what if christian movie review

IF (Christian Movie Review)

With impressive visuals, charming characters, and an emotionally rich story, IF is a delightful and surprisingly mature film that children and adults alike can enjoy. 

About the Film  

Growing up is hard. In the age of social media and cell phones, this inevitable rite of passage is arguably more difficult than ever. Directed by John Krasinski, IF tells a tender story about rediscovering our inner child and finding strength and comfort in our cherished memories. It’s the type of live-action family film that seems increasingly rare these days. With impressive visuals, charming characters, and an emotionally rich story, IF is a delightful and surprisingly mature film that children and adults alike can enjoy.     

John Krasinski is best known for his comedic acting role in The Office , but he is quickly earning a reputation as one of the better storytellers in Hollywood. His 2018 horror flick, A Quiet Place , was excellent, and he demonstrates his capable storytelling talents once again. While IF may not appear to have much in common with his alien-invasion horror movie, they share a similar foundational theme: navigating life’s challenges as a family. IF is not just a film for families, but it is also a movie about families.     

The story is about Imaginary Friends (called IFs) whose children have grown up and no longer remember them. Thus, they recruit a young girl named Bea (played by relative newcomer Cailey Fleming, who is fantastic) to find them new kids. The visuals are impressive, seamlessly blending the digital figures into a live-action world. The IFs themselves are fun, endearing characters, ranging from classic teddy bears to amusingly inventive creations.  

Despite the bizarre cast of IFs, the film itself is not as high energy or wacky as might be expected. IF is not bursting with laugh-out-loud gags. Instead, it is the type of movie that will keep audiences quietly smiling, similar in tone and pacing to the delightful Paddington movies . In fact, IF is what you might expect from a hypothetical live-action Pixar movie. It’s a mature story that explores deeper themes beneath its playful exterior. While it is a film children can enjoy, it may resonate strongest with their parents.   

I have not yet mentioned Ryan Reynolds, the movie’s biggest star. Unfortunately, Reynolds is unexpectedly one of the weaker parts of the film. He’s not necessarily bad , and his child-like enthusiasm works well at times, but his brand of humor has always had a sharper bite to it, which occasionally gives the movie a rougher edge.   

Another unfortunate blemish in the movie is some unnecessary language (see section below). The inclusion of profanity in family films continues to baffle me. In an otherwise charming scene, what is the purpose of having an adult ask a child, “What the h— do you want?” Is it funny because he swore? If so, funny for what demographic? No, IF is not The Wolf of Wall Street by any means. But in a story about rediscovering the importance of childhood innocence, the adult language sprinkled throughout feels counterproductive.  

Overall, there is a lot to appreciate about IF . It is a testament to John Krasinski’s skilled direction that the film manages to offer a message against growing up too fast while also respecting the intelligence of its younger viewers to handle an emotionally mature story. Yes, there are some worldbuilding elements that don’t feel fully cooked and some needless language that adds a slightly bitter flavor to the otherwise sugary sweet tone. But at its core, IF is an enjoyable, beautiful story about growing up and cherishing the memories that enrich our lives.

For Consideration

Language: There are 2-4 profanities (“h—“), and frequent uses (perhaps 15-20) of “God” and “Oh my G—” throughout.    

Violence: None.  

Sexuality : None, although a banana is told to put on some pants, causing him to cross his hands over his private areas.  

Other:  Bea, a 12-year-old girl, is frequently shown leaving the house without telling her grandma to travel around with an adult man she hardly knows. She does not demonstrate an attitude of defiance against parental authority, and her behavior is standard practice in these sorts of films, but some parents may not appreciate it.     

Engage The Film

Becoming like a child          .

Bea lost her mother to cancer as a child. Years later, when her father (played by John Krasinski) ends up in the same hospital for a heart procedure, she is confronted with grief for her mother and fear of potentially saying goodbye to a parent once again. She faces challenges no child should have to experience, and she is forced to grow up quickly as a result.    

 “I’m not a kid anymore,” she declares several times. Life’s trials have made her innocent and childlike tendencies—such as having imaginary friends—feel silly and unimportant. Her father pushes back on these attitudes, as he doesn’t want her to lose the spirit of childhood that helps her perceive life’s simple joys and blessings in a way jaded adult eyes cannot.   

Children learn from watching adults, but Jesus was clear that adults can also learn from children: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Becoming like a child does not mean remaining immature (after all, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:2 that Christians should mature beyond spiritual milk to solid food). But not all childhood attitudes or memories should be left behind.   

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​Unique and Imaginative – But May Be Too Confusing for Young Children

In the realm of storytelling, few mediums can touch the heart and soul quite like film does. As a lover of cinema and a devout Christian, I care about what types of movies my children watch, and I feel called to share my thoughts with you. In this IF Christian Movie Review, I give parents the information they need before seeing this film with children.

Furthermore, it should be noted that we pay for our movie tickets so you can be sure that you are getting my unbiased thoughts on each film I review. For Christian families, selecting the right movie isn’t just about avoiding the bad—it’s about actively seeking the good, those stories that resonate with our core values. They provide a unique opportunity to explore themes of faith, forgiveness, and redemption in a way that’s accessible and engaging for people of all ages.

IF Christian Movie Review

Studio synopsis of if:.

From writer and director John Krasinksi, 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.

My Synopsis of IF:

When  John Krasinski  introduces us to a young girl grappling with difficult situations in his latest creation, she discovers an extraordinary world brimming with imaginary friends. This isn’t just a story about overcoming sadness; it’s a profound exploration of coming to terms with what life throws at you.

The tale of 12-year-old girl named Bea and her journey is a heartwarming reminder of how unseen companionship can bring immense comfort and guide us toward healing. As a Christian, recognizing the significance of imagination and faith as tools for navigating life’s challenges offers a fresh perspective. This film, with its unique blend of whimsy and heartfelt emotion, splendidly encapsulates the essence of hope and the power of believing in something greater than ourselves. 

IF Christian Movie Review – What Parents Want to Know

Frequent use of taking God’s name in vain. In fact, at one point my adult son leaned over and just said that I could stop writing each incident down and just say they used God’s name a lot. Uses include lots of “Oh my g-d,” and “oh g-d.” Furthermore, “swear to g-d,” “good g-d,” “oh dear g-d,” and “thank g-d,” are used. It was almost as if they tried to get God’s name in as many times as they could.

Three uses of h-ll, and one use of d-mn.

One person makes a comment about having a “broken butt.” Another person calls someone a fool.

A man is seen breaking into a house.

Additionally, a child is in the hospital with multiple broken bones, and he says he “falls a lot.”

