According to statistics from Exhibitor Relations, Paramount Pictures’ “IF” was the most popular movie last week in North America, earning an estimated $35 million from 4,041 theaters.
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This fantasy comedy also grossed about 20 million USD from 56 markets outside North America, thereby bringing its total global debut revenue to about 55 million USD. Analyst David A. Gross of entertainment market research company Franchise Entertainment Research assessed: “This is a good opening performance for the live-action/animation hybrid film genre.”

“IF” (title in Vietnam: “Imaginary Friends”) is a colorful fantasy adventure film, taking the audience into the imaginary world of children. The film revolves around 12-year-old Bea, with a special ability: seeing people’s imaginary friends. 

The screenplay was skillfully crafted by director John Krasinski, suitable for both child and adult audiences. Children will be drawn into the colorful world and exciting adventures of Bea and her uniquely shaped imaginary friends like a magician mouse, a talking marshmallow or a purple furry monster. . Meanwhile, adults will find in this film profound lessons about childhood, about how as people grow up, they gradually lose their innocence, dreams and the wonderful, pure things that once existed. exist in the mind. 

The film cleverly integrates the message of appreciating childhood, preserving creativity and connecting with each person’s “inner child”. “IF” reminds us that: Even as adults, we can still keep the beautiful things of childhood and sometimes, reconnecting with those memories is a valuable spiritual medicine to help us. overcome difficulties in life.   

Cailey Fleming excellently performed the role of Bea – a smart, brave and compassionate girl. The girl expressed her true emotions through her eyes, smiles and even tears. Ryan Reynolds as Cal – the story’s guide, also left a deep impression with his humorous, charming and emotional performance. 

The harmonious combination between the two main actors created the appeal of the film. Besides, the supporting cast also contributes to the humor and wit of the film, especially the interaction scenes between Cal and imaginary friends. 

“IF” has carefully invested techniques, bringing a realistic and lively feeling. The film’s settings are diverse, from dense forests to modern cities, creating visual richness for viewers. The music in the film is also a big plus, with cheerful, clear melodies, contributing to creating a fun, warm atmosphere for the film. Sound effects are used effectively, bringing a realistic feeling in each scene, especially in action and adventure scenes. 

Director John Krasinski shared that the idea of ​​​​making this film started from the fact that he witnessed the wonderful world in his children’s childhood imagination. He said: “I thought I needed to make a movie for the children. I was very passionate about the world my two little girls created for themselves. They played for themselves and were clearly absorbed in their minds. imagination, whether it’s playing, or creating art. They enter a private world that I wish I could visit. Entering the bright world of ‘IF’ means entering The wonderful world of child psychology”.

Mr. Chris Aronson – head of Paramount’s domestic distribution system – affirmed: “A lot of families went to the cinema to watch the movie and they loved this movie.” The audience gave the movie an A score on the overall website. CinemaScore and Paramount reviewers considered this a successful debut, and were also optimistic about the film’s appeal in the context of summer really starting for school-age children.