John Krasinski's IF has a certain charm, but it just doesn't quite hit the mark. In the cinema where I watched it, the kids were running around whilst adults tried to sleep to pass the time, neither engaged nor entertained. The film can't seem to find its groove, and even though there are a few sweet moments, it ends up being a letdown, and I can’t remember a single laugh. All in all, it's a bit of a disappointment and doesn't live up to what it could have been: a kind, engaging family comedy.
I usually really hate very sentimental family films - and this trowels on the schmaltz, for sure. But this, I liked, with reservations. Sometimes I felt my teeth rotting with the sweetness of it all - but hey, most Hollywood films ladle on the schmaltz and maybe always have.
Yes, it is overlong - maybe because John Krasinski is the writer, director, co-producer and even plays the dad character. So it does need cutting.
BUT this is the perfect Christmas family film really.
Kids will love the CGI creatures - as in the Toy Story films or Monsters inc. Adults will appreciate the magic of it, the sweetness and a decent plot and acting.
3.5 stars rounded up.