christian parents movie reviews

Movie Review Sites for Christian Parents and Family Movie Night

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Let’s set the scene…..

You’ve picked the movie, you’ve popped the popcorn, everyone’s comfy. You pop in the movie and things are going well. You’re laughing and smiling and enjoying family time. And then it happens, that scene you forgot about, or those words that made you cringe.

Oh, shoot! Wasn’t this supposed to be a kid’s movie? How could I forget about this?! You cover the kid’s eyes while your spouse fumbles around trying to turn it off, or fast-forward, or even just hope the electricity goes out. Give us a break, right?!

You’ve been there, I know you have because I’ve been there too! But, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret that I’ve been carrying around for a while. With a simple click, you won’t have to worry anymore if the movie is kid-friendly, or stands up to your convictions.

You’re New BFF

These movie review sites for Christian parents will be your BFF when it comes to your next family movie night! I can almost guarantee that you’ll find family-friendly movie reviews on the show of your choice via one of these sites.

I do find it interesting that not one of these websites will give you a definitive “do not watch” or “definitely watch” at the end of the review. To make your decision, you will still need to gather information from the reviews and make a judgment call based on your family values and expectations.

You might find it helpful to look at more than one site to get a more well-rounded perspective! Fortunately, most of these websites use headings and organize the posts so you can quickly scan for the content that matters most, such as sexual content, profanity, violence, or nudity. 

I’ve put this list in order of preference, so I recommend you start at the top of the list for the best information and then work your way down when you can’t find what you need. If you need to make a fast decision the DOVE site has the most concise information. But if it’s the details you are looking for, I’d go with Plugged In first every time.

I don’t know how many times we’ve pulled out a movie we watched ourselves as kids and remembered fondly, only to get ten minutes into the movie and turn it off in shock. Growing up, growing in faith, and having children of our own certainly changes how we view content. For this reason, I’m glad we have sites that review older movies and not just the most current content.

8 Movie Review Sites for Christian Parents

This one is, by far, my favorite review site to check in on. I’ve used it numerous times, and not just for kids’ movies. We even check videos out for ourselves using this site too! It never fails to disappoint us with accuracy or detail, the writers at Focus on the Family really do a great job! If you have tweens, it would be perfectly safe to have them read the Plugged In review for the video in question before they ask you for permission. This will give your teens an excellent overview of things to watch for and also save you significant time as they will do the narrowing down for you. 

Common Sense Media 

This next movie review site is my second favorite. Like Plugged In, Common Sense Media is incredibly thorough and provides independent reviews based upon age, ratings, and other pertinent information you’ll definitely want to know about. This site was started to help parents navigate the digital age and protect their children from the unknown effects of too much media. If you can’t find what you are looking for on PluggedIn, you will find all the recent movies reviewed here!

Kinds In Mind

With a scaled rating of Sex/Nudity, Violence/Gore, and Language, the system works pretty well for this company. While I was hoping that this movie review site was geared mainly towards Christian parents, they do state that they are independent of all political and religious viewpoints.

I didn’t even know that Dove had their own movie review system. But, they’ve got a pretty good thing going here. I don’t find that it’s as detailed as some of the others here, but it could definitely get the job done if you need just a little snippet of information so you can make a quick decision.

Movie Guide

This is not your old-fashioned movie guide (like I was thinking it was) it actually is very informative and ranks at the top of the list for me! While the site doesn’t have much information about its roots, the site has a ton of movie reviews that are available!

Raising Children

I had never heard of this site until I started doing a little more digging on movie review sites for Christian parents. While this one is not Christian based, and not as detailed in the information, it does cover its bases- so we’ll still list it as a good option for movie review sites for parents.

Box Office Mom

She’s a great movie buff, but I do feel as though it’s a little less informative and a little more dependent on her own opinions when it comes to how her movies are rated. Yet, you may enjoy that real-life review about it. I also love throwing her in here to support another mom blogger!

