary friend. 

   The crowded auditorium was engaged with the film.  That always adds to the experience, and overall enjoyment, of the film.  

    What I liked about If was this was an original film with an ensemble.  That is what I want the future of summer blockbusters to be instead of constant sequels. It seems the trends are heading that way. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood started it in 2019.  Last summer Oppenheimer and Barbie proved they can be successful. It’s the begging of the summer blockbuster season and with the release of If and The Fall Guyit seems these ensemble original filns are being sprinkled in between big sequels.

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!