movie reviews for christian

​Unique and Imaginative – But May Be Too Confusing for Young Children

In the realm of storytelling, few mediums can touch the heart and soul quite like film does. As a lover of cinema and a devout Christian, I care about what types of movies my children watch, and I feel called to share my thoughts with you. In this IF Christian Movie Review, I give parents the information they need before seeing this film with children.

Furthermore, it should be noted that we pay for our movie tickets so you can be sure that you are getting my unbiased thoughts on each film I review. For Christian families, selecting the right movie isn’t just about avoiding the bad—it’s about actively seeking the good, those stories that resonate with our core values. They provide a unique opportunity to explore themes of faith, forgiveness, and redemption in a way that’s accessible and engaging for people of all ages.

IF Christian Movie Review

Studio synopsis of if:.

From writer and director John Krasinksi, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends—and what she does with that superpower—as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.

My Synopsis of IF:

When  John Krasinski  introduces us to a young girl grappling with difficult situations in his latest creation, she discovers an extraordinary world brimming with imaginary friends. This isn’t just a story about overcoming sadness; it’s a profound exploration of coming to terms with what life throws at you.

The tale of 12-year-old girl named Bea and her journey is a heartwarming reminder of how unseen companionship can bring immense comfort and guide us toward healing. As a Christian, recognizing the significance of imagination and faith as tools for navigating life’s challenges offers a fresh perspective. This film, with its unique blend of whimsy and heartfelt emotion, splendidly encapsulates the essence of hope and the power of believing in something greater than ourselves. 

IF Christian Movie Review – What Parents Want to Know

Frequent use of taking God’s name in vain. In fact, at one point my adult son leaned over and just said that I could stop writing each incident down and just say they used God’s name a lot. Uses include lots of “Oh my g-d,” and “oh g-d.” Furthermore, “swear to g-d,” “good g-d,” “oh dear g-d,” and “thank g-d,” are used. It was almost as if they tried to get God’s name in as many times as they could.

Three uses of h-ll, and one use of d-mn.

One person makes a comment about having a “broken butt.” Another person calls someone a fool.

A man is seen breaking into a house.

Additionally, a child is in the hospital with multiple broken bones, and he says he “falls a lot.”

One imaginary friend is invisible and people are seen tripping over him.

Spiritual Content:

A girl is told, “you are the chosen one.”

Extensive use of magical elements transforming a retirement home. Keep in mind that it may be all in one’s imagination that this transformation takes place. Additionally, one IF (Imaginary Friend) is a ghost.

Sexual Content:

In the land of IFs, an art class takes place. The participants are painting an apple that is posing, and she is told to “cover up.”

Other Content: See SPOILER BELOW for the questions of death in the movie. Does Bea’s mom die? and Does Bea’s dad die?

Bea’s mom is shown in the hospital with a scarf on her head. Bea’s dad is later shown in the same hospital.

As a woman whose husband was in the hospital for heart bypass surgery, I found the depictions of the hospital were totally unrealistic. After Bea’s dad’s surgery, he is in bed with no monitors, no tubes, and just a pulse oximeter on his finger.

In one scene, Bea goes with Cal (Ryan Reynolds) to a closed Coney Island amusement park. He opens a door and they go through a secret passage underneath a ride. It felt kind of “icky” in the moment. As the movie continues, it makes more sense, but throughout the movie, not only does Bea run around the streets of New York City alone, but she also goes around with Cal. No one seems to notice or care including her grandmother.

Positive Content:

Throughout the movie, you see Bea coming to terms with growing up and dealing with the challenges of life.

She is told by an IF, “Nothing you love can ever be forgotten.” Bea has forgotten things, but uses the time at her grandmother’s apartment building (while her father is in the hospital) to remember good times with her family.

Bea is on a journey of self-discovery, healing and trying to make sense of life. While her dad is his hospital room bed, and not awake, she tells him a story of her life. He awakens and tells her it is a good story.

Teaching with the Movie IF

Each movie I see, I try to view it through the eyes of my children or grandchildren. What elements will they see, and what will they miss? If your child has ever dealt with being in a hospital, discuss how unrealistic the entire hospital setting was. Do you think a child pushing a used gowns/hospital bedding cart would go unnoticed? Additionally, digging through hospital gowns and bedding is 1) unsanitary, and 2) a health risk.

Did you or your children ever have imaginary friends? Have your child draw their imaginary friend. If they never had one, ask them to use their imagination to create one now. Ask, “What would your IFs special talents be?”

Who could your child invite into their life as a friend? As a Christian, we know there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” That friend is Jesus Christ, and He isn’t imaginary.

Additionally, discuss whether or not the movie was “real” or just a product of Bea’s imagination.

​The opening of the film with the Paramount Logo was uniquely done. Have your child redo a logo for another movie with elements from the film.

Christian Review of IF – My Viewing Recommendations :

Am I the only person that sees Jim from the Office every time I hear John Krasinski’s voice?

While this family film did have a lot of positive elements, I am once again saddened by the repeated misuse of God’s name. I’ve said this before, and I will continue saying it until Hollywood “gets it,” but did you ever notice they never say, “Oh my Al-ah?” Because it would be totally offensive to the Muslim community.

Overall, the musical score was very good, and was a product of Composer Michael Giacchino who was also responsible for Mission Impossible, Jurassic World, Up, and other famous works. Additionally, the concept was original-ish. It was refreshing to see a movie that was not a remake of a remake. (I’m looking at you, Disney!) However, this film is slow moving at times, and my husband actually fell asleep – I’m usually the one doing that.

As far as my recommendation, I would say, “see this movie,” but it pains me to hear God’s name taken in vain sooooo many times.

Evaluating Entertainment: The Role of Christian Review Sites

Have you ever found yourself scrolling endlessly through movie titles, wondering which film aligns not just with your entertainment preferences but also mirrors your values? Many of us face this dilemma, especially when selecting content for family movie nights.

This is where Christian movie review sites become an invaluable resource. This platform is more than just a list of film critiques; it is a guiding light for families seeking entertainment that upholds their Christian values. With an array of movies to choose from, these reviews offer  easier access  to detailed information on content, themes, and moral evaluations, making it a simpler process to find films that resonate with our faith. The significance of such resources cannot be overstated; we aim to provide a beacon of insight, ensuring that our recommended movie selections are entertaining and enriching to our spiritual lives and family values. 

About the Movie IF:

Rating: PG for thematic elements and mild language

Release Date: May 17, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour, 44 mins.

Genre: Animation/Children’s film

Studio: Sunday Night Productions, Maximum Effort

Directed by: John Krasinksi

Written by: John Krasinksi

Produced by: John Krasinksi, Allyson Seeger, Andrew Form, Ryan Reynolds

Edited by: Christopher Rouse, Andy Canny

Music by: Michael Giacchino

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

The Cast of IF :

Cailey Fleming plays Bea

Ryan Reynolds plays Cal

John Krasinksi plays Bea’s Dad

Fiona Shaw plays Bea’s Grandmother

Alan Kim plays Benjamin

Liza Colon-Zara’s plays Nurse Janet

Bobby Moynihan plays Jeremy

Voice Cast:

Blue voiced by Steve Carell (Purple Monster)

Blossom voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Butterfly dancer?)