One imaginary friend is invisible and people are seen tripping over him.

Spiritual Content:

A girl is told, “you are the chosen one.”

Extensive use of magical elements transforming a retirement home. Keep in mind that it may be all in one’s imagination that this transformation takes place. Additionally, one IF (Imaginary Friend) is a ghost.

Sexual Content:

In the land of IFs, an art class takes place. The participants are painting an apple that is posing, and she is told to “cover up.”

Other Content: See SPOILER BELOW for the questions of death in the movie. Does Bea’s mom die? and Does Bea’s dad die?

Bea’s mom is shown in the hospital with a scarf on her head. Bea’s dad is later shown in the same hospital.

As a woman whose husband was in the hospital for heart bypass surgery, I found the depictions of the hospital were totally unrealistic. After Bea’s dad’s surgery, he is in bed with no monitors, no tubes, and just a pulse oximeter on his finger.

In one scene, Bea goes with Cal (Ryan Reynolds) to a closed Coney Island amusement park. He opens a door and they go through a secret passage underneath a ride. It felt kind of “icky” in the moment. As the movie continues, it makes more sense, but throughout the movie, not only does Bea run around the streets of New York City alone, but she also goes around with Cal. No one seems to notice or care including her grandmother.

Positive Content:

Throughout the movie, you see Bea coming to terms with growing up and dealing with the challenges of life.

She is told by an IF, “Nothing you love can ever be forgotten.” Bea has forgotten things, but uses the time at her grandmother’s apartment building (while her father is in the hospital) to remember good times with her family.

Bea is on a journey of self-discovery, healing and trying to make sense of life. While her dad is his hospital room bed, and not awake, she tells him a story of her life. He awakens and tells her it is a good story.

Teaching with the Movie IF

Each movie I see, I try to view it through the eyes of my children or grandchildren. What elements will they see, and what will they miss? If your child has ever dealt with being in a hospital, discuss how unrealistic the entire hospital setting was. Do you think a child pushing a used gowns/hospital bedding cart would go unnoticed? Additionally, digging through hospital gowns and bedding is 1) unsanitary, and 2) a health risk.

Did you or your children ever have imaginary friends? Have your child draw their imaginary friend. If they never had one, ask them to use their imagination to create one now. Ask, “What would your IFs special talents be?”

Who could your child invite into their life as a friend? As a Christian, we know there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” That friend is Jesus Christ, and He isn’t imaginary.

Additionally, discuss whether or not the movie was “real” or just a product of Bea’s imagination.

​The opening of the film with the Paramount Logo was uniquely done. Have your child redo a logo for another movie with elements from the film.

Christian Review of IF – My Viewing Recommendations :

Am I the only person that sees Jim from the Office every time I hear John Krasinski’s voice?

While this family film did have a lot of positive elements, I am once again saddened by the repeated misuse of God’s name. I’ve said this before, and I will continue saying it until Hollywood “gets it,” but did you ever notice they never say, “Oh my Al-ah?” Because it would be totally offensive to the Muslim community.

Overall, the musical score was very good, and was a product of Composer Michael Giacchino who was also responsible for Mission Impossible, Jurassic World, Up, and other famous works. Additionally, the concept was original-ish. It was refreshing to see a movie that was not a remake of a remake. (I’m looking at you, Disney!) However, this film is slow moving at times, and my husband actually fell asleep – I’m usually the one doing that.

As far as my recommendation, I would say, “see this movie,” but it pains me to hear God’s name taken in vain sooooo many times.

Evaluating Entertainment: The Role of Christian Review Sites

Have you ever found yourself scrolling endlessly through movie titles, wondering which film aligns not just with your entertainment preferences but also mirrors your values? Many of us face this dilemma, especially when selecting content for family movie nights.

This is where Christian movie review sites become an invaluable resource. This platform is more than just a list of film critiques; it is a guiding light for families seeking entertainment that upholds their Christian values. With an array of movies to choose from, these reviews offer  easier access  to detailed information on content, themes, and moral evaluations, making it a simpler process to find films that resonate with our faith. The significance of such resources cannot be overstated; we aim to provide a beacon of insight, ensuring that our recommended movie selections are entertaining and enriching to our spiritual lives and family values. 

About the Movie IF:

Rating: PG for thematic elements and mild language

Release Date: May 17, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour, 44 mins.

Genre: Animation/Children’s film

Studio: Sunday Night Productions, Maximum Effort

Directed by: John Krasinksi

Written by: John Krasinksi

Produced by: John Krasinksi, Allyson Seeger, Andrew Form, Ryan Reynolds

Edited by: Christopher Rouse, Andy Canny

Music by: Michael Giacchino

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

The Cast of IF :

Cailey Fleming plays Bea

Ryan Reynolds plays Cal

John Krasinksi plays Bea’s Dad

Fiona Shaw plays Bea’s Grandmother

Alan Kim plays Benjamin

Liza Colon-Zara’s plays Nurse Janet

Bobby Moynihan plays Jeremy

Voice Cast:

Blue voiced by Steve Carell (Purple Monster)

Blossom voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Butterfly dancer?)

Marshmallow Man voiced by John Krasinksi (Flaming Marshmallow)

Gummy Bear voiced by Amy Schumer

Lewis voiced by Louis Gossett Jr. (Teddy Bear)

Unicorn voiced by Emily Blunt

Sonny voiced by Matt Damon (A flower)

Spaceman voiced by George Clooney

Keith voiced by Brad Pitt

Ally voiced by Maya Rudolph (Alligator)

Robot voiced by Jon Stewart

Bubble voiced by Awkwafina

Guardian Dog voiced by Sam Rockwell

Dragon voiced by Vince Vaughn

Octopus’s voiced by Blake Lively

Magician Mouse voiced by Sebastian Maniscalco

Ghost voiced by Matthew Rhys

Slime voiced by Keegan-Michael Key

Ice voiced by Bradley Cooper (Ice Cube)

Cosmo voiced by Christopher Meloni (Private Detective)

Art Teacher voiced by Richard Jenkins

Banana voiced by Bill Hader

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can i watch if.

If was released into theaters on May 17, 2024. At that time, it could only be watched in theaters. A streaming date has not been announced.

Is there an end-credit scene for If?

​Yes, there is a very quick end-credit scene. 

Will  IF stream on Disney+? 

No. IF will not be streaming on Disney Plus. Because IF is a Paramount film.

Will IF stream on Peacock?

It is unlikely that IF will stream on Peacock. In fact, it is a film distributed by Paramount and will most likely stream on that platform.

