Mark Kermode reviews IF - Kermode and Mayo's Take

#MarkKermode #SimonMayo #FilmReviews

A young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone's imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up.

[philj]

It's *the exact same conceit* as the pretty widely popular 2000s children's cartoon Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.

[jamestaggart]

Took my 7yr old daughter to see it yesterday. She asked to leave after an hour. I only persuaded her to stay because we had reclining seats. Had we not had reclining seats I would have gone to find the Garfield screening.

[TheRealClankZoka]

This movie made me wonder what IF I was watching a much better film.

[roncinephile]

Great reminder to rewatch If.... Lindsay Anderson an unsung hero par excellence

[adamj.cuthbert]

I was just reading Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks, and it's an interesting take on why children create imaginary friends, from the perspective of an autistic boy's imaginary friend. It's Drop Dead Fred done correctly, as Budo, like Fred, is able to see other people's imaginary friends, some of whom live for years until their human no longer needs them, and others live for moments merely. Some are human, others are not. An imaginary friend can only do what their human imagines they can do: so Budo can walk through walls and doors, because his human imagines he can do so, but not if his human doesn't think something is a door.

And, like Buzz Lightyear didn't initially know he was a toy, some of the imaginary friends don't know that they are imaginary initially. It doesn't sound like IF is covering any ground that's not been covered before in better stories.

[Manic.pixel]

Very flawed movie, but I think very very effective as a primer for explaining to children why cinema is special. 100% a future best director winner will be inspired by this movie

[ultgamercw]

As much as I think people talk up Inside Out more than it deserves I do love how they showcased bing bong's character in that movie. That to me is a really good way of showing this concept.

[philperry]

Agree totally. Was a “nice” film that warms the tummy but didn’t stir me to the point of absolute joy/ emotion.
Still can’t work out how Jon could have cuddles with Bea the day he came out of surgery!! Broken ribs, cracked sternum… take your pick but no cuddles for at least a fortnight! Daft, but that lack of attention to detail let it down.

[FlossinFlipper]

I can't believe you guys loved this movie. Saw it with my 10 year old, and it's the first time he's absolutely ripped apart a movie, scene by scene, afterwards. We hated it. One of the imaginary friends is a literal ice cube! Another one is a literal marshmallow on fire. How can you get past how moronic that is? I'd argue in the history of mankind no human of any age has ever had an ice cube or a marshmallow as their childhood imagery friend. So stupid.

[mariovaquero]

I just finished watching this movie I cried my eyes out this was adorable I fell in love with Bea and her grandma and her dad AND cal!!! I loved them all such a cute movie I can't see what all these naysayers are talking about that is not a good movie but there always has to be a few people that have to crap on someone's creation I also really enjoyed the movie drop dead fred that was a great movie and a completely different movie and IF is a great movie in its own right. Both great movies no need to compare them.

[Notanothertime]

Please tell me Drop Dead Fred turns up!

[SimonGoldberger]

You're right, it's not a Pixar movie and I liked it for that, the fact that krasinski Six Sensed us was in short a bravo moment, I enjoyed this film a lot.

[natashabrown]

I didn't like the messaging. I thought it suggested adults still need imaginary friends. We should have grown out of that need by now.

[byRobertEklund]

Wow, a mention of Peter from Germany! I haven’t heard that name in a very long time… 😂

[potterpotty]

are these two guys ever getting back into the studio?

[henners]

Loved it, the attempt the connect every adult to their childhood, but the child at the front of it all acted in the most adult way. Helping others and realising her imaginary friend last.

[happymaskedguy]

Drop Dead Fred is the only movie about imaginary friends (and childhood anxiety/ parental disconnect) anyone needs. Everything else is pale imitation.

[kellifer]

I love that you cry in the cinema Mark.

[neilm]

Where is the interview you talk about here.... I looked down the list and couldn't see anything

[SmashBrosAssemble]

It’s literally just Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.