Marshmallow Man voiced by John Krasinksi (Flaming Marshmallow)

Gummy Bear voiced by Amy Schumer

Lewis voiced by Louis Gossett Jr. (Teddy Bear)

Unicorn voiced by Emily Blunt

Sonny voiced by Matt Damon (A flower)

Spaceman voiced by George Clooney

Keith voiced by Brad Pitt

Ally voiced by Maya Rudolph (Alligator)

Robot voiced by Jon Stewart

Bubble voiced by Awkwafina

Guardian Dog voiced by Sam Rockwell

Dragon voiced by Vince Vaughn

Octopus’s voiced by Blake Lively

Magician Mouse voiced by Sebastian Maniscalco

Ghost voiced by Matthew Rhys

Slime voiced by Keegan-Michael Key

Ice voiced by Bradley Cooper (Ice Cube)

Cosmo voiced by Christopher Meloni (Private Detective)

Art Teacher voiced by Richard Jenkins

Banana voiced by Bill Hader

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can i watch if.

If was released into theaters on May 17, 2024. At that time, it could only be watched in theaters. A streaming date has not been announced.

Is there an end-credit scene for If?

​Yes, there is a very quick end-credit scene. 

Will  IF stream on Disney+? 

No. IF will not be streaming on Disney Plus. Because IF is a Paramount film.

Will IF stream on Peacock?

It is unlikely that IF will stream on Peacock. In fact, it is a film distributed by Paramount and will most likely stream on that platform.

How much did it cost to produce IF?

The production budget was $110 million.

What other movies have been made that deal with Imaginary Friends?

One movie, that is similar in some ways, is Wonder Park which tells the story of a young girl who creates an amusement park with her mom. When her mom leaves for cancer treatments, the girl’s park come to life.

Other movies include, Where the Wild Things Are , and Winnie-the-Pooh .

Then we have movies such as The Velveteen Rabbit who gains “real status” because he is loved. And certainly we can’t forget Toy Story where Andy believes his toys are real, and they come to life when no one is looking.

What black-and-white movie is playing on the television?

The film Harvey, starring James Stewart, is playing on the television. In fact, you may know Stewart from the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie playing is about an invisible giant rabbit named Harvey that Jimmy Stewart’s character talks to.

*****SPOILER ALERT BELOW******

Does bea’s mom die.

Yes, Bea’s mother does die. However, nothing is shown on screen. There is a discussion when Bea’s dad is in the hospital and he says that he is not going to die.

Does Bea’s dad die?

No. Bea’s dad does not die. He “had a broken heart,” has some sort of heart surgery or procedure and recovers.

Who is the tribute to at the end of the movie?

The tribute was to the late Louis Gossett Jr. who voices Lewis the bear. This was one of his final roles before his death in March 2024.

Reviewing movies for parents from a Christian perspective since 2005. Know Before You Go!

Christian Homeschooling mom – 30 years and counting

Autism Mom & Disney enthusiast

Related Posts

Teaching with Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Schooling with disney’s pinocchio movie plus review, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

16 Movies About Christianity That Critics Loved, Ranked According to Rotten Tomatoes

These films about faith garnered praise from audiences and critics alike.

Movies about faith and religion generally have a reputation for being subpar, often laughable exercises in message over substance. It's lamentable that faith-based audiences haven't had more selection historically. Especially considering the size of the demographic, it's a pity this has long been the case.

One of the surprise breakout hits of 2023, Jesus Revolution scored well with audiences and exceeded expectations at the box office. Critics generally endorsed the faith-based drama, with the film hovering just above a "Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes. Movies dealing with faith can be challenging to evaluate, especially from a critical angle. But as films that deal with themes of Christianity have become more popular in recent years , many have scored well on Rotten Tomatoes with both audiences and critics.

9 'Breakthrough' (2019)

Watch on Netflx

8 'Ben-Hur' (1959)

Rotten tomatoes score: 85%.

One of the most spectacular period movies on record, The Best Years of Our Lives helmer William Wyler 's astounding epic is based on the most popular Christian novel of the 19th century: Lew Wallace's Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ . The story follows a wrongly convicted and enslaved Jewish noble whose adventures parallel, and even intertwine, with the story of Jesus.

Featuring Charlton Heston 's best performance, Ben-Hur won a record 11 Oscars (only matched by Titanic and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King ). The climactic chariot race is still among the most rousing action set pieces ever committed to film. It's definitely worth mentioning the 1925 silent MGM feature here as well, a landmark in its own right that every film fan should experience. A laughably under-cooked 2016 remake came and went.

After a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend in 1st-century Jerusalem, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.

Watch on MGM+

7 'The Tree of Life' (2011)

Rotten tomatoes score: 84%.

Director Terrence Malick's Tree of Life is arguably one of the first and biggest mainstream films to deal with the concept of faith, pulling explicitly from the Bible, especially the Book of Job. The movie follows the adult Jack O'Brien, played by Sean Penn as he reflects on his childhood, his parents being played by Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain .

One of the most theologically profound aspects of this movie is the attention it gives to two opposing forces of humanity: the way of grace and the way of nature. The adult Jack O'Brien feels both of these forces within himself as he remembers his childhood. His mother who is kind, nurturing, and patient, embodies the way of grace. His father who is short-tempered, restless, and at times cruel, exemplifies the way of nature. The adult Jack tries to work out who he is as these dual forces battle within him like they do for all of us. Though it's somewhat divisive, Tree of Life was an overall triumph, garnering three Oscar nods including Best Picture.

The Tree of Life

Watch on Hulu

6 ​​​'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind' (2019)

Rotten tomatoes score: 86%.

Based on the true story of William Kamkwamba , The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind follows William ( Maxwell Simba ) as he is forced to drop out of school due to a famine that devastates his village. Despite having no formal education, William is motivated to find a solution to the issues affecting his community, especially the starvation and drought that endanger their way of life. He becomes passionate about using wind energy to power a water pump and irrigate the fields, giving a lifeline for his village's survival after being inspired by a book he finds in the neighborhood library.

The movie's themes of resiliency, ingenuity, and the strength of the human spirit are set against this backdrop as it emphasizes how faith can bring comfort, motivation, and a sense of purpose during trying times. Although it's frequently tough to watch due to its honest depiction of human suffering, this only helps its high points pay off and makes the movie one of the most inspirational stories about human resilience and faith.

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind

Watch on Netflix

5 'Calvary' (2014)

Rotten tomatoes score: 89%.

Calvary follows the story of a sincere, yet imperfect priest seeking to minister to a town that is burdened by sin and doubt. After an anonymous source warns Father James will pay for the sins of other priests with his life, the weight of the problems of the town seems to grow, and it seems there is a limit to the reconciliation Father James is able to usher in. Brendan Gleeson plays the priest Father James perfectly.

The film provides an interesting premise: rather than telling a story of a bad priest in a good world, this is the story of a good priest in a bad world. The values of forgiveness and restoration are strong, though they are always contrasted with despair and melancholy. Nearly a decade before his Oscar-nominated turn in The Banshees of Inisherin , Gleeson displayed his distinct gift for grounding dark comedy in layers of humanity.

Rent on Amazon

4 'Women Talking' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes score: 90%.

Women Talking is just what it sounds like. The film centers around a conversation between female representatives of a Mennonite community in Bolivia who must decide together how to respond to a crisis in their community. Over a period of four years, the women have been attacked in the night by certain unknown men in their community. They have a small window of time when the men are away from the colony and the women must decide -- should they run, fight, or do nothing?