Parent Previews

Parent Previews is just, well, okay . The problem is that with some of their movie reviews they have a disclaimer that they have not actually viewed the movie yet and the information is gathered from an outside source. No thanks.

Looking for more than just a review site?

If you’re looking for clean entertainment and want specific recommendations, you can check out these posts: Best Clean Shows on Netflix, Clean TV Shows on Amazon Prime , and Faith & Family Movies that you absolutely need to see too!

You might also like these:

All of these sites are different, so it really depends on your personal preference as to which site you’ll refer to when looking for a family-friendly movie review. The top two listed are my favorites, but you may be happy with what another site has to offer!

How do you do your due diligence when choosing what movies are “good enough” for your children?

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• Blog: Movies

Plugged In Movie Awards: 2021: Best Christian Movies

• February 25, 2021

Nominations for our final Plugged In Movie Awards category lands … well, right below these few introductory sentences. It was a pretty interesting year for Christian movies, and our slate of worthy nominees feels more diverse than in some past years: From comedies to dramas, from events that took place more than 100 years ago to events that could’ve taken place yesterday, Christian moviemakers gave us a little bit of everything.

Some of these movies could be pretty challenging, too, so so be sure to check out our full reviews before you decide to watch. But if you  have  watched, we invite you to participate, too! Vote on  Facebook  or  Instagram , or in the comments section right here. Let us know which of these movies struck a chord with you.

Then, while we’re counting your votes,  Plugged In  will be doing its own awards deliberations—right on our very own  Plugged In Show ! You can listen to us argue over the nominees, and announce our own winners, on March 19. (Movie blurbs were written by Paul Asay, Emily Clark, Adam Holz, Bob Hoose and Kristin Smith.)

Fatima (PG-13): In 1917, three children ran into a strange woman as they herded sheep—a woman who says she came from heaven. So begins the strange, miraculous story of Fatima, which faithfully chronicles the events of Our Lady of Fatima—events the Catholic Church have more or less legitimized. This deeply Catholic story isn’t just about those apparently miraculous events, though: It’s about holding firm to faith in the midst of doubt and persecution, and it’s about following God—even when it means that we, or those around us, might suffer because of it. While the film does include some violent moments, Fatima revolves around its deep sense of faith and invites us to believe in miracles.

I Still Believe (PG):  When Christian singer Jeremy Camp’s soon-to-be wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, everyone around her prayed for her to be healed— and that prayer was answered . Melissa was miraculously cured. They got married and were excited to share their story with the masses and bring glory to God. But God hadn’t finished revealing His plan for them. On their honeymoon, Melissa’s cancer returned. And sadly, there wasn’t a miraculous cure this time around. I Still Believe tells Melissa and Jeremy’s powerful and difficult story. It shows that even when we lay it all down at the feet of the Lord, we still might not get the answer we hope for. But I also shows us how this couple maintained their faith in God through all of it.

Selfie Dad (PG): Ben Marcus’ midlife crisis is coming at him from nearly every direction. Things aren’t great at home with his wife or kids. Work’s no picnic either. And he’s pretty much shelved his youthful dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. On top of that, Ben’s faith—he attends church with his family each week—is mostly a superficial show, too. That’s when his son introduces him to the video platform UToo. Suddenly, Ben has an idea: Maybe he can be a stand-up comic after all. Sure enough, Ben’s new video channel soon takes off. Now likes, sponsors and money are coming at him from nearly every direction. There’s just one problem: He’s sacrificing almost everything in his life that matters to make it happen. Soon, Ben (played by Christian comedian Michael Jr.) will have some choices to make about whether he cares more about fame and fortune, or faith and family in a dramedy designed to remind dads, especially, what matters most in life.  

Switched (Not Rated): Cassandra Evans is the target of repetitive bullying from the school’s most popular girl, Katie Sharp. But Cassandra is sick and tired of being made fun of. She’s ready for a change, especially after Katie posts an embarrassing video of her that goes viral. Cassandra tries to practice what her mom is always telling her: Lead with love. But that’s a  little  hard when the person you’re supposed to be loving is so horrible. So, Cassandra asks God to allow Katie to experience what it’s like to live even one day in her shoes. The next morning, she and Katie get a surprise: They’ve switched minds. Now, the girls will have to live their daily routines as the other person. And, perhaps along the way they will both learn what it’s like to love your most unlovely neighbor as yourself.