How much did it cost to produce IF?

The production budget was $110 million.

What other movies have been made that deal with Imaginary Friends?

One movie, that is similar in some ways, is Wonder Park which tells the story of a young girl who creates an amusement park with her mom. When her mom leaves for cancer treatments, the girl’s park come to life.

Other movies include, Where the Wild Things Are , and Winnie-the-Pooh .

Then we have movies such as The Velveteen Rabbit who gains “real status” because he is loved. And certainly we can’t forget Toy Story where Andy believes his toys are real, and they come to life when no one is looking.

What black-and-white movie is playing on the television?

The film Harvey, starring James Stewart, is playing on the television. In fact, you may know Stewart from the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie playing is about an invisible giant rabbit named Harvey that Jimmy Stewart’s character talks to.

*****SPOILER ALERT BELOW******

Does bea’s mom die.

Yes, Bea’s mother does die. However, nothing is shown on screen. There is a discussion when Bea’s dad is in the hospital and he says that he is not going to die.

Does Bea’s dad die?

No. Bea’s dad does not die. He “had a broken heart,” has some sort of heart surgery or procedure and recovers.

Who is the tribute to at the end of the movie?

The tribute was to the late Louis Gossett Jr. who voices Lewis the bear. This was one of his final roles before his death in March 2024.

Reviewing movies for parents from a Christian perspective since 2005. Know Before You Go!

Christian Homeschooling mom – 30 years and counting

Autism Mom & Disney enthusiast

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If you're lucky enough to attend an early screening of John Krasinski's new film, "IF," you may be greeted with a short introduction by the writer/director, asserting that the film is expressly for all the "girl dads" out there. Having now seen it, that much is true: despite its family-friendly brief, "IF" is less for kids than for the adults of kids -- the girl dads, if you will -- who want something that  feels a little more mature than " Minions " but doesn't scare the kids away. Far from it; it might just bore them to tears.

It's a bold shift for Krasinski, who's already transitioned from sitcom lead to successful director with the "Quiet Place" series, and yet, looking at the man himself, it makes perfect sense. This is the guy who started a little feel-good news show from his house during the pandemic (that he then sold to ViacomCBS for a presumed truckload of money), after all. He's the kind of all-American aw-shucks new dad who dipped his toe into the horror genre, and now wants to make a fun movie that his children can watch. 

The results, such as they are, play out like a half-baked live-action adaptation of a Pixar picture, from the "Monsters, Inc"-like structure of the IF world and the dramedic coming-of-age tales of " Inside Out " and " Up ." The opening credits even evoke "Up," playing gauzy home movies of the rhythms of a playful, happy family—with Krasinski as the patriarch—ostensibly shot by a DV camera but which looks suspiciously like grainy, professional-grade film stock. When films use this kind of device, only one thing can come -- death. Not just once but twice: When we catch up with Krasinski's daughter, Bea ( Cailey Fleming ), she's still in mourning over the offscreen death of her mother some time ago, which is now compounded by her father staying at the hospital awaiting heart surgery. (We're never privy to the details: he just says he has a "broken heart," which is a nifty case study for the film's simple, cloying nature.) The trauma clearly eats away at her, despite Krasinski's quirked-up, obnoxious attempts to cheer her up in the hospital room. 

In the meantime, Bea stays with her equally effervescent grandmother ( Fiona Shaw , one of the film's highlights) at her old, creaky apartment building. It's while there that she suddenly develops the ability to see people's imaginary friends (or IFs, as the film so proudly dubs them), and gets looped into an adventure involving her grandmother's downstairs neighbor, the cynical IF whisperer Calvin ( Ryan Reynolds ). You see, he's been running a kind of matchmaking service for IFs whose kids have stopped believing in them; once they do, you usually get put out to pasture in a kind of pastel retirement home. Bea, eager for something to do (and believe in), sets herself to the task of helping Calvin save the IFs by giving them someone to believe in them.

That's the loose framework upon which Krasinski's paper-thin script rests, one that gestures broadly at a kind of mechanical worldbuilding but soon throws its hands up in the air and greedily chases one heartstring after another. For a kid's adventure, it's surprisingly dour and sentimental, chucking laugh-out-loud jokes for a patient sense of melancholy. That may work well for the young dads in the audience, but it's gotta bore kids to tears. 

Its early stretches see Krasinski using the suspenseful eye he developed during " A Quiet Place " to fascinating kid-horror effect: Janusz Kaminski shoots the winding staircase of grandma's apartment like it's the Overlook Hotel, and one early spooky moment shows us a kid's-eye view of how creepy a strange old woman leering at you in the hallway can be. There's something of Guillermo del Toro's more sentimental work in some of these moments, building a world where imagination can be just as much a threat as comfort. 

But then we get to the IFs and their dilemma, where most of "IF" loses its steam. The creatures themselves are hardly much to write home about: they take whatever form their kids conceived, from fire-breathing dragons to walking, talking, self-roasting marshmallows, all voiced by a murderer's row of "that guy" guest voices that'll leave you reaching for your phone to pull up IMDb right after. 

Sure, they're technically impressive to look at, but they're bereft of character or whimsy. That's especially true for the film's central IF, Blue ( Steve Carell ), a purple, snaggle-toothed furball resembling the Grimace as subjected to years of British dentistry. Rather than play him with any kind of arched eyebrow, Carell gives a surprisingly workmanlike performance, a right shame given the verbal dexterity that lets him own wild animated characters like Gru. 

The human cast fares little better, especially Reynolds, who coasts through this thing with the half-hearted zeal of someone sick of repeating the same Deadpool schtick. It almost feels redundant to cast him here since he functions as a kind of stand-in for Krasinski as the "fun dad" he's always wanted to be; instead, Calvin exists primarily as a smarmy sidekick, a fellow cynic who nonetheless helps the IFs on their mission. Then there's Fleming herself, a waifish young girl who rises to the occasion in a few Big Moments near the end but who largely gets little to do besides pout and absorb information. 

The mechanics of the IFs also beggar belief and change on a dime depending on which lazy heartstring Krasinski wants to pull next. The script can't seem to decide how they really work: Do they disappear once forgotten about, or are they put in a home? Is the plan to rehome them to new kids, or get their now-grown adult companions to believe in them again? What's the plan from there? All immaterial questions for the presumed kiddie audience, but it's easy to get lost in the shoddy mechanics of the thing when the product as is is this listless and humorless. By the end, you get the distinct feeling that all of this sturm und drang is in service to stakes that, all told, are exceedingly minimal. 