This movie grapples with the question so many Christians deal with: What happens when I'm suffering and God is silent? Working out the answer to this question is exquisitely achieved in this film, which calls itself "a work of female imagination." The cast and crew were made up of nearly all females, with particularly excellent performances by Claire Foy and Rooney Mara . In the end, the women make their decision communally. They share their stories, their anger, and their hurts. In the end, they do come to a decision, and while they know it's right, it doesn't mean it's easy.

Women Talking

3 'first reformed' (2018), rotten tomatoes score: 94%.

First Reformed deals with crises of faith. Ethan Hawke plays Father Toller, pastor of a historic church in upstate New York with a dying congregation. Amanda Seyfried plays Mary, a pregnant woman worried about her husband, a man consumed by the thoughts that the earth will become uninhabitable for their child due to climate change. These characters come together, dealing with the weightiness of their personal lives, local politics, and a worldwide existential threat.

The most marvelous thing about this film is the relationship between its two main characters, played by Hawke and Seyfried. They're calm and understated, yet carrying the weight of the world within themselves. Yet this resonates as a human experience. Humans carry on in the face of death, loss, failure, uncertainty, and fear. These two characters look to Christianity for answers, but the answers don't come easily.

First Reformed

In a narrative that combines spirituality with environmental and personal crises, a pastor faces a profound moral and existential dilemma after meeting an eco-activist couple. As he delves deeper into the environmental cause, his growing radicalization confronts him with troubling questions about his capacity for violence and his commitment to his faith.

2 'Mass' (2021)

Rotten tomatoes score: 95%.

Mass is the story of one conversation that takes place entirely in a church basement. Two sets of parents who are connected by tragedy meet in an attempt to heal from the deaths of both of their sons. And while the setting is simple, the movie deals with the incredibly heavy issues of blame, guilt, and reconciliation. The movie is the directorial debut of Fran Kranz (he played the pothead in Cabin in the Woods ), who also wrote and directed.

Reed Birney , Ann Dowd , Jason Isaacs , and Martha Plimpton all give moving performances of parents dealing with grief and hurt. The four of them create a lasting tension in the room together that makes trudging through their feelings difficult and volatile. Despite overwhelmingly positive response from critics as well as audiences ( the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is 91%), Mass more or less went under the radar upon release. It's one of the most powerful drama movies so far this decade, a gut punch about grace and redemption.

Years after a tragic incident that changed their lives, two sets of parents agree to meet in a small church basement to discuss the unimaginable pain caused by their sons. Through their conversation, they confront their deepest grief and seek a path toward understanding and reconciliation.

1 'The Passion of Joan of Arc' (1928)

Rotten tomatoes score: 98%.

A breathtaking triumph of the silent era, Carl Theodor Dreyer 's masterpiece depicts the trial and execution of the eponymous defender of France who claimed to hear the voice of God. The film was released eight years after the Roman Catholic Church made Joan of Arc a patron saint.

Stylistically, The Passion of Joan of Arc is the place where French Impressionism, German Expressionism and Soviet Montage meet. The director was famously meticulous in research surrounding the life and death of the subject, the production exquisitely framing Renée Jeanne Falconetti's performance that's long been regarded as among the best in film. Few films if any have relied so heavily on close-ups to such remarkable effect.

The Passion of Joan of Arc

Watch on Tubi

NEXT: The Best Religious Horror Movies

Dune: Part Two

The Book of Clarence

Oscars 2024 — Who Should Win (Part Two)

Oscars 2024 — who should win (part one).

Poor Things

Latest podcasts.

  March is a wasteland for film — the place bad movies go to die after being rejected by the Academy and the box office. Every once in a while,…

Welcome to the last podcast of the 2023 movie season! And what a perfect show to end on. Yorgos Lanthimos doesn’t make movies for everyone. He’s an absurdist filmmaker who…

May December

Now that the holidays are winding down, it’s time to turn our attention once again to Oscar season. May December may have December in the title, but it’s far from a…

Killers of the Flower Moon

Four years after The Irishman, Martin Scorsese is back in the director’s chair. But this time, he leaves behind the familiar world of the Mob to explore a different kind of…

Remember your first cell phone? For some it was a BlackBerry, the do-it-all device with a physical keyboard that took the business world by storm. Today no one owns a…

Barbie (The Podluck)

We weren’t able to record a Cinema Faith podcast for September, but fear not! We’ll be back next month with a movie that was released to critical acclaim in 2023,…

Latest Articles

Welcome to part two of our Oscar picks! Here’s part one if you missed it: Oscars 2024 – Who Should Win? (Part One) Remember, these aren’t the movies that will…

Just like that, the 2023 movie season is coming to a close, and what a season it was! 2023 gave us the best slate of releases in recent memory. Over…

You’re Always Welcome At Church: A Home Alone Homily

I plunked down to watch Home Alone with my kids recently as one of them had it playing in the living room. I initially thought to myself, “You guys watch…

The Sins of the Father and the Redemption of Indiana Jones

In anticipation of The Dial of Destiny, I have been rewatching and reconsidering the Indiana Jones franchise films. I’m a little hesitant about the extent to which James Mangold’s addition…

Steven Spielberg Made Me Believe I Could Fly

The final scene of E.T. the Extra Terrestrial remains a memorable and poignant moment for me replete with the distinct John Williams score in which the trumpets and tympanies accentuate…

Oscars 2023 — Who Should Win (Part Two)

Welcome to part two of our Oscar picks! Here’s part one if you missed it: Oscars 2023 – Who Should Win? (Part One) Remember, these aren’t the movies that will…

Black Lives Matter

The opening shot of Jeymes Samuel’s Book of Clarence shows several criminals nailed to crosses per the first century Roman method of capital punishment. In the foreground, a white figure…

Reproductive justice. Climate justice. Food justice. Social justice. Append the word “justice” to any other word and you’ve got a ready-made brand platform for niche activism. As cultural forces shape…

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

At the end of the day, we’re all just looking for a place to call home. Movies have long wrestled with this sentiment and not just in a physical sense….

A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But a Sandwich

Politicians, journalists and experts rarely agree, but they have all named the current opioid situation a plague. It’s an appropriate word, with historical and biblical connotations; in every generation, our…

If Beale Street Could Talk

Barry Jenkins and Damien Chazelle both directed Oscar-nominated movies this year. The last time that happened was in 2017 when Chazelle’s La La Land was mistakenly announced as the Best…

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

My Spider-Man was the 1981 “Spider-Friends” version, complete with invented sidekicks, incomprehensible Saturday morning subplots, shoddy animation, and a little dog too (spoiler: they were all killed off by a…

“I have known this woman all my life,” Diahann Carroll writes in her autobiography.* “We grew up together in the same neighborhood.” Lest someone might interpret that statement as metaphorical,…

“We’re all the children of God,” a black sophisticate remarks to her boyfriend, after he has interacted with the police. “Forget it.” The exchange is brief — the actor isn’t…

Black Panther

I didn’t expect to feel tears stream down my face so shortly into Black Panther, but within the first few minutes of the film, I was already impacted heavily. In…

Latest Reviews

Get news & reviews in your inbox

• Prime Video
• Documentary
• Producers Corner
• Watch Lists
• More Than A Movie Night
• It’s Dove Approved – Family Movie Trivia Game
• Dove Ratings
• Privacy Policy

Unsung Hero

The hopeful, finding love in sisters, forty-seven days with jesus, more featured reviews, county rescue: season one, going home: season 2, eternal theater, dove products.

