IF Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

Is IF 2024 OK for kids? Is IF movie safe for kids? Read the IF Movie Review | Safe for Kids? 2024 Parents Guide, an honest IF 2024 parents guide and mom review of the all-new Paramount Pictures original live action film IF (2024), starring Ryan Reynolds as Cal, Cailey Fleming as Bea, and Steve Carrell as Blue. No spoilers! #IFMovie May contain commissioned links.

Parents Guide 2024 IF Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

And now for ‘Some Good News…’

It’s hard to imagine that the movie idea for IF began back in the dark pandemic times, when parents were desperately trying to keep their emotions together, resilient kids were learning to cope with ‘unprecedented times,’ and John Krasinski (“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan“) was filming episodes of hope aka ‘Some Good News’ from his home office. It was during those days when his girls were growing up fast – too fast – asking big world questions and leaving behind the childhood world of imaginative play, that Krasinski wondered if we had to leave that world completely behind – or could we step back into our inner child?

But does an imaginary movie resonate still today in what Ryan Reynolds calls a “live action Pixar film?”

In this Parents Guide If Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full PG age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested to watch in this new 2024 IF parents guide to the new Paramount Pictures live action film. A no-spoiler parent review of IF 2024, can the world believe in the power of imaginary friends? Or is it time for Krasinski to finally grow up?

The Visuals

Visually IF 2024 offers a touch of vintage and antique – almost like perfectly preserved picture in time – dropped in the middle of modern day society. It’s the tension of old versus new, childhood versus adult, stuck versus hopeful, whimsical colorful circus versus black and white architecture. And visually it’s a sweet remembrance of the love for New York City. CGI animated characters IFs rooted in reality live action – it’s a stark contrast that’s exciting and for families and kids dipping their toes into more “grown up” films. Only thing we needed more of – IF screen time.

Photosensitivity Warning. For viewers prone to epilepsy and photosensitivity, IF 2024 has no scenes with dizzying and fast spinning camera movements that could be nausea inducing. No scenes of bright flashing or strobing lights of note either.

The Story

Written and directed by John Krasinski (“The Office“), Paramount’s all-new 2024 IF film stars Ryan Reynolds (“Free Guy“) as Cal, Cailey Fleming (“The Walking Dead“) as Bea, Fiona Shaw (“Harry Potter” franchise) as Grandmother, Alan Kim (“Minari“) as Benjamin, Liza Colón-Zayas (Hulu’s “The Bear“) as Janet, Bobby Moynihan (“DuckTales“) as Jeremy, along with an all-star voice cast of IF’s including Steve Carrell (the “Despicable Me” franchise) as Blue, Pheobe Waller-Bridge (“Solo: A Star Wars Story“), John Stewart (“The Daily Show“), Bradley Cooper (“Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise), Keegan Michael Key (“The Super Mario Bros. Movie“), Blake Lively (“Gossip Girl“), Matthew Rhys (“Perry Mason“), Amy Schumer (“I Feel Pretty“), George Clooney (“Ocean’s Eleven“), Emily Blunt (“The Fall Guy“), Matt Damon (“Good Will Hunting“), Maya Rudolph (“Bridesmaids“), Sam Rockwell (“Argylle“), Awkwafina (“Migration“), Louis Gossett Jr. (“The Color Purple“), Richard Jenkins (“The Shape of Water“), Sebastian Maniscalco (“The Irishman“), and Christopher Meloni (“Law & Order“). The original IF movie score is composed by Michael Giacchino (“Incredibles“).

The story follows 12-year old Bea, who coping with a hard season in her own life, also discovers that she can now see everyone’s imaginary friend, aka IF. Harnessed with this new superpower, Bea is determined to reconnect forgotten IF’s with kids. But Bea’s magical mission may be more difficult than she first ‘imagined’…

Infusing John Krasinski’s pandemic series ‘Some Good News’ goodness into the heart of this film are messages of hope, healing, and the power of childhood imagination woven into every moment of this movie. Stuffed full with whimsy, charm, and joy – you can feel the tender love letter to Krasinski’s kids, future generations, and the child that lives inside of us all.

The IF story keeps moving forward in a sweet kid-friendly way – and while predictable it does have a grasping “I NEED TO WATCH THIS AGAIN” inner dialogue. There are a few slower moments for wiggle worms – but also much needed for character relatability to the audience and climax building. But honestly the best scene occurs towards the end of the film – where the true matchmaking magic happens. Be on the lookout for voice cameos too!