Occasionally, Krasinski lands on a neat idea or a perfect scene: A kaleidoscopic chase through an IF retirement home that Bea is changing with her imagination (complete with Busby Berkeley riffs and Reynolds climbing through an oil painting); Shaw's character remembering her love of ballet while her former IF ( Phoebe Waller-Bridge ) dances alongside just out of sight. But for every one of these, we get another tired scene with half-hearted performers rotely asserting the plot, or trotting out cloying platitudes like "The most important stories we tell are the ones we tell ourselves." That's to say nothing of the film's musical choices, the last of which is so on-the-nose, so egregious, that Wes Anderson should sue for plagiarism. 

"IF" is a well-intentioned misfire—a kid's movie without laughs and a parent's movie without purpose. I sure hope Krasinski had a ball making it; it seemed like a welcome balm after the stressors of doing two horror pictures. But now, it's time to put away childish things.

Clint Worthington

Clint Worthington is a Chicago-based film/TV critic and podcaster. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of  The Spool , as well as a Senior Staff Writer for  Consequence . He is also a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and Critics Choice Association. You can also find his byline at RogerEbert.com, Vulture, The Companion, FOX Digital, and elsewhere. 

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Film Credits

104 minutes

Ryan Reynolds as Cal

John Krasinski as Bea's Dad / Marshmallow (voice)

Cailey Fleming as Bea

Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Blossom (voice)

Louis Gossett Jr. as Lewis (voice)

Steve Carell as Blue (voice)

Fiona Shaw as Grandmother

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Dove Review

A charming story for the entire family! Everyone in the world has, at one time or another wondered “What If” in life. What if they had performed better in school? What if they had made different choices, whether it be in their careers or their personal lives? We all wonder “What if”. Here is a charming story about one man, Ben (Kevin Sorbo) who gets to find the answer to those questions even though he never asked. God sends an angel named Mike (John Ratzenberger) to help Ben see what would have been in store for him if he stayed with his original life’s plan.

This faith-based movie will have you laughing and crying as you enjoy this magically entertaining story. It is a different twist to “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Instead of “what if” you were never born, this story answers the question “what if” you made different choices? We are proud to award this movie our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for all ages.

One of the neatest things about this movie is it was filmed in my state of Michigan. In fact, parts of it were filmed right here in Grand Rapids. Some of the buildings and scenery are familiar to me, making this wonderful heartwarming story even more appealing to us locals.

Dove Rating Details

Man hits another man a couple of times.

Kissing between a couple.

H-1 (as a place); Jerk-2

Man in hospital with IVs.

Dad pays boy not to see his daughter.

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Reviewed by: Angela Bowman CONTRIBUTOR

INVESTING—Does the Bible share any wisdom about investing? Answer

What advice do you have for new and growing Christians? Answer

CHANGE THE WORLD—A single man or woman can help change the world. Read about some who did with faith and God’s help… Jesus Christ , Noah , Abraham , Joseph , Moses , and David

Angels in the Bible

What else does the Bible teach about angels? Answer

ANXIETY, worry and fear—What does the Bible say? Answer

“What if… God gave you a second chance…”

F ifteen years ago, Ben Walker ( Kevin Sorbo ) set out for a promising career in the city. Leaving behind his love (Wendy, played by Kristy Swanson) and his faith, he traded God’s plan for his life for his own; spiritual success for worldly gain. But then God steps in, and gives Ben a chance to see how his life could have been. Much like “ The Family Man ” (with Nicholas Cage), Ben is thrown into a life already in progress; where he had alternately chosen to stay, marry Wendy and become a minister.

“What If…” is a beautiful and humorous film that poignantly speaks to the heart what is truly important in life; love and relationship (most importantly, relationship with Jesus).

Ben is warned that he can’t understand the value of what God has to offer until he surrenders and embraces this new world. How can you know love if you are fighting against it? The word “embrace” stuck in my mind as I recalled the times I’ve fought against God, thinking He was giving me something inferior to what I wanted, only to realize later that what He was giving me was so much more that I could ever imagine.

It is difficult to condense everything “What If…” has to take in. Not only is it challenging and entertaining for Christians—and presents the gospel clearly for nonbelievers, but it opens so many doors for Biblical interest and conversation after the film.

As an (amateur) apologist , I especially enjoyed a line that incorporated the illogical, “rock so big that God cannot lift” question, but there are many scripture and theological points and references as well that can be expounded afterward. While there were a few things that could have been left out, overall I found it to be both engaging and heartwarming. With the constant bombardment of the world, advertisements, technology and social status competition or envy we have with or for the people around us, it reminds us that these things mean nothing and that the real treasure lies in our relationships with God and with our families.

Possible content issues

Sexuality: There are a few kisses between engaged/married couples. Cleavage—a female character wears a low-cut dress in one scene. A verbal recollection which included a woman in a bikini (not shown).

Language: None. (There is a reference to hell, but not used as a curse word.)

Drugs/Alcohol: Verbal references to alcoholic beverages. What appeared to be a champagne bottle in the background of one scene.

Violence: Because Ben is uncooperative, the angel hits him a couple of times, it is not done in anger or malice but as a means of knocking him out for the purpose of sending him to the alternate reality.

Other: Ben secretly invests in stock. This could be viewed as unethical or a type of gamble , as he uses all of the money from his family’s account without his wife’s knowledge to invest in stock that he has privileged information about from his past and isn’t completely assured that it will work out. I have to say that this did bother me as he appeared to be rewarded for it and also because for this scene it shifted the focus from God providing, to man providing—and that money is still the answer. While God may choose to help us with money at times, He doesn’t always work this way, yet it seems to be the way most people expect Him to.

Violence: Minor / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: Minor

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers .

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IF Parent Guide

Despite an often somber tone, this is a warm-hearted film that offers a whimsical and rewarding option for family audiences..

Theaters: A young girl begins to see abandoned imaginary friends and look for new buddies for them.

Release date May 17, 2024

Run Time: 104 minutes

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The guide to our grades, parent movie review by shannon bugg.

Twelve-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming) is going through some tough times. Her mother has passed away, so when her father needs heart surgery, she goes to stay with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw). Anxious about her dad’s health, Bea is fortunate to meet her grandmother’s mysterious neighbor, Cal (Ryan Reynolds). His friends, Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and the gigantic Blue (Steve Carrell) are the first of many Imaginary Friends (IF) Bea will meet in Cal’s company – and they will change her life.

Cal has a unique goal: introducing IFs to new children when the kids who imagined them into existence grow up and forget them. He brings Bea to an IF retirement home where they begin their matchmaking efforts. With a new focus for her energies and emotions, Bea starts to cheer up. However, the matchmaking task isn’t as straightforward as it appears, and much adventure and mayhem ensue.

