IF (2024)

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://fandomwire.com/if-review-a-heartwarming-blend-of-animation-and-live-action-that-surpasses-expectations/
"IF is a delightful surprise that exceeds personal expectations. The skillful blend of 3D animation and live-action brings creativity to a layered, profoundly moving narrative, which explores sensitive themes in a truly genuine, reflective manner while successfully conveying a crucial message about the importance of never forgetting the child within us. Cailey Fleming delivers the best young performance of the year, further enhancing the already highly emotional story, much like Michael Giacchino’s lovely score. As a writer-director, John Krasinski once again demonstrates his innate talent by creating a movie all families can enjoy and cry together. It will linger in the audience’s memory for a long time."
Rating: A-

IF promised an intriguing premise but unfortunately fell short of delivering a compelling narrative. The film heavily relies on celebrity cameos, which, overshadow the story's substance. This overreliance on star power creates a superficial experience that fails to engage the audience meaningfully.
The movie attempts to pull on the heartstrings of the audience, but it does so without a satisfying payoff. Emotional scenes feel forced and unearned, lacking the depth necessary to make a lasting impact.
The narrative structure is weak. The pacing is uneven, jumping from one celebrity cameo to another without allowing the plot to develop naturally. This results in a fragmented viewing experience that leaves the audience struggling to connect with the characters.
The film's attempt to evoke emotion through its storyline falls flat because it doesn’t give enough attention to character development. We see glimpses of potentially interesting backstories, but they are never fully explored. A scene involving a character’s past trauma is introduced but quickly abandoned, leaving the audience with unanswered questions and a sense of incompleteness.
Overall, IF is a movie that misses the mark. Its reliance on celebrity cameos and superficial emotional appeals results in a lackluster film. To improve, the filmmakers should have focused more on developing a strong, cohesive narrative that allows the characters' stories to resonate deeply with the audience. Without this foundation, the film feels hollow and fails to leave a lasting impression.