Christian Parents Guide To Streaming

More Than a Movie Night

Browse reviews, 12,000+ reviews of movies, shows, books, and more., search over 12,000 titles, now streaming, dove content.

Faith Film Producer DeVon Franklin Steps in Front of the Camera for ‘Jesus Revolution’

Cyrano: Love is a Verb

Redeeming Love: Grace Rising Up Out of the Dirt

Filmmakers Highlight the Hope and Heroism in “Gi...

Dune: Part Two (Christian Movie Review)

Dune : Part Two is a triumphant, sweeping sci-fi spectacle; a visually impressive and thematically complicated story about the interplay between faith, religion, and power.

About the Film  

Three years after Dune: Part One , audiences can finally be transported back to the spice-infused sands of Arrakis. As with the first entry, Dune: Part Two makes two facts clear: Dune is a difficult story to translate into film, and Denis Villeneuve is absolutely the right man for the job. Like a Fremen warrior riding a gigantic sandworm, Villeneuve somehow manages to harness the unwieldy story and turn it into something exciting and immersive. Dune: Part Two is a triumphant, sweeping sci-fi spectacle; a visually impressive and thematically complicated story about the interplay between faith, religion, and power. Although not without some elements for Christians to carefully consider, the film is sure to please audiences looking for exciting spectacle on an epic scale.     

In many ways, author Frank Herbert attempted to subvert the classic storytelling tropes that others like George Lucas would later embrace. What if the “Chosen One” resisted the call, not because he thought himself unworthy but because he believed himself to be too powerful? What if the rebellion to overthrow the Empire led to a bloody holy war rather than lasting peace? What if the wise, mystical guardians and mentors were the least trustworthy? Or, what might be of most interest to Christian viewers, what if the coming of a prophesized “messiah” was a moment to dread rather than celebrate? Thus, like a double-sided Crysknife, the aspects of the story that make it unique and interesting can also make it less accessible.         

Director Denis Villeneuve does a lot of heavy lifting in translating the complicated story into a crowd-pleasing cinematic event. The film looks superb. The scope and spectacle make it the epitome of a Hollywood blockbuster, a film that demands to be experienced on the biggest screen possible. During the climactic third act, which is filled with clashing armies, giant sandworms, and exploding nuclear warheads, I glanced around the theater to see several people literally sitting forward in their seat. I lost count of the number of epic slow-motion shots of Paul Atreides walking with his cape blowing in the wind as Hans Zimmer’s bombastic score plays in the background. Is it overkill? Maybe, but man…it’s just so cool. And I really need to buy myself a cape.  

The quality craftsmanship is evident in other areas as well. For example, in an inspired creative decision, the home planet of House Harkonnen (the pale, bald rivals of House Atreides) is rendered in black and white, effectively giving it an otherworldly aura. The film clocks in with a nearly three-hour runtime. But despite occasionally feeling disjointed (particularly in the first act), it never drags. Also, despite limited screentime, the new villain Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (played by Austin Butler) is magnetic, a worthy addition to a cast brimming with talent.    

Despite the film’s successes, some difficulties from the novel carry over. One challenge is that the protagonist is increasingly unrelatable and almost inhuman. Paul Atreides is more of an idea than a person. Not every protagonist must be an “aw, shucks” farmer with a heart of gold, and Paul’s journey from human to a symbol is a central component of the story. But the film doesn’t always push beyond the conceptual to the personal. The audience views Paul’s struggles at a distance through the eyes of others rather than from Paul’s own perspective.    

Likewise, Lady Jessica (played by the always great Rebecca Ferguson) is a constant presence who is mysteriously pulling strings and maneuvering, but (thanks to drinking some blue juice from a sandworm) she is so mystical and detached from regular human emotion that she almost transcends character depth. Paul wants revenge and Jessica (presumably) wants power. Pursuing those objectives becomes their sole motivation, and their story arcs lack the internal conflict that would make their journeys more compelling. As with the book, the story ends abruptly, paving the way for an inevitable Dune: Part Three .  

Overall, I had similar feelings toward Dune: Part Two as I did to Herbert’s original novel. I was captivated by the immersive worldbuilding and concepts, but I was left a little cold by the characters. Despite these issues, this adaptation is as good as is feasible. Villeneuve infuses the narrative with incredible spectacle and thrilling action, while remaining true to the novel’s dense worldbuilding and philosophical ideas. As with the first film—and the source material—Christians will likely be divided regarding the religious themes and implications (see more below). But as entertainment, Dune: Part Two is a triumph. In an era of skepticism surrounding the long-term viability of the movie theater industry, this film is a testament to the power and potential of cinema. 

For Consideration

Language: There are scattered profanities throughout, including “s—” and “h—.”

Violence: Several of the villains are ruthless and sadistic, including multiple instances in which they murder their subordinates by slashing their throats or pounding their heads against a table. In one scene, pained screams come from behind a door, and two dead bodies are later shown on the floor. The Freman drain the corpses of their enemies for their water (only one face is briefly shown drained and shriveled). There are several battle scenes in which countless armored, helmeted figures are shot or slashed in mostly bloodless action.   

Sexuality: A man and woman lay together and kiss, presumably nude after sex, although they are shown only from the shoulders up. A woman seduces a man. The sexual encounter is not shown, but the woman becomes pregnant and refers to the man as being “sexually vulnerable.”

Other: Religion is prominently featured (see below). Members of the Bene Gesserit order are sometimes referred to as witches, although their powers are the result of genetics and a breeding program rather than of spiritual origin. Several religious rituals are depicted. There is mention of “demons” on the planet, although they are not shown or explained. Both the planet’s spice and mystical “Water of Life” grant heightened and transcendent abilities. 

Engage The Film

Religion, faith, & power            .

Even more so than the first film, Dune: Part Two is filled with enough talk of faith, prayer, and messiahs to make even today’s faith-based films blush. But the story is far from a cozy evangelical sermon. Religion is central to Dune and often cast in a negative light. Even so, I think it is too simplistic to decry it as “anti-Christian” or to attempt one-to-one correlations (Paul Atreides = Jesus; the Bene Gesserit missionaries = Christians; religion is bad in the story = Christianity is bad, etc.).   

In an interview, Herbert once stated, “What I’m saying in my books boils down to this: Mine religion for what is good and avoid what is deleterious. Don’t condemn people who need it. Be very careful when that need becomes fanatical.” In other words, the themes explored in Dune are less of an assault on religion than a cautionary tale underscoring the danger of exploiting religion for power.   

Dune is about power —who truly has the power, and what does it take to gain it? Does power come from armies and political titles or from faith and charismatic leaders? Do the Fremen have the power of numbers and arms, or do Paul and Jessica hold the true power due to their influence? The Bene Gesserit debate who to support as their puppet messiah based not on character but on ease of control.   

A quote from the book gets reworked in the film: “The power to destroy a thing is the absolute control over it.” Indeed, to demonstrate his ultimate control over the planet of Arrakis and its valuable spice, Paul threatens to destroy the spice fields with nuclear weapons. Yet, the relationship between power and control is circular; power may lead to control, but one must first gain control to wield power.   