That said, the film is blessed with an abundance of talent and a positive focus that persists through the movie’s darker moments. I brought my granddaughters to the film (ages 5, 9, and 12) and each enjoyed it at their own level. Even the five-year-old understood what was happening and appreciated the story. The girls admired Bea’s courage and cheered her on, while also picking their favorite IF. They were dancing in their seats to the upbeat music and laughing at all the right places. During the really touching parts, I could see that each girl was engaged in the on-screen action. The ending of the movie is a real tear-jerker, and the nine-year old told me afterwards that she was “crying on the inside, but in a good way.”

IF teaches many lessons along the way, including the power of storytelling, family ties, imagination, and love. I recommend it as a fun night out for the whole family – not only is it an entertaining watch, but you can also enjoy debating which IF would be the most fun!

About author

Shannon bugg, watch the trailer for if.

IF Rating & Content Info

Why is IF rated PG? IF is rated PG by the MPAA for thematic elements and mild language

Violence: A child is deeply concerned about a potentially fatal medical condition of her father’s: her mother died previously. A child wakes up when a man and fairy enter her room and argue with a giant being hiding in the closet. A toasted marshmallow creature catches fire and one of its eyes fall off. There are several chase scenes. A girl is chased by a creature. A child is warned that a creature might explode. Two sword-wielding knights fight a fire-breathing dragon. Sexual Content: None noted. Profanity: The script contains a couple of anatomical terms and three mild profanities. There are some terms of deity and occasional name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

Page last updated May 17, 2024

IF Parents' Guide

Have you ever had an imaginary friend? What traits did your IF look like?  If you could pick one of the imaginary friends in the film, which one would you choose? Why?

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John Krasinski’s ‘IF’ is a magical, family-friendly movie — despite its imperfections

Here’s what parents should know before taking their kids to see the movie.

By Caroline McDonald

John Krasinski’s “IF” is one of the sweetest family movies I’ve seen in several years, at least since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The film features a star-studded cast with familiar faces such as Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski. Steve Carell plays Blue — a giant, purple, fluffy imaginary friend, also known as an “IF” — while the voices behind the other IFs include Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Blake Lively, Bradley Cooper and others.

The film follows the journey of these imaginary friends who, having been forgotten by their children, seek companionship again.

The movie adopts a safe and comfortable narrative for children while featuring deeper themes of loss, grief, hope and love. As an adult, I found the movie nostalgic and evocative. And partnered with Michael Giacchino’s stirring soundtrack, the story brought tears to my eyes more than once. The movie provided opportunities to laugh, to cry and to imagine.

Despite its occasional quirks and strained script, the magic and catharsis of the movie was inviting. Here are some things to know before watching it.

What is the movie about?

Bea (Cailey Fleming), a 12-year-old girl, is staying with her grandmother while her father (Krasinski) is in the hospital, awaiting surgery. Bea’s internal struggle becomes clear: Since her mother’s premature death, she fears another familial loss, which leaves her decidedly telling those around her that she is no longer a little kid.

Inexplicably, Bea begins to encounter a variety of IFs, including lovable Blue (Carell) and graceful Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). Cal (Reynolds) is the only other person who can see all the imaginary friends. The two team up to help lonely, “retired” IFs reconnect with the grown-up children they once looked after.

While director John Krasinski has directed other films — most notably “A Quiet Place” — “IF” is “his most personal project to date,” according to CBS News .

He also explained that his inspiration came from watching his two daughters, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic took place. “I saw their light starting to go out,” he told CBS News. “And I saw that the world started to seep in, and that is the definition of growing up.”

According to CBS News, it was at that moment Krasinski began to create “IF.” He wanted it to be a reminder to his children that “the magical world they’ve created will forever be a sanctuary for them, regardless of the challenges the real world presents.”

What parents should know

“IF” is rated PG. I found the jokes silly and endearing — in the theater, there were rows of kids who were laughing throughout the hour-and-a-half movie. The larger themes of “IF” might go over the heads of the little ones in the audience, but older children will likely resonate with the story.

According to a USA Today review, “Tweens and teens ... will likely engage with or feel seen by Bea’s character arc, struggling to move into a new phase of life while being tied to her younger years.”

While the magic of the film was evident, it had slow start. It was about halfway through the movie when I felt like the story had finally begun. The dialogue also felt simple at times, as if the script played it a little too safe.

The imperfections of the movie reflect in critics’ reviews. “IF” scored 51% on Rotten Tomatoes . However, the accompanying audience score was an 87%, and the movie has been generally well-liked.

Personally, I wholeheartedly appreciated the film. I thought it was funny, adorable and touching. Most importantly, I think it is worth the watch.

The movie, according to Variety , is also expected to have a successful box office weekend, with an anticipated $40 million box office debut.

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Common sense media reviewers.

Predictable faith-based movie is heavy-handed and trite.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

This movie shows Christian values put into action

With the assistance of divine intervention, Ben Wa

On two occasions, an angel punches a man in the fa

A little girl panics and worries that her goldfish

A reference is made to drinking too many mojitos.

Parents need to know that What If... is a 2010 faith-based film in which a greedy and self-centered investment banker who ignored a calling to the ministry 15 years prior is given a second chance by an angel sent from heaven to show him what might have been had he remained faithful to God's plan. While devout…

Positive Messages

This movie shows Christian values put into action as a selfish and greedy man is shown the unhappiness in his materialistic lifestyle.

Positive Role Models

With the assistance of divine intervention, Ben Walker becomes a man centered on faith and family rather than greed and selfishness.

Violence & Scariness

On two occasions, an angel punches a man in the face and knocks him out cold.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

A little girl panics and worries that her goldfish "will go to hell."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that What If... is a 2010 faith-based film in which a greedy and self-centered investment banker who ignored a calling to the ministry 15 years prior is given a second chance by an angel sent from heaven to show him what might have been had he remained faithful to God's plan. While devout Christians may respond positively to the movie's messages of living a Christ- and family-oriented life, others may find the story an amateurish mishmash of The Family Man and It's a Wonderful Life , and some could be turned off by how heavy-handed the movie's messages are. That said, the entertainment and enjoyment of this movie is entirely dependent on your religious beliefs and whether or not you want a movie that validates those beliefs. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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• Parents say (1)
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Based on 1 parent review

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What's the story.