And Ryan Reynolds’ depiction of a “live action Pixar film?” Be warned. Heartstring pull induced eye sweating may occur. (UGH! The Cailey vs. Cailey monologue series!) But is IF Movie OK for kids? IF 2024 may not be as ‘clean’ of a family film as you may thought…

IF 2024 PG Rating Explained

Is If 2024 safe for kids? A Disney+ original television series rated PG? Should parents be concerned? It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all MPAA ratings (um hello, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker not disclosing any language??). And as we know, not all movie and TV age ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how ratings have shifted over the years with a G-rating no longer an option to help guide parents.

PG ratings now oscillating between Turning Red intense to Christopher Robin calm, and even PG-13/TV-14 age ratings teetering on the edge of R or MA ratings (Moon Knight and Werewolf by Night, I see you!), there’s a wide range between the age of 0-14 years old for parents to consider. Having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or show is kid friendly – and safe for the whole family to watch together.

Why is If 2024 rated PG? In this IF Movie Review | Safe for Kids? 2024 Parents Guide, this IF 2024 Paramount original live action film is rated PG for “thematic elements and mild language.” With film and TV ratings also unpredictable these days, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show like IF movie is kid friendly. Is IF movie too crude for kids? Is IF movie OK for kids? Let’s breakdown that PG age rating in this IF movie parents guide.

Violence/Suspense. IF 2024 Movie does have mild suspense and one possible jump scare. As far as violence, IF 2024 includes a couple of characters getting tackled – but otherwise no hand-to-hand combat, fighting, or weapons in IF.

Blood and gore are not present in IF movie. However, there are multiple scenes of injured/sick patients (adults and children) in a hospital including the presence of casted broken limbs, slings, IV poles, and medical equipment. No needles or open wounds.

Adult Themes. Overall the adult themes in IF 2024 are very mild and mostly family friendly. There is NO alcohol consumption in IF movie. No smoking or drugs present – except the presence of IV bags of fluid.

Adult themes include perceived death grief and loss and multiple scenes that take place in a hospital setting with patients who are sick and injured in their rooms. There is also one therapy session scene – meant for laughs but does infer mental health and mental health issues. There are strong themes of imaginary and magical – but mostly in line with childhood wonder and children’s imagination versus performing magic. There is one toilet humor reference in IF 2024 film regarding a “farts” punchline (as stated in the IF 2024 trailer).

Does IF Movie have sexual innuendo? There are no sex scenes, romance, or nudity in IF. Hugging does occur. IF Movie sexual innuendo verbal references include one instance of “I broke my butt” and one reference to “tush.” There is also one line referring to an IF to “put some pants on” (also seen in the IF Movie trailer) but the animated character is NOT human.

Language. Does IF 2024 have language? Foul language phrases and swear words in IF include: 1 “d@mn” and 3 “H-E-double-hockey-sticks.”

Milder bad language phrases and insults in IF include: “freaking,” “gosh,” “jeez,” “farts,” “butt,” “tush,” “fool,” and quite a few instances to some form of “g-d” including “g-d,” “swear to g-d,” “dear g-d” “good g-d,” “oh g-d,” and “oh my g-d.” Almost to the point of being a distraction from the goodness and messaging of the film.

IF 2024 Age Rating for Kids

The Overall

And now for ‘Some Good News’…

Imagine IF a movie full of heartfelt childhood moments could also heal your adulthood. IF is a world of pure imagination – along with nostalgia, healing, and hope wrapped up in a big Blue bow. Full of whimsy, laughs, delight, and heartstring pulls, IF unimaginably moved me to tears – in a cathartic, therapeutic, Pixar type of way.

Think Inside Out – it’s that emotional.

For kids, IF provides a spark of unimaginable possibility. For adults, it may be a therapeutic trip down memory lane. But whether you’re a John Krasinski fan, a Ryan Reynolds fan, or just a fan of feel-good movies, IF is a much-needed, long overdue therapy session with the inner child within all of us. It’s a reminder to never forget your IF – the one friend who has always been there for you and continues to be there no matter what. And IF you are unimaginably moved to tears too – you’ve been warned. A must-see summer flick.

P.S. Go see it – for the lover, the dreamer, and me.

Follow IF 2024 on social media:

• Website: https://www.if.movie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IFmovie/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ifmovie
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifmovie
• #IFMovie

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IF, the all-new Paramount 2024 IF movie is magically appearing in theaters starting Friday May 17, 2024. Will your family be watching?

I was invited to screen the all-new Paramount film If (2024) in exchange for this If Movie Review | Safe for Kids? 2024 Parents Guide. All photos courtesy of Paramount Pictures. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie reviews, television updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment, and behind-the-scenes info!