'IF' Finds New Life on Paramount+ After Box Office Flop
Family film 'IF', starring Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming, was initially dismissed by critics but has now surged in popularity on Paramount+ two years after its debut.
Some films arrive with a big-name cast and plenty of buzz, only to be brushed aside for reasons that seem a bit petty in hindsight. 'IF', featuring Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming, is one of those. When it first hit cinemas, critics gave it the cold shoulder, perhaps forgetting the simple joy of seeing the world through a child’s eyes. Fast forward two years, and the film is enjoying a major comeback, climbing the ranks on Paramount+ and giving heavyweights like 'The Naked Gun' and 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' a run for their money on the global streaming charts.
There’s a classic line from C.S. Lewis in the dedication of his Narnia books: “Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” In a world where kids are often in a rush to grow up, 'IF' is a rare film that’s made for the young but speaks volumes to adults—if they’re willing to listen. The film, which goes by 'Imaginary Friends' in some places (probably to make it easier to find online), was written and directed by John Krasinski. Alongside Reynolds and Fleming, the cast is stacked with voice talent: Steve Carell, Awkwafina, Bradley Cooper, Matt Damon, Sam Rockwell, Emily Blunt, George Clooney, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Bill Hader, and plenty more. The story follows a girl who discovers she can see everyone’s imaginary friends and sets out on a magical journey to reunite forgotten IFs with their original kids.
From Box Office Disappointment to Streaming Sensation
It’s a bit of a twist that a film all about rediscovering what’s been left behind was itself overlooked at first. Despite a hefty $190 million box office haul, 'IF' was weighed down by a 51% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and quickly faded from the spotlight. Now, it’s one of the most-watched films on Paramount+ worldwide. The audience score on the RT Popcornmeter sits at a healthy 85%, with recent reviews showing a lot more affection for the film than it got on release. Maybe, as the film suggests, it just takes a bit of time to reconnect with your inner child—or to notice how quickly your own kids grow up.
Recent five-star reviews have been pouring in. Mark A sums it up:
“So what if it doesn’t explain what is going on? This film is about imagination and emotion which it delivers in spades. See this film.”
Johanna L calls it
“a beautiful film with meaningful life messages,”
while Shelene says it’s
“heartfelt and brought a tear to my eye.”
Tyson C perhaps nails it best:
“If you have a heart, or were ever once a kid with one, this film evokes powerful emotions of what it’s like coming to terms with missing the innocence and wonder of childhood and the lifelong struggle of trying to make it back to that special place.”
Escaping the Ordinary
Streaming services and cinemas are often packed with grim dramas and action flicks that mirror the world’s troubles a bit too closely. 'IF' stands out as a rare chance for grown-ups to ditch the stress, forget about dodgy politicians and grim headlines, and just imagine a world where a bit of magic is still possible. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, letting your imagination run wild is exactly what’s needed.