Fifteen years ago, Ben Walker ( Kevin Sorbo ) left his girlfriend Wendy ( Kristy Swanson ) and a career in the ministry to become an investment banker. Since that time, he has become successful and quite wealthy, with an equally materialistic fiancée and a brand-new black Mercedes Benz. But this changes when his Mercedes inexplicably breaks down on a country road and he meets Mike ( John Ratzenberger ), a tow truck driver who claims to be an angel sent to show Ben the error of his ways and what he missed out on when he left Wendy and the ministry behind. Ben is now given a glimpse as to what might have been, waking up as a new minister in a small rural town, with his wife Wendy and two kids. At first, he deeply resents the drastic change from his money-driven lifestyle, but he gradually begins to see just how unhappy he was despite all his wealth and success. With the help of Mike and a certain higher power, Ben must find a way to get back to what God had intended for him all along.

Is It Any Good?

WHAT IF... is an amateurish and heavy-handed faith-based movie. It contains a predictable storyline that borrows heavily from both The Family Man and It's a Wonderful Life . While devout Christians seeking entertainment that validates their belief system may enjoy the tale, those who are not particularly religious will have a difficult time getting through such a poorly made movie with cheesy dialogue, obnoxiously sappy background music, and excessive preachiness.

This film lacks the overall quality to reach anyone beyond the deeply religious, and the awful storytelling and screenwriting flaws negate any and all efforts at conversion, assuming that is part of the filmmakers' and studio's intentions.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about faith-based movies. Are these movies intended to convert those who don't believe in the religious views being espoused, entertain those who already live according to the religious views espoused in the movie, or a bit of both?

What are the ways in which Christian values and scripture are presented in this movie?

In more conventional "Hollywood" movies, how are religion and the practitioners of religions represented, if at all?

Movie Details

• In theaters : June 2, 2010
• On DVD or streaming : February 1, 2016
• Cast : Kevin Sorbo , Kristy Swanson , John Ratzenberger
• Director : Dallas Jenkins
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Universal Studios Home Entertainment
• Genre : Drama
• Run time : 118 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : Some mild thematic elements.
• Last updated : March 13, 2023

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Directed by Dallas Jenkins

What if God gave you a second chance?

Fifteen years ago, Ben Walker made a decision to leave his college sweetheart and ultimately his faith, in order to pursue a lucrative business opportunity. Now with a high-paying career and a trophy fiancé, he is visited by an angel, who gives him a glimpse into what his life would look like had he followed his calling.

Kevin Sorbo Kristy Swanson John Ratzenberger Debby Ryan Kristin Minter Toni Trucks Taylor Groothuis Stelio Savante Kevin Yon Grant James Brittany Risner Suzanne Lang Liam Matthews Danielle Hoetmer Dallas Jenkins Richard Pierre-Louis Tom McElroy Thomas Flannery Jr. Preston Mulligan Dennis Lee Kelly Brad Heller Russell Wolfe James Daniels Sharon M. Hayes Maya Jenkins Mary Thornton Abbie Finner Madison Hertel Daniel James Wrzesinski

Director Director

Dallas Jenkins

Producers Producers

David A.R. White Harold Cronk Rebecca Green Dallas Jenkins Jerry B. Jenkins Chuck Konzelman

Writers Writers

Andrea Gyertson Nasfell Chuck Konzelman Cary Solomon

Cinematography Cinematography

Todd Barron

10 West Studios Jenkins Entertainment

Releases by Date

20 aug 2010, releases by country.

• Physical PG DVD premiere

111 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by tobias (: ½ 1

amazon knew full well what they were doing making Debby Ryan the thumbnail for this film on their site so that you don’t realise it’s religious propaganda until it’s too late

Review by Boonmee ★½ 2

The Christian movie kick continues after God's Not Dead with What If... . It lacks none of the earnest spirit that GND possessed in spades, but comes off as more of a derivative and largely inoffensive bore than an ignorant laugh riot.

The film really isn't worth a full review. If you want to know what the plot is, just think " The Family Man with a Christian Message". The big problem is that it isn't just reminiscent of Ratner's film, but a beat-for-beat ripoff and clumsy writing as well as grating, heavy-handed direction fail to raise the production above the merely average standards of the film it emulates...And did I mention it's a bore? I say this rarely, but two hours felt like four with this one. No believable revelations, no surprises and clunky pacing made this a dry exercise in religious, feel-good filmmaking.

Waste of time.

Review by Daniel Gallegos ★★ 5

The episode where Cate Blanchett experiences the plot of Shang-Chi and falls in love with fake Tony Leung, and the episode where the Mohawk tribe gets the power of the tesseract were both very solid, largely because the plots don't allow the characters to speak in wall-to-wall pop culture references (and the concept of an episode of a marvel TV show being entirely in Iroquoin and Spanish was genuinely gutsy, and I appreciate that). All the other episodes are kind of just constant cringe. They turn John Favreau into a purple hulk in three separate episodes, and it looks really bad, and I'm realizing in hindsight it's literally just because of the pun "Happy Hulk Hogan."

See letterboxd, you don't have to add TV shows. I'll just do this any time I have an opinion about one. Apologies to *looks up movie*... Kevin Sorbo? Wuh oh!!!

Review by the animated jem ★

A ,out of people are using that one Daniel Radcliffe film also titled What If…? for the Marvel show What If…? but that looks like a cute movie so I’m using this instead.

This show sucked …

Review by Dawson Joyce ½

Part XXVII of Flounder's Christathon

Yet another It's a Wonderful Life-esque faith-based drama following Second Glance, the heavy-handed, insufferably sappy, and very cheap-looking What If... may be technically more competent and slightly better performed than that film but has absolutely none of its unintentional hilarity, resulting in an utter slog.

Review by ScreechingMoron ★★★★★ 3

I watched a trailer for this as an ad before the trailer for God's Not Dead: We The People, and it ended up just spoiling the entire film. I'm marking this as a 5 star masterpiece.

Review by ImTheTrashman ½

That was an incredible, exhilarating, heart-warming, life-affirming experience that I will thoroughly cherish.

Wait sorry, I should clarify, I'm talking about Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales which I started playing because fuck me dead there are snuff films that are easier to watch then this.

You gotta admire Kevin Sorbo, he is very committed to the grift. Why else would he star in these consistently shitty movies that do nothing except portray he and his loved ones as utter clowns?

Like, we get it Kevin. You think women are property whose feelings don't matter. You didn't need to make a two-hour movie declaring it to the world.

Review by Keeker ½

Do not watch this film if you mistakenly order it instead of the Daniel Ratcliffe - this is Christian propaganda, join the dots films that you will not erase from your memory because it is SO BAD - This film is evil. Burn it, burn it, burn it!