Early in the film, a skeptical Chani says, “If you want to control people? Tell them a messiah will come.” In an interesting twist, the prophecies used to stir up allegiance from the Fremen are fabrications spread by Bene Gesserit missionaries over many years. “It’s not true,” Paul says, “It’s just a story you keep telling.” This invented gospel preys on people’s primal need to worship and believe. Regarding the southern region of the planet where the “fundamentalist” Fremen live, it is said, “Nothing can live there without faith.” One of these fundamentalists declares that he doesn’t even care if Paul believes himself to be the messiah, saying “ I believe it.”   

In the Bible, Paul declares that if Christ were not truly resurrected, then his faith was vain, and Christians were fools who should be pitied most of all people (1 Cor. 15). According to the Bible, a faith built on a false gospel is an empty and meaningless pursuit. Conversely, in Dune , faith built on a lie can be used as a tool to gain power. In perhaps the most tragic line in the film, Paul laments that the Fremen are no longer friends but merely “followers.” It is unclear what Paul ultimately comes to believe of himself, but the potential power to be wielded as the Messiah is intoxicating.  

At a fundamental level, a biblical worldview and Dune diverge in significant ways. Christianity is a true gospel, whereas the prophecies in Dune are false (both in-story and as the product of an imaginative sci-fi tale). Yet Christians can share in Dune ’s caution against abusing faith and fanaticism. We need look no further than the realm of politics to see how religion can be wielded as a pathway to influence and power, regardless of whether the underlying faith is sincere.   

Dune offers a mostly pessimistic view of religion and exposes the dangers of faith built on falsehoods. Christians can be more hopeful, knowing our faith is built on truth and that Jesus calls us to a life of submission rather than dominance. Dune reminds Christians that true power can be found only in a God who transcends this world.  

You May Also Like

Beast (Christian Movie Review)

Cabrini (Christian Movie Review)

ALADDIN (Movie Review)

by Dennis Gannon

Instead of other countries being good or bad, Sci Fi writers use other planets so as to not offend fellow countries on Earth. Jesus has a kingdom, but not forwarded by force like the Holy Roman Empire tried to do since Constantine. Still the movie touches a nerve on the need for cleansing of Universe in the movie (really meaning Earth). Today there is only lying by the media, politicians, doctors, most churches, that a hunger to get rid of them all is very tempting. Hence the movie is a hit, and the anticipated Holy War strikes a strong chord here on Earth.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

I agree that my submitted data is being collected and stored . *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Get the app
• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

Real-Life Heroes on YouTube for Tweens and Teens

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Common sense media reviewers.

Poignant fantasy about loss and the power of imagination.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Imagination is presented as a coping mechanism. Di

We all have a purpose, and when we're able to fulf

All of the characters, both live and imaginary, sh

The story follows 12-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming)

Depicted gently through a montage of Bea's moments

Language includes "butt," "what the hell," "good G

Parents need to know that IF is a live-action/animated fantasy starring Ryan Reynolds that explores the idea of what happens to our forgotten imaginary friends (IFs). That might sound a little sad, and it is: After losing their connection to children as they grow, the IFs end up living in a retirement home,…

Educational Value

Imagination is presented as a coping mechanism. Distress-tolerance skills are demonstrated, showing that the five senses can be used to bring someone to a comforting and familiar internal space to manage overwhelming emotions.

Positive Messages

We all have a purpose, and when we're able to fulfill that, and help others, it brings joy. Also, you're not alone—but parents and caregivers may want to discuss how that translates in their personal belief system. Most kids will likely see IFs as a fantasy creation and leave it at that, but others may see them as guardian angels or relatives who've passed and are watching over us.

Positive Role Models

All of the characters, both live and imaginary, show positive traits. Bea is a curious, kind, artistic, well-intentioned 12-year-old who wants to help the IFs find happiness. Calvin is grumpy, and while he acts like he resents his job, he's clearly committed to helping forgotten IFs find new child companions. Elizabeth's dad is caring and funny, always striving to make a serious situation light. Benjamin is a 9-year-old who doesn't let his troubles get him down; he's upbeat and easygoing, even though he's in the hospital (and with no TV!). Louis, an elderly teddy bear who was once the leader of the IF program, teaches Bea how to access memories. IF assistant Blossom is calm, level-headed, hopeful, truthful, trying to help Bea realize her potential. Blue is sweet, perseverant, optimistic, always willing to try.

Diverse Representations

The story follows 12-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming), who's confident and independent. Bea and her family, as well as other main human characters, are White; supporting character Benjamin is played by Korean American actor Alan Kim. Black women appear in somewhat clich éd supporting roles (kind hospital nurse, receptionist). Some of the IFs are voiced by actors of color, including Maya Rudolph as Alligator and Louis Gossett Jr. as wise teddy bear Lewis, who was once the leader of the IF program and now teaches Bea how to access memories.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Depicted gently through a montage of Bea's moments with her loving parents, it's revealed that her mom has cancer (she's shown wearing headscarves and in hospital rooms)—and viewers will understand that she has died. Six years later, Bea's dad is having heart problems that require surgery. There are also a few "hop" scares (tamer than true jump scares), and the landlady appearing in the hallway at night is meant to be a little creepy but not truly frightening. Blue is a very large monster but also gentle and nonthreatening. One IF is a talking marshmallow over a flame who's melting while he's talking, which makes Calvin pretend to throw up. There are moments throughout that would be worrisome in real life but are positioned here in a way to remove concern, such as 12-year-old Bea going all over New York with a 45-year-old stranger, and the same man sneaking into a little girl's bedroom while she's sleeping.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Language includes "butt," "what the hell," "good God," "oh my God," "swear to God," and "for God's sake." Fart joke.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that IF is a live-action/animated fantasy starring Ryan Reynolds that explores the idea of what happens to our forgotten imaginary friends (IFs). That might sound a little sad, and it is: After losing their connection to children as they grow, the IFs end up living in a retirement home, listless and abandoned. Also sad—but handled gently through a montage (not unlike the one in Up )—is the fact that 12-year-old main character Bea's (Cailey Fleming) loving mother has died, and now her good-natured dad ( John Krasinski , who also writes and directs) is in the hospital. But Bea is distracted from her worry by busying herself with purposeful work (helping the IFs) and learns that accessing familiar music, smells, sights, and tastes can bring her back to a happy memory or feeling and help calm anxious or overwhelming emotions. Only very young or sensitive kids are likely to be distressed by the mild scares, like a character appearing out of nowhere or a creepyish neighbor who steps into the hallway at night. And while another key character, Blue (voiced by Steve Carell ) is a giant purple monster, viewers will quickly understand that he's as huggable and nonthreatening as a giant stuffed animal. Mild language includes "butt," "what the hell," and "good God!" All of the characters, both live and imaginary, demonstrate positive traits, and there are clear themes of curiosity, compassion, and teamwork. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (33)
• Kids say (11)

Based on 33 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In IF, 12-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming) stays with her grandmother ( Fiona Shaw ) in her Brooklyn apartment while Bea's father ( John Krasinski ) undergoes heart surgery. Bea hasn't visited the apartment since her mother's death six years earlier. After spotting an unusual creature who lives with the upstairs neighbor, Calvin ( Ryan Reynolds ), Bea learns that imaginary friends (IFs, for short) are real. She ends up taking a job to help the IFs who've been left behind as their children have grown—but it turns out that they're really helping her, because imaginary friends are coping mechanisms.