When We Last Spoke (Not Rated): In 1967, in the small town of Fireside, two young girls, Evangeline and Juliet, were left with their grandparents while their mother essentially ran away and their father was killed in the Vietnam war. Although their mother promised to return, she never did. And while Evangeline and Juliet thrived for some time with their loving grandparents, the pain of abandonment eventually crept in. As days turned to years, it became obvious that it would take more than good memories to heal deep wounds. This Christian flick features a bit of light, sexual content, some mild war scenes and the use of one profanity. But what comes across far more powerfully is its messages about love, family and the power of forgiveness.

Paul Asay has been part of the Plugged In staff since 2007, watching and reviewing roughly 15 quintillion movies and television shows. He’s written for a number of other publications, too, including Time, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. The author of several books, Paul loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment, and he loves all things superhero. His vices include James Bond films, Mountain Dew and terrible B-grade movies. He’s married, has two children and a neurotic dog, runs marathons on occasion and hopes to someday own his own tuxedo. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @AsayPaul.

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34 Responses

-Definitely interested in seeing I still believe…

-Finally I can vote for something since the little I saw in 2020 I still believe definitely moved me the most. Even though Jeremy Camp’s music has never done much for me the movie about him is absolutely fantastic and I’m so glad my mom decided to buy it for the family on DVD. Going out to the movies as a family was never as much of a regular thing as it is for some who watch literally hundreds of movies in the theater, but in any given year we would see between 15 and 20 movies on the big screen, but unfortunately since the theaters in Bakersfield have been shut down since March the last movie we saw together in a theater was call of the wild on February 29th. We wanted to see I still believe but we were forced to buy it on DVD and watch it at home instead.

-Definitely Switched!

-“I Still Believe” for sure!!

-I’m gonna have to vote for I Still Believe.

-Switched all the way.

-SWITCHED all the way! Loved this film.

-Switched!!!!

-I Still Believe.

-Do you have names for the awards? If not here goes: The award you give is a Pluggy The people’s award is a Pluggit Clean. Clever. Fun. Memorable. !! [email protected]

-Switched!!!

-Switched has my vote!

-I have not seen any of these, but I know I was super excited for I Still Believe back when it came out. That being said, I think I’ll abstain this round.

-Switched!!

-Definitely I still believe!! So moving!!

-Switched – My daughter & I watched it today and loved it!

-100% Switched!!! Great message, especially for kids, teens and young adults!!

-I Still Believe

– I pick: Switched.

-I vote for Switched, I found it to entertaining, relative, and great message of how to lead with love!!

-I Still Believe all the way!

-My preference is for Switched for it’s great message and the unique way it used a common trope for the LORD.

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Movie Review Websites for Christian Parents

Last Updated: December 21, 2023

Luke Gilkerson  has a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies and an MA in Religion. He is the author of Your Brain on Porn and  The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality . Luke and his wife Trisha blog at IntoxicatedOnLife.com

Are you looking for Christian movie reviews? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s a list of helpful websites where you can find reviews on all the latest movies from a Christian perspective. They include content advisories, worldview analysis, and even discussion questions for your family so you can thoughtfully consume media.

List of Review Websites

MovieGuide is an organization founded by Dr. Ted Baehr. Its mission is “to redeem the values of the entertainment industry, according to biblical principles, by influencing industry executives and artists.” They do this through reviews, as well as many other efforts to inform Christians and influence Hollywood.

PluggedIn is a Focus on the Family publication designed to help equip parents, youth leaders, ministers, and teens with the essential tools that will enable them to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which they live.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment is part of ChristianAnswers.com, a site dedicated to answering all kinds of questions about Christianity. The “Spotlight on Entertainment” features quick content summaries and ratings, as well as extensive plot overviews and content analysis. This is a great option for Christian parents looking for in-depth review content.

