The story is a simple one, a young girl named Bea (Cailey Fleming) who is going through tough times gains the ability to see people’s imaginary friends or IFs. She discovers she shares this trait with her neighbour Cal (Ryan Reynolds) and together they try to reconnect the IFs with the people they helped but abandoned as they grew up.

It’s played mostly for fun but there are some salient moments delivered with an ease that makes them never seem preachy or heavy-handed. It occupies a space that will appeal to almost anyone who has kindness in their heart and sees the good in others more often than not. It is delivered with an ease that feels very inviting.

IF’s appeal lies in a few key elements. It’s easy going and its life-reaffirming stance is very welcome. It also features a who’s who list of actor pals who lent their voices to the animated characters. This adds a lot as it’s fun to guess who there are. When the full cast list finally rolls at the film’s end you will be surprised by the ones you got right in addition to the ones you didn’t. For those that might suggest it is too slight, can we really have too much kindness in the world?
Rob Hudson
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IF stars Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.

IF will be released in Aussie cinemas May 16!
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From writer and director John Krasinski, 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.

IF stars Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.

IF will be released in Aussie cinemas May 16!
www.facebook.com/ParamountPicturesAU

From writer and director John Krasinski, 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.

IF stars Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.
www.facebook.com/ParamountPicturesAU

Shawn Levy directs “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen.

Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy and Lauren Shuler Donner produce with Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, George Dewey and Simon Kinberg serving as executive producers. “Deadpool & Wolverine” is written by Ryan Reynolds & Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick & Zeb Wells & Shawn Levy.

Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine” delivers the ultimate team-up throwdown on July 25.
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Shawn Levy directs “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE” which stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen.

Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy and Lauren Shuler Donner produce with Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, George Dewey, Simon Kinberg and Jonathon Komack Martin serving as executive producers. “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE” is written by Ryan Reynolds & Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick & Zeb Wells & Shawn Levy.

Marvel Studios’ “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE” opens in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on July 25.
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IF stars Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.

Starring Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., Alan Kim, Liza Colón-Zayas and Steve Carell, IF will be coming to cinemas May 2024!
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This imaginative take on life inside a video game is overloaded with a retina shredding colour palate and calamitous action. As things progress there is added depth in both the character’s backstory and their emotional makeup as we get to know the players.

There are plenty of treats for fans of the video game universe and for those that revel in the Marvel/Disney cinematic universe. There is a series of hilarious scenes that involve a roid rage version of R.R. and the inclusion of several iconic references to Star Wars and the MCU.

Strangely there is a slight misstep in casting in the final act as Taika Waititi as the big baddie Antoine doesn’t work that effectively. It’s just too difficult to see such a nice guy playing an evildoer. That issue pales though in the overall momentum of the film and its dazzling look and entertaining storyline.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/20thCenturyStudiosAUNZ

In “Free Guy,” a bank teller who discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game, decides to become the hero of his own story…one he rewrites himself. Now in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way…before it is too late.

Some of the video gaming world’s most influential figures drop in for cameos in “Free Guy,” including: Imane “Pokimane” Anys, Lannan “LazarBeam” Eacott, Seán William “Jacksepticeye” McLoughlin, Tyler “Ninja” Blevins and Daniel “DanTDM” Middleton.

Free Guy will be released in Australian cinemas August 12!
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Reprising his role as Deadpool, oops I mean Michael Bryce, the bodyguard from the first film of the franchise, Reynolds gets to revisit a character he knows oh so well. The wisecracks are familiar territory and the script throws him a lot of easy-to-hit pitches. Jackson is well Jackson but Hayek really gets to raise her game in regards to her PPM (profanities per minute).

The trio gets to engage in all kinds of mischief while they work to save the European Union from the clutches of Aristotle Papadopolous (Antonio Banderas). AP is attempting to elevate Greece back to its former world glory by bringing about the financial collapse of the EU. It’s like Puss N Boots with a machete, machine gun, and less subtlety.

This is not to say that the work is completely devoid of laughter, it connects from time to time but it just feels so safe. When a film like this that tries so hard to be edgy and just falls into route characterisation, it just feels like a missed opportunity. The saving grace is it does keep Reynolds gainfully employed so the world can still enjoy that magnetic smile.
Rob Hudson
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