Is It Any Good?

Writer-director and co-star Krasinski's imaginative fantasy is poignant and full of wonder. It's magical, giving off E.T. vibes, and Reynolds' Calvin is reminiscent of Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka , a quirky pessimist who's outwardly discouraging while secretly rooting for the kid to figure out the puzzle. And, like both E.T. and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , the curiosity-meets-melancholy score in IF is central to understanding that while Bea is acting tough, she's also facing something terrifying: the potential death of her father, only a few years after the loss of her mother. It's a lot, but the movie artfully avoids overplaying viewers' emotions. It also serves an important purpose, demonstrating how imagination isn't just a creative outlet, but also a powerful coping mechanism.

Bea's journey with the IFs is ultimately rewarding, even though—it has to be said—the beginning does drag a bit. But when IF hits its stride, it becomes a mind-bending, eye-popping, musical extravaganza that's truly unforgettable. (The movie is worth seeing for that bit alone.) Teens may think the imaginary friend story will be too babyish for them, but even they may be swayed by its sweetness. And for families of elementary school-aged kids and tweens, IF makes for a simply enchanting movie night.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how imagination is made into a character in IF. Can you think of other examples of locations or nonliving things being made into characters? What does that mean, exactly?

How do you currently (or how did you used to) play out wild scenarios using your imagination? Did you have imaginary friends? Did that fade? How can we keep our imagination active, and how does that help us throughout life?

Discuss the technique used in the movie to access memories. How can accessing a happy, familiar feeling or space help us calm down?

What does it mean to have "purpose"? How do Bea's curiosity and compassion lead her to discover her purpose? Why does doing purpose-driven work bring fulfillment?

How is Calvin able to realize what isn't working with his IF program once he starts working with Bea as a team? Why is teamwork an important skill? Do you consider anyone in the film a role model? Why, or why not?

Movie Details

• In theaters : May 17, 2024
• Cast : Ryan Reynolds , John Krasinski , Cailey Fleming , Steve Carell
• Director : John Krasinski
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Paramount Pictures
• Genre : Family and Kids
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy
• Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Teamwork
• Run time : 104 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : thematic material, some suggestive material, brief strong language and smoking
• Award : Common Sense Selection
• Last updated : May 26, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

Monsters, Inc.

Imagine That

Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends: Destination Imagination

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

Books About Imaginary Friends

Movies about friends, related topics.

• Magic and Fantasy

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

The Garfield Movie

Reviewed by: Alexander Malsan CONTRIBUTOR

Check back later for review coming from contributor Alexander Malsan

Film based on comic strip characters

Lazy, overeating tabby cat

Father cat who is a thief with a heist crew and apparently abandoned his kitten in an alley

What does Scripture say about Stealing ? and theft ?

Corporation that ran a farm owner out of business and took over the farm

A cat with a grudge and strong desire for revenge

Here’s what the distributor says about their film: “Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.”

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers .

PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.

• Forgiveness
• Resurrection

• General Christian
• Religious Art

Why Christians Should Make and Watch More R-Rated Movies

Within Christian culture, R-rated movies have long had a strong and effective negative stigma attached to them. Both Christian leaders and laymen alike have long warned of the dangers of engaging with the explicit violence, sexuality, and coarse language found in the R-rated movies coming out of Hollywood and playing at the local theater or (now) streaming on your preferred service. And their fears are not unfounded. There is very real and demonstrable evidence that shows that viewing explicit and pervasive violence and sex has a negative effect on individuals. In addition, as Christians, we have been scripturally commanded in scripture to guard our hearts and minds. In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul says:

“ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Looking at both the science and the biblical wisdom, it’s an entirely reasonable deduction to make that watching, much less making, R-rated movies is a bad idea for a Christian attempting to obey God and lead a godly life. 

So, that being the case, why in the world would I be writing an article encouraging Christians to both watch and make more R-rated movies?

Let me explain…

Does Christian Always Mean Family Friendly?

Because of the generally accepted directive in Christian culture to avoid R-rated movies, both Christian viewers and filmmakers alike have kept their distance from the dreaded R-rating. In the past two decades we’ve seen an entire Christian film industry grow from a tiny movement with a handful of low-budget faith-films to a multi-million dollar industry with multiple Christian films like War Room, I Can Only Imagine , and God’s Not Dead having topped the box-office charts earning tens of millions of dollars. One of the defining features of almost every successful Christian film thus far has been that they never veer into an R-rating, and only occasionally flirt with a tentatively accepted PG-13 rating. There are a few (and very far between) exceptions like Father Stu, Unplanned, or Generational Sins. But even these strongly faith-based films, made by Christians, were highly controversial and received their fair share of pushback from American Christian audiences and critics. 

Some time in the early 2000s, in an effort to identify music and movies acceptable for Christian audiences, Christians popularized the term “safe for the whole family.” This term, which is still in some form or another, used as a tagline by major Christian radio stations and streaming services, has more or less served as the litmus test for acceptable faith-based art. Meaning, Christian art became synonymous with family-friendly art. Many don’t see an issue with this occurrence, but there is an unseen consequence to this redefining we must reckon with should we want to affect the world we’ve been called to help. This family-friendly guideline was a perfectly acceptable one that made sense to me and many others who grew up within the walls of the church — until suddenly, it didn’t. There is absolutely a place for family-friendly entertainment; the problem arises when we assert that Christian art is only family-friendly. Because Christian art has been almost entirely conflated with family-friendly art, and its content entirely dedicated to what is acceptable for children, our reach and relevance has been severely and regrettably limited — and worse, it has created a culture of fragile Christians who insulate themselves from the darkness of the world, disabling their ability to confront and overcome it as God calls us to. 

Many in this generation, even Christians, have found that when looking for encouragement and wisdom for the very real and un-family-friendly issues that exist in our lives, that the art coming from the church had nothing of relevance to say about the difficulties that exist in a broken world. So they are left to look to the secular art/movies of the day to find understanding, catharsis, inspiration, and help — as the Christian movies showed no interest in addressing, portraying, or exploring the realities of a non-family friendly world. 

Reality Isn’t Always G-Rated

At some point in my early adulthood, I decided to read through the Old Testament book by book. In wandering through the writings of poetry, history, philosophy, and theology, I was inspired by the beautiful and deeply impactful story of redemption being told by God through its authors. But I was also surprised. I was confronted with just how (dare I say) explicit this God-authored story was. Filled with brutal violence, explicit sex, and even coarse language and cursing, it dawned on me that if scripture was turned into a prestige mini-series like those found on HBO, it would put the content in Game of Thrones to shame and almost certainly wouldn’t be acceptable for Christian audiences. The Bible, the story God has written and shared with the world, is an R-rated story — so why are His followers so fearful of engaging with a type of storytelling that is literally modeled in their own scriptures?

