‘IF’ Finds New Life on Paramount+ After Box Office Disappointment
Family film 'IF,' starring Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming, was initially dismissed by critics but is now experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity on Paramount+ two years after its debut.
Some films arrive with high expectations, only to be brushed aside for reasons that seem trivial in hindsight. 'IF, ' featuring Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming, is one such example. When it first hit theaters, critics largely ignored it, perhaps forgetting the magic of rediscovering childhood wonder. Now, two years later, the movie is enjoying a major comeback, climbing the Paramount+ global charts and competing with titles like 'The Naked Gun' and 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning ' for the top spot.
There's a famous line from C.S. Lewis in the dedication of his Narnia series: "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, stories like 'IF' are crafted for young audiences but resonate deeply with adults willing to listen. The film, known as 'Imaginary Friends' in some regions to make it easier to find online, was written and directed by John Krasinski. Alongside Reynolds and Fleming, the cast features a star-studded lineup of voice talent, including Steve Carell, Awkwafina, Bradley Cooper, Matt Damon, Sam Rockwell, Emily Blunt, George Clooney, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Bill Hader, and many others.
Rediscovering Childhood Through Imagination
The story centers on a young girl who realizes she can see everyone’s imaginary friends and sets out on a magical journey to reunite forgotten companions with their original kids. It's a fitting premise for a film that was itself overlooked at first. Despite a $190 million box office run and a lukewarm 51% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, 'IF' has become one of the most-watched movies on Paramount+ worldwide. The audience score now sits at an impressive 85% on the RT Popcornmeter, with recent reviews showing a newfound appreciation for the film’s heartfelt message.
As the movie’s theme suggests, sometimes it takes a little time to reconnect with your inner child—or to realize how quickly childhood slips away. Recent five-star reviews echo this sentiment. Mark A writes,
"So what if it doesn’t explain what is going on? This movie is about imagination and emotion which it delivers in spades. See this movie."
Johanna L calls it,
"a beautiful movie with meaningful life messages,"
while Shelene adds that it is
"heartfelt and brought a tear to my eye."
Tyson C sums it up:
"If you have a heart, or were ever once a kid with one, this movie 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."
Streaming Success and a Shift in Perspective
In a landscape often dominated by dark thrillers and dystopian tales, this film offers a refreshing escape. It invites viewers to set aside the harsh realities of the world and imagine a place where a little magic is possible. For many adults, it’s a rare chance to let go of the pressures of daily life and remember what it felt like to dream without limits. The film’s resurgence on streaming platforms shows that sometimes, all a story needs is time for audiences to catch up to its message.