CBN Movies is the movie website of the Christian Broadcasting Network. More than just movie reviews, this site features exclusive interviews, and entertainment news as well.

CrossWalk Movies

CrossWalk Movies is a movie review service of CrossWalk.com. Find reviews on all the latest movies, all written from a Christian perspective.

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is not a Christian organization. Nonetheless, they’ve done a lot of work to help families make informed decisions about media. Each movie review has a grading system for different types of content, making it easy for parents to make informed decisions.

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Since 1995 The Dove Foundation has been publishing our movie reviews on the Internet.  Well over 100,000 families rely on these reviews each month to help them make informed choices about the entertainment their family can watch with confidence.  Below is a description of the different types of reviews that The Dove Foundation publishes.

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Here you will find a list of Dove approved feature length movies that are currently playing at your local theaters.  While most of these films should be available in all areas of the country, some may be designated as “limited release” and only shown in select cities.  This list contains only Dove approved titles.

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This link will group all of our manuscript reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent reviews appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

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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!

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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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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

Get Content Details

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?

JESUS THIRSTS: THE MIRACLE OF THE EUCHARIST

"celebrating the catholic view of communion".

What You Need To Know:

Miscellaneous Immorality: Nothing else objectionable.

More Detail:

JESUS THIRSTS: THE MIRACLE OF THE EUCHARIST is a Fathom Events documentary in theaters about the importance of the Eucharist, or the communion table, from a Roman Catholic perspective, with a focus on the Catholic doctrine of the real divine presence of Jesus in the bread and the wine. JESUS THIRSTS is informative and inspiring, even if you’re not personally a Catholic or Christian, and supports love, mercy, forgiveness, hope, joy, and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but potential viewers should know that the movie promotes the Catholic Church and its perspective on Christian doctrine and practice.

The movie opens with a citation of John 6:51, where Jesus tells a crowd of listeners, “I am the living bread that came down from Heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” The movie then movies into a short sermon excerpt from the late Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, a popular Catholic evangelist on the radio in the 1930s and 40s, and a popular televangelist in the 1950s and 60s. In that excerpt, Bishop Sheen notes that each church building, especially, apparently, a Catholic Church, is a “House of God.” There, in the church and on the tabernacle where the Eucharistic bread and wine are placed, the person of faith should perceive “the divinity of Christ.”

The movie then moves on to discuss how vital and foundational the Eucharist, and Jesus Christ’s divinity, are to the Catholic Church and to society in general. However, it notes that, in 2019, a Pew research survey of Roman Catholic congregants found that only one-third of Catholics believe that the bread and wine in the Eucharist are the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This finding shocked Catholic leaders into starting a movement to revive Catholic teaching about the Eucharist and the “real presence” of Jesus in the physical elements.

Of course, as many religious scholars and historians know, traditionally, the Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Methodist churches teach the “real presence” of Jesus in the Eucharist. However, they have slight differences between one another and with the Catholic Church’s doctrine. Other Christian denominations treat the Eucharist communion ritual as a “memorialization” service. They pick up the words of Jesus at the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus says to perform the Eucharist ritual “in remembrance of me” (see Luke 22:19). They also say that, when Jesus tells the apostles, “This is my body,” he’s using a metaphor, and metaphors are never to be taken literally.

At any rate, the movie explores the biblical origins and meaning of the Eucharist with notable Catholic leaders, including various scholars. It also shares personal stories of people whose lives have been transformed by the Eucharist. Included in those stories are two miracle claims, where real human blood was discovered on a Catholic communion wafer.

Catholic leaders in the movie blame modern-day materialism and secularism for the decline of Catholic belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. They stress that in the bread and wine, people of faith are personally encountering the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus. As a result, Jesus becomes part of the person of faith in a real way that gives them spiritual access to his “boundless love” as well as His strength, mercy and joy. By administering the Eucharist, the Catholic priest is also offering himself to the flock.