The world we live in is not family-friendly, but is very often R-rated. It is a broken and dark place. This is a reality almost every person, from every tribe, religion, political persuasion, and experience can attest to. This being the case, there lies in each of our hearts a longing to make sense of and find hope in the chaos and destruction we’ve all experienced. One of the most powerful and potent ways God has created us to go about doing this is through the art of story. Narrative has a power to help us contextualize our experiences, understand reality, and discover truth. This is why God shared His word, in large part, through a story. This is why Jesus shared his truth through parables (stories). And this is why people today see movies (stories). Stories can help us both articulate reality and bring light into our darkness. But to bring God’s light into the darkness, we have to actually show the darkness. A flashlight flipping on in a brightly lit room hardly has the effect of one shining into a pitch black cave. 

The Christian movies of today rarely deal with or display the darkness that almost every human has dealt with or is currently dealing with, which means our films are often unable to address or bring hope, truth, or redemption to the R-rated situations most of the people we’re trying to reach, and even we ourselves, are facing. To truly make movies that can actually connect with and change people’s hearts and minds we have to be brave enough to show the world as it truly is, so as to show how powerful God’s presence can be inside it. Throughout scripture there are detailed accounts of deep and disturbing darkness, but the beauty of scripture is seeing God’s hand bringing light in the midst of it, and redemption through it. 

Am I’m Allowed To Watch This?

None of this is endorsing watching any and every R-rated movie, or making shocking and explicit content just for kicks. I highly encourage using discernment and intention in both viewing and creating art, regardless of rating. But similarly, I think there’s a good (and biblical) case to be made for Christian adults stepping beyond the family-friendly G-rated entertainment we’ve become comfortable with. In 1st Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes this to the early church: 

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”

The world isn’t a family-friendly place — it’s full of real adult problems which require real adult Christians who are brave enough to acknowledge, understand, and confront (not hide from) the reality of the world. How do we do this? As viewers, we must be brave enough to watch (some) R-rated movies so we can more fully understand what the people we want to reach, and even ourselves, are facing and dealing with. And as filmmakers, we must be brave enough to tell honest, raw, and sometimes R-rated stories that show the reality of a dark world (in the likeness of the greatest story-teller) to more effectively show the power of God’s light in it.

• Uncategorized
• entertainment

• Library of World Religions
• Advertise With Us
• Write for Us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Do Not Sell My Data
• Radiant Digital
• Manage Newsletter Subscriptions
• Unsubscribe From Notifications

'If' movie review: Ryan Reynolds' imaginary friend fantasy might go over your kids' heads

Even with likable youngsters, a vast array of cartoonish characters, various pratfalls and shenanigans, and Ryan Reynolds in non- Deadpool mode, the family comedy “IF” isn’t really a "kids movie" – at least not in a conventional sense.

There’s a refreshing whiff of whimsy and playful originality to writer/director John Krasinski’s bighearted fantasy (★★½ out of four; rated PG; in theaters Friday), which centers on a young girl who discovers a secret world of imaginary friends (aka IFs). What it can’t find is the common thread of universal appeal. Yeah, children are geared to like any movie with a cheery unicorn, superhero dog, flaming marshmallow with melting eye and assorted furry monsters. But “IF” features heady themes of parental loss and reconnecting with one’s youth, plus boasts a showstopping dance set to Tina Turner , and that all leans fairly adult. Mash those together and the result is akin to a live-action Pixar movie without the nuanced execution.

Twelve-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming) doesn’t really think of herself as a kid anymore. Her mom died of a terminal illness, and now her dad (Krasinski) is going into the hospital for surgery to fix his “broken heart,” so she’s staying with her grandma (Fiona Shaw) in New York City.

When poking around her new environment, Bea learns she has the ability to see imaginary friends. And she’s not the only one: Bea meets charmingly crusty upstairs neighbor Cal (Reynolds) as well as his IF pals, like spritely Blossom (voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and overly sensitive purple furry monster named Blue (Steve Carell). They run a sort of matchmaking agency to connect forgotten IFs whose kids have outgrown them with new children in need of their companionship, and Bea volunteers to help out.

'Welcome to Wrexham': Ryan Reynolds talks triumph, joy and loss of new season

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Bea is introduced to an IF retirement community located under a Coney Island carousel with a bevy of oddball personalities in the very kid-friendly middle section of the movie. “IF” low-key has the most starry supporting cast of any movie this summer because of all the A-listers voicing imaginary friends, an impressive list that includes Emily Blunt and Sam Rockwell as the aforementioned unicorn and superdog, Matt Damon as a helpful sunflower, George Clooney as a spaceman, Amy Schumer as a gummy bear and Bradley Cooper as an ice cube in a glass. (It's no talking raccoon, but it works.)

One of the movie's most poignant roles is a wise bear played by Louis Gossett Jr. in one of his final roles. Rather than just being a cameo, he’s nicely central to a key emotional scene.

While the best family flicks win over kids of all ages, “IF” is a film for grown-ups in PG dressing. The movie is amusing but safe in its humor, the overt earnestness overshadows some great bits of subversive silliness, and the thoughtful larger narrative, which reveals itself by the end to be much more than a story about a girl befriending a bunch of make-believe misfits, will go over some little ones’ heads. Tweens and teens, though, will likely engage with or feel seen by Bea’s character arc, struggling to move into a new phase of life while being tied to her younger years – not to mention worrying about her dad, who tries to make light of his medical situation for Bea.

Reynolds does his part enchanting all ages in this tale of two movies: He’s always got that irascible “fun uncle” vibe for kids, and he strikes a fun chemistry opposite Fleming that belies the serious stuff “IF” digs into frequently. But unless your child is into old movies, they probably won’t get why “Harvey” is playing in the background in a scene. And when “IF” reaches its cathartic finale, some kiddos might be wondering why their parents are sniffling and tearing up – if they're still paying attention and not off playing with their own imaginary friend by then.

‘Flow' Review: A Cute Kitty Centers One of the Most Groundbreaking Animated Films About Nature Since ‘Bambi'

T here's a moment near the end of Latvian animation director Gints Zilbalodis' "Flow" that powerfully tugs at the heartstrings. It's when the film's central character, a black cat who you've come to have a profound emotional connection with, rediscovers a lost ball that he and his animal friends (especially a lemur) had been playing with earlier in the movie. He thought he'd never see it again. And suddenly he does.

Sometimes, lost things can be found again.

If you thought that emotion elicited without cloying manipulation was something lost in animation, it is found again in "Flow" as well. A movie brimming with sentiment but not sentimentality , this is one of the most moving animated films in recent memory, and, beyond that, groundbreaking too. The anthropomorphic animal characters of 21st century U.S. animated features have nothing on the animal stars of "Flow," who never utter a word and act as nothing more than animals. That's enough.

Building on the extraordinary naturalism that Disney pioneered for its animal characters in the early 1940s, particularly with Figaro the cat in "Pinocchio," as well as "Bambi" - built out of the closest study, rather than outright rotoscoping - Zilbalodis lets his animals be animals. The cat, who's the lead character in "Flow," conveys the world through the way he arches his back, crouches to the ground, perks up or flattens his ears, and widens his eyes in this completely dialogue-free movie about the wonder of perception and the underappreciated latent intelligence of animals.

When the film opens, the cat is living in a house where there are no humans present, though there are signs that human life was very recently there. There's an artist's desk in the loft where the kitty likes to curl up, and a sketch of him that someone's made. And around the house, located in a beautiful forest, are statues of the cat - one that's incredibly gianted-size among them. This cat was clearly loved. But now he's alone.

What caused the disappearance of humanity in "Flow" is never explained, and not even human remains are seen (which makes sense for a movie that, in every respect, can and should be enjoyed by kids the world over). It's like this extinction event was a vanishing, and to be fair, one animal later in the movie almost does seem to be raptured, pulled up into the heavens in one of the movie's most transcendent moments.

Maybe the animals have inherited the earth. But first, and just as Biblical, there's another great flood that spreads over everything. Even the giant cat statue is completely covered by the waves, except for the tiniest tip of one of its ears that our cat hero stands atop until a boat drifts past. On that boat is a capybara, who he bonds with. And later a lemur, a stork, and a golden retriever.

Well, "bonds with" may be a stretch. Zilbalodis, just 29 years old and the director of the acclaimed 2019 animated feature "Away," finds fleeting moments of connection for the cat with his fellow voyagers but also shows him always finding ways to keep his distance. As cute as this cat is, it's not from underscoring his cuddliness. Cat lovers, of course, revere feline expressionlessness, but a wellspring of expression still does manage to come from the cat even without the animators, based in France and Belgium as well as Zilbalodis' native Latvia, drawing human-style emotions on his face.

The boat - the smallest scale ark imaginable, if we really are going Biblical here - drifts through remnants of human civilization peeking through the surface of the water as our animals passively witness it all. They do learn how to steer the rudder on the boat, stretching the plausibility of this scenario a tad, but, really, what follows is just the animals hanging out together in quiet cohabitation until various things happen to them. The cat is knocked into the water several times, but always manages his way back - not before taking in the beauty of the brightly colored fish beneath, who he brings back to create a small pile of good eatin' for himself back onboard.

Walt Disney's "Bambi" is considered by animation buffs to be a high point in the history of the medium: For the depth created by its multi-plane camera, the almost nature-doc-like naturalism of its animal characters' movements, the environmental effects of the rain, snow, forest fire, and leaves blowing throughout that add texture, and its almost plotless "circle of life" theme and structure. "Flow" matches that and ups the ante - these animals don't even talk! The environments are CGI and the "camera" moves through them with a handheld-like jerkiness and momentum that puts to shame Jon Favreau's idea of simulating "filming" an animated movie in his "Lion King" remake . You really feel like you're watching a lived-in environment here, with the frame that's limiting what you're seeing capable of going in any number of directions.

But for the animals in "Flow" themselves, Zilbalodis made a powerful choice: They're obviously built around CGI wireframe models, but their surface texture - their fur - is abstracted to look like hand-drawn animation. It distances the cat and all the other members of the menagerie from anything resembling photorealism, instead having them bear the human-made warmth that hand-drawn conveys like nothing else. Maybe it's just because Zilbalodis and his teams didn't have the budget to animate rippling follicles of fur. But if so, it's an example of a limitation inspiring an even greater artistic choice. The surface may not be entirely real, but the movements modeled underneath are so lifelike you feel like you're glimpsing Plato's eternal forms: The everlasting underneath a transitory surface.

The closest thing to "Flow" in recent memory is 2002's "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron," which also opted not to anthropomorphize its animal characters and could have been, for all intents and purposes, a "silent" film as well if not for the choice to have Matt Damon represent the title character as the film's narrator. Or maybe Suzie Templeton's stop-motion "Peter and the Wolf" short from 2006. Which is all to note what a rarity and a wonder "Flow" really is. It's not just a supreme example of a movie kids will love that adults will too. With its wordlessness, this is a film that could play in any country of the world, its capacity to reach literally everyone limitless. And yet it's radical while being as accessible as any animated film could ever be. By any standard, "Flow" should be a triumph of commerce as well as art.

Will that happen? In any world that made sense, sure. But our reality is a different thing. If somehow it is a smash, then the film's own touching moment of rediscovery will be echoed in real life: Lost things really can be found again.

"Flow" premiered in Un Certain Regard at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Sideshow and Janus Films will release it in the U.S.

More from IndieWire

• 'Motel Destino': Cannes' Most Sexually Explicit Movie 'Would Never Happen in American Cinemas Because There's So Much Fear and Risk'
• American Cinematheque's 'Bleak Week' Heads to NYC

All the Christian and Family Reviews on Movieguide®. The Family and Christian Guide to Movie Reviews and Entertainment News.

MURDER IS EASY (2024)

Bad dinosaurs, the beach boys, larva in mars, mother of the bride, furiosa: a mad max saga, the garfield movie, thelma the unicorn, city on a hill, the beginning of wisdom, the blue angels, rebel moon – part two: the scargiver, kingdom of the planet of the apes, spy x family code: white, county rescue: episode 1.5: “the rescuer”, the fall guy (2024), thabo and the rhino case, spy x family: season one, i hate you, but it’s killing me.

• Cast & crew

The Firing Squad

Based on the true story of three Christian prisoners who face execution their joy in Christ stuns the entire prison camp. Based on the true story of three Christian prisoners who face execution their joy in Christ stuns the entire prison camp. Based on the true story of three Christian prisoners who face execution their joy in Christ stuns the entire prison camp.

• Timothy A. Chey
• James Barrington
• Kevin Sorbo
• Cuba Gooding Jr.
• 16 Critic reviews

• Pastor Lynbrook

• Samuel Wilson

• Captain Tanu

• Miriam Rosenbaum

• Adam Markman
• Eddie Salmagian
• Joney Halmashian

• Karen Armstrong
• Winston Senayan

• John Thornton

• Judge Samudra

• President Hartono

• Goran Rajiahdiah

• Prosecutor Setiawan
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

• Trivia Cuba Gooding Jr. admitted when he first read the script, he wept.
• August 2, 2024 (United States)
• United States
• Official Site
• The Epoch Times
• Rock Studios
• Epoch Studios
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 33 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed

Christian Movie Interviews, News and Reviews

• Featured Devotionals
• Father's Day
• Contact Us

Movie Features

• More Movie Features Articles

Inspirations

Popular Today

Christian Ecards

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Crosswalk App
• California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• California - CCPA Notice

Notice: All forms on this website are temporarily down for maintenance. You will not be able to complete a form to request information or a resource. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reactivate the forms as soon as possible.

Archives: Movies

Thirty years after its theatrical debut, Brandon’s Lee’s tragic last film The Crow remains as gothic and violent as ever.

Based on a true story, ‘Sight’ gives us a resonant story, some inspiring characters—and a glimpse of God behind it …

Sizzling, explosive violence and profane language short-circuit Jennifer Lopez’s latest sci-fi adventure for family audiences.

The Garfield Movie is a fun, new take on the orange tabby, but one with a few subtle nods to …

‘Furiosa,’ a prequel to the much-praised ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ has all the action fans want—but more than a little …

Netflix’s take on Woody Woodpecker introduces a new generation to this famously madcap bird … and keeps things pretty clean …

Director John Krasinski’s follows a grieving tween named Bea who discovers the world is full of cast-off imaginary friends.

This paint-by-bloody-numbers slasher flick brings little more than effective jump scares to its hackneyed and cliched plot.

Thelma the Unicorn has to lie in order to gain fame. But is the lie worth losing herself?

I Saw the TV Glow is weird little film—both provocative and problematic and plenty creepy besides.

Weekly Reviews Straight to your Inbox!