Review by Liam 🪐 ★★★½ 1

This movie is not good, but I'm using this as a placeholder for the MCU show since it isn't on Letterboxd.

It's good. I love the concept of being able to do whatever they want episode by episode. I have to give it an average rating because a couple of the episodes are INCREDIBLE, and the rest are just average.

EPISODES RANKED: What if... Zombies? (10/10) What if... Dr. Strange Lost His Heart? (9.5/10) What if... Ultron Won? (9/10) What if... Killmonger Saved Tony? (8/10) What if... The World Lost it's Mightiest Heroes? (6/10) What if... T'Challa Became Star Lord (5/10) What if... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger? (5/10) What if... Thor Was an Only Child? (4/10)

Review by Ethan ★★★★★

THAT’S NOT SIMPLE.

YES IT IS. IT’S JUST HARD.

As an amateur movie reviewer, I try my best to rate movies objectively, focusing purely on qualities I believe make a movie great. Obviously, this can be fairly opinionated, but generally speaking, characteristics like this would include: characters, script, acting, timing, sounds, and visuals.

However, as a Christian, I believe it is equally important to address how aspects of a movie pertain to the Biblical worldview I hold. For this reason, there are a few movies which either elevate or lower themselves in my ratings based on the core characteristics of the story and characters.

This means there are some movies I consider to be  aesthetic cinematic masterpieces, but because of key…

Review by A SQUAD ★★★½

I didnt found the mcu what if so I am rating this movie on the basis of mcu what If series.

By the way this is my 50th review and 500 movie so I thinked to make it special..

Review by Millie Jones ★★½

this is the third time this year i’ve accidentally watched a film about christianity

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What If (2010) – Kevin Sorbo, Kristy Swanson CHRISTIAN MOVIE REVIEW

• Christian Movies

By Geno McGahee

There was a time when I wouldn’t give a religious movie the time of day. I just felt that I didn’t have time for any nonsense and being an atheist made viewing one of these films meaningless. Well, after starting to review some Christmas movies, many of which are religious in theme, and seeing the greatest religious movie of all time, GOD’S NOT DEAD, I am now seeking them out. When they are done correctly, they can be incredibly entertaining and that is the case with the 2010 film “WHAT IF”, starring Kevin Sorbo of GOD’S NOT DEAD and Kristy Swanson of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. The cast was solid all around, actually, and that just made this film that much better.

Ben Walker (Sorbo) is ready to take on a life in the ministry and is at the bus station with his girlfriend, Wendy (Swanson). She gives him a bible and sees him off, but not before asking him to rethink his plans of going to the big city. He assures her that he will return and that nothing will change. Well, he forgets the bible and heads to the city and things change. He becomes a huge and ruthless businessman and takes on an entirely different life, forgetting all about his girl back home. What do you mean this sounds like THE FAMILY MAN with Nicolas Cage?! Fine…it is similar in some ways.

Sorbo is awesome at playing a jerk. In GOD’S NOT DEAD, he plays the role of a professor that basically demands worship and total obedience and in this, he plays a businessman that has no regard for anyone but himself. When he makes partner, his response is “should I act surprised?” He then goes and buys a car and treats the salesman terribly, screwing him out of as much money as he could and then takes the new car out on the road. He breaks down and a tow truck shows up with Mike, an angel, driving. Mike is played by John Ratzenberger of CHEERS fame. He picks up Ben and tells him that God wants to give him a second chance to see what his life could be like if he didn’t leave Wendy. Ben arrives and discovers that he has two kids and a mini-van, just like THE FAMILY MAN…

Wendy, his wife, and his two daughters, Kimberly (Debby Ryan) and Megan (Taylor Groothuis), become confused by dad’s behavior. As they get ready for church, Ben is confused and stumbling around and even tells Kimberly that she doesn’t have to go to church, which is quickly overturned by her mother. At the church, Ben must address the congregation and considering it’s been 15 years since he’s even looked at a bible, he’s rather lost and uses his business savvy to advise the flock to make money. This does not go over well and neither does the mediocre parenting. He keeps on sleeping on the couch, but things begin to click and he starts to see that his life was shallow.

He has more encounters with Mike the angel and the more that he lives this life, the more that he likes it, but much like THE FAMILY MAN, this is a temporary thing and one that he wants to fight. Ben begins combining his knowledge of stocks and such to make money and maintains the family bliss that he’s discovered but he soon wakes up and he’s back to his old life without a wife and kids. The movie finishes where it started…at the bus station with Wendy and Ben and now another decision has to be made.

I have compared WHAT IF to THE FAMILY MAN a lot and with good reason, but WHAT IF is actually a far better film. Sorbo is very amusing in the role and is able to be silly and then bring that dramatic side to light. I was very impressed with Swanson. She was very believable and did well in a dramatic role. It as easy to feel for her and see where she was coming from and there was some genuineness to the relationship between the two. It didn’t take much to want these two to end up with each other.

Even though this is a Christian film, it made its point and left it alone…unlike any Kirk Cameron entry. The focus was kept on the family and their individual journeys. Released by Pure Flix and directed by Dallas Jenkins, WHAT IF is a winner, bringing enough laughs and sentimental moments to stand out among other films with a religious theme. I highly recommend it.

Rating: 8/10

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‘A Sacrifice’ Review: Sadie Sink Joins the Cult Her Father Wants to Break Up in a Thriller with Better Questions Than Answers

Christian zilko.

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As a bestselling author, visiting professor, and expert in the field of social psychology, Ben knows a thing or two about how cults get started. But he’s not nearly as competent when it comes to the simpler — but not easier — task of keeping his family together. Years of disagreements about parenting ensured that his marriage ended in divorce, and he relocated to Europe with the hope that a little distance might help his broken family grow closer. It hasn’t exactly worked out that way, and by the time his teenage daughter Mazzy ( Sadie Sink ) shows up on his doorstep to spend a semester with him, she’s had plenty of time to reach the conclusion that her dad has completely and irreparably ruined her life.

The appeal of a group that makes little effort to hide its interest in suicide is a puzzling intellectual question — one that takes up so much of Ben’s time that he hardly notices that his daughter has started partying with a boy she met on the train. When Mazzy finally goes missing, Ben is forced to confront the possibility that his own focus on professional glory might have driven his daughter into the very group he was determined to stop.