JESUS THIRSTS is informative and inspiring, even if you’re not personally a Catholic or Christian. The documentary sees the Catholic Church’s ritual of the Eucharist as a means by which people of faith can renew their love for Jesus; find hope, rest and strength; and, discover the power, enlightenment and joys of their own personal vocation in God’s Kingdom. For example, at the end, in another brief sermon excerpt, Bishop Sheen says that, through “the Divine Presence” of Jesus in the Eucharist, he found power, enlightenment and many joys in his particular personal vocation of being a Catholic priest.

One of the most inspiring stories in JESUS THIRSTS is that of a Vietnamese priest. The communist tyrants who took control of Vietnam in the 1970s imprisoned the priest and put him into solitary confinement for many years. The priest, who was eventually released and emigrated to the West, says he found strength and joy during that time by secretly performing the Eucharist for himself and his guards. Miraculously, the priest says he didn’t hate the people who imprisoned him but loved them and forgave them. This is something he felt until his recent death, according to the movie.

JESUS THIRSTS is not only a celebration of the Eucharist ritual or sacrament as the Catholic Church understands it. It’s also a promotion of the Church itself, and of the Church’s ongoing Eucharistic revival and outreach to the world. So, Protestant viewers probably will not approach the movie in the same ways as a Catholic or former Catholic might. Especially since one priest says that the Virgin Mary brings people to Jesus. Also, one scene in JESUS THIRSTS shows an ornate statue of Mary in one Catholic Church that seems a bit too gaudy. Many Protestant believers will think such a statue takes too much focus away from Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith.

3 Things Parents Should Know about The Garfield Movie

• Michael Foust Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
• Updated May 24, 2024

Garfield is a mischievous yet charming cat living his best life at home with his canine sidekick, Odie, and their owner, Jon.

He sleeps when he wants. He eats when he wants. He gets all the pizza and lasagna a feline could ever desire.

Soon, though, Garfield’s world is turned upside down when a couple of gangsters -- in truth, a massive dog and his scrawny associate -- kidnap Garfield and Odie in the dead of night and take them to their outpost, where they are hung upside down and left to ponder their fate.

But just as soon as  they’re kidnapped , they’re rescued by another mysterious figure -- a middle-aged cat named Vic -- who claims he’s been watching the duo and has a vested interest in their safety.

And then the story grows stranger. Vic, we learn, is Garfield’s  father . As Garfield remembers it, he abandoned him in a dark alley as a kitten.

Vic has a plan to help Garfield and Odie escape the gangsters, but Garfield’s not buying it.

“You lost the privilege of telling me what to do  a  long  time  ago,” Garfield says.

Will the two ever reconcile?

The Garfield Movie  (PG) follows the story of Garfield, Vic, and Odie as they encounter another strange character, an evil cat named Jinx, who drags the trio into a covert operation that threatens their safety. It features the voices of Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, and Cecily Strong.

Here are three things parents should know:

Warning: spoilers!

Photo credit: ©Sony; used with permission.

1. It’s a Backstory and a Modern Tale

The Garfield Movie,  of course, is based on the famous comic strip by Jim Davis that first published in 1978 and has been going ever since. It’s the third Garfield movie, following Garfield: The Movie  (2004) and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties  (2006), a pair of live-action/computer animation films. The Garfield Movie is animated. (Davis is an executive producer.)

The film is part backstory and part modern tale. We learn how Jon found Garfield. (Jon was eating alone in an Italian restaurant when a cute kitty—Garfield—approached him begging for food. Realizing the cat had no owner, Jon took him back to his apartment, even though pets were prohibited. They eventually moved to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house.

The modern story is more complex.  The evil cat Jinx says she’ll release Garfield, Vic  and  Odie  but  only if they break into a local dairy called “Lactose Farms” and steal 1,675 quarts of milk for her.  (Why, you ask? That’s how many days she was in jail for previously trying to steal milk, and