3 Things Parents Should Know about IF

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1. It Celebrates Imagination

Bea is a cynical tween girl surrounded by optimism. Each day, she visits the hospital to see her father (portrayed by John Krasinski), a whimsical man who is preparing for major heart surgery but who shows no signs of stress. (It’s the same hospital where her mom died.) He playfully dances with the IV pole. He jokes with her by hiding in the closet. Rarely, though, does she laugh. “Sometimes life doesn’t have to be fun,” she tells him.

Her outlook on life starts to change when she meets her strange neighbors and learns they are part of a “matchmaking agency” that pairs old imaginary friends with new children. (As we learn, children age out of their imaginary friends and can no longer “see” them.) The agency’s ringleader, Cal (Ryan Reynolds), places Bea in charge of matchmaking. They even visit “Memory Lane Retirement” community, where imaginary friends live until they die.

Eventually, Bea regains her imagination, sense of wonder, and joy. She also matches imaginary friends with adults, including her grandmother.

The film promotes imagination, creativity and wonder like few films ever have. After all, many of us are Bea. We’ve grown up, grown old and grown cynical. Often, it’s only when we experience the world through the eyes of a child that we rediscover the joy of the world and rekindle the awe of God’s creation. Our creativity is a reflection of His creativity.

IF urges its audience: Grow up … but stay young at heart.

Photo credit: ©Paramount; used with permission.

2. It Celebrates Friends and Family

Bea’s grandmother displays patience for her granddaughter. Bea’s father, likewise, demonstrates unwavering support and understanding. Perhaps Bea is cynical because she’s traversing puberty. Maybe it’s due to her trials and sorrows. Whatever the case, her family and friends show her unconditional love.

Eventually, their patience bears fruit.

“You’re never alone,” a friend tells her when she’s down.

Her turning point comes at the retirement community, where she grows burdened by the multiple imaginary friends in need and is inspired to help them find a friend. Soon, she discovers that one specific imaginary friend -- a dancer named Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) -- formerly belonged to her grandmother, who once had dreams of dancing.

A bear named Lewis (Louis Gossett Jr.) tells Bea that imaginary friends are never permanently gone.

“You can always go back,” he tells her.

“How?”

“Memories,” he responds. “They live forever, right there in your heart.”

Bea finds her grandmother’s old records and places one of them on the turntable. Soon, her grandma is transported back to her youth, reminiscing about her dancing days with a sparkle in her eye.

Photo credit: ©Paramount; used with permission.

3. It’s One of the Year’s Best, But…

IF is a live-action/animated fantasy film with plenty of kid-friendly moments. Stuffed animals come to life. So do toys and gummy bears and soap bubbles.

But its adult themes and language may deter some families. Bea is grieving the death of one parent and is fearful that the other one -- her father -- may pass, too. (He has a successful surgery and makes a full recovery, but not before she has a major scare about his health.) The film contains no sexuality or violence but includes at least two misuses of “h-ll” and more than a dozen misuses of “God” (details below).

Even so, IF is easily one of the year’s best family movies, thanks to its solid message and fun plot. It is the latest impressive endeavor from director/writer John Krasinski, who also helmed the first two Quiet Place films.

It also features something rare in Hollywood these days: an original movie that’s not based on intellectual property -- and that’s not a sequel.

Rated PG for thematic elements and mild language. Language details: h-ll (2), OMG (5), single misuse of “God” (10), “swear to G-d” (2).

Entertainment rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Family-friendly rating: 4 of 5 stars.

Related Resource: The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Children's Entertainment

Media is bombarding our children at every turn, and at the same time the generation gap is widening. On this episode of Chrisitan Parent, Crazy World, Catherine’s special guest, Dr. Walt Mueller specializes in understanding the next generation—their thought processes, their challenges, and the many ways that entertainment and media are bombarding our kids’ lives with deeply concerning messages. We must read, listen to, and watch what is engaging the hearts and minds of our kids. We must not be alarmist, but we must be aware. And we must speak first on all of these topics to establish a foundation of truth for our kids. Listen now by clicking the play button below!

Photo credit: ©Paramount; used with permission.