Jordan Scott’s film , adapted from Nicholas Hogg’s novel “Tokyo Nobody” and produced by her father Ridley, isn’t quite as interesting as the towering questions that it asks. But the fact that it bothers to ask them at all puts the film in a rarified class above many of its Hollywood counterparts. At a certain point there’s only so much riffing you can do on the tension between secular humanism and our primordial thirst for the divine before you have to land the plane on a 94 minute father-daughter thriller. At least strong performances from Sink and Bana — along with sleek, noir-infused cinematography from Julie Kirkwood — make for a pleasant viewing experience even when the intellectualism comes up short.

A Vertical release, “A Sacrifice” opens in theaters on Friday, June 28.

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THE EXORCISM

"too many negatives".

What You Need To Know:

Miscellaneous Immorality: A line of dialogue refers to an act of vandalism, which is rebuked in the line, and father-daughter are estranged but this is eventually overcome.

More Detail:

THE EXORCISM stars Russell Crowe as a middle-aged actor recovering from substance abuse problems who’s hired to replace the dead actor playing the main priest in an exorcism movie but begins to exhibit troubled behavior. This causes his teenage daughter to wonder whether he’s relapsing or something more sinister is happening. THE EXORCISM has a solid cast of veterans and talented newcomers, and a somewhat happy ending, but the movie has a mixed theological view of demonic activity and is rated R, with many “f” words, some extreme bloody violence and a politically correct lesbian subplot with the actor’s daughter.

The movie opens with an actor practicing his lines for the exorcism movie at night on the movie’s empty three-story set. The actor finishes his lines. An electrical box suddenly explodes, messing the dim lights. Then, the actor hears a screeching sound and someone talking. Then, something invisible starts attacking his throat.

The scene unexpectedly cuts away to Lee Miller, a 16-year-old girl arriving home at her widowed father, Tony’s, brownstone apartment in New York City. Tony wants to talk to her about her suspension from Catholic boarding school for an unknown infraction. However, Lee retires to her room.

The movie reveals that Tony is recovering from an alcohol and drug problem. He couldn’t handle the terminal cancer his wife, Lee’s mother, was suffering several years ago and abandoned them to the bottle and drugs. As Tony explains early in the movie to someone, he crawled into a bottle for two years and took two years crawling out of it. Now that he’s sober, Tony wants to restore his relationship with Lee, but she’s reluctant to trust him again.

Meanwhile, Tony auditions to replace the actor from the first scene, who apparently died. Tony doesn’t think the audition is going well, but the director tricks him into reciting the words from the Catholic mass when he served as a young altar boy. So, he hires Tony o play the middle-aged priest in the exorcism movie.

The first day of shooting goes well. Tony has Lee work on the movie as a production assistant, and Lee befriends the teenage actress, Becky, who’s playing the possessed daughter in the movie. However, Tony suffers a mysterious nosebleed and, later that night, Lee finds him sleepwalking in their apartment.

As the filming continues, more spooky incidents involving Tony happen, and his performance suffers. It becomes clear that something more sinister or even demonic is afoot.

THE EXORCISM has a solid cast of veterans and talented newcomers. It also has a somewhat happy ending where Christian sacrifice and actions win the day.

However, the movie has a jumbled, messy plotline where some scenes are confusing. It also has a mixed theological view of demonic activity and how to overcome it. For example, the lapsed Catholic actor, a former altar boy, calls on the Virgin Mary and a bunch of angels and saints to intercede for him and his daughter against the demon in the movie. Although he uses the Cross too, he should go directly to Jesus verbally too. Finally, THE EXORCISM is rated R, with many “f” words, some strong profanities, some extreme bloody violence and a politically correct lesbian subplot with the actor’s daughter. One scene has the 16-year-old daughter kissing a female teenage actress. In another scene, she tells the actress she got in trouble at her Catholic boarding school because she dumped a can of red paint on the principal’s fancy car because he fired her favorite counselor for having a private lesbian relationship. The actress correctly says that’s not a protest, that’s vandalism. However, the movie’s sentiment is clearly in favor of homosexual sin and against the Roman Catholic and Protestant, biblical position.

So, MOVIEGUIDE® ranks THE EXORCISM as unacceptable and excessive. The movie’s excessive foul language is a big problem that goes along with its antinomian position on sexual sin.

‘The Front Room’ Trailer: Brandy Faces Off Against a Deranged Mother-in-Law in A24 and Sam Eggers’ Horror Film

By Jack Dunn

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A24 has released the trailer for Sam and Max Eggers’ directorial debut “ The Front Room ,” based on the short story of the same name by Susan Hill.

According to an official logline, the film “tells the story of a young, newly pregnant couple who is forced to take in an ailing estranged stepmother.” Cast members include Brandy Norwood, Kathryn Hunter, Neal Huff and Andrew Burnap.

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Robert Eggers’ much-anticipated “Nosferatu” is currently in post-production and stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe and Lily-Rose Depp. While global audiences have yet to see a trailer, a sneak peek of the film debuted at this year’s CinemaCon. According to Variety executive editor Brent Lang, “The movie evokes the best of classic horror — it’s moody, unsettling and also eerily beautiful.”

The Eggers brothers serve as co-directors and co-writers with Hill. Producers include Babak Anvari, David Hinojosa, Julia Oh, Lucan Toh and Bryan Sonderman. Erika Hampson executive produces.

Watch the trailer for “The Front Room” below.

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• Cast & crew

The Firing Squad

Based on the true story of three Christian prisoners who face execution their joy in Christ stuns the entire prison camp. Based on the true story of three Christian prisoners who face execution their joy in Christ stuns the entire prison camp. Based on the true story of three Christian prisoners who face execution their joy in Christ stuns the entire prison camp.

• Timothy A. Chey
• James Barrington
• Kevin Sorbo
• Cuba Gooding Jr.
• 17 Critic reviews

• Pastor Lynbrook

• Samuel Wilson

• Captain Tanu

• Miriam Rosenbaum

• Adam Markman
• Eddie Salmagian
• Joney Halmashian

• Karen Armstrong
• Winston Senayan

• John Thornton

• Judge Samudra

• President Hartono

• Goran Rajiahdiah

• Prosecutor Setiawan
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia The filmmakers have been supported by Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), Calvary Chapel, Pastor Greg Laurie, NACC, Baptist Press, Christian Cinema, NRB, Kay Arthur, Precept Ministries, The Christian Post, The Fish Radio, Rebecca St. James, Family Christian, Lifeway Christian Resources, Talbot Seminary, Biola University, Dallas Theological Seminary, Baptist News, Daystar TV, Evangelical Press Assn, and Life Surge.
• August 2, 2024 (United States)
• United States
• Official Site
• The Epoch Times
• Rock Studios
• Epoch Studios
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 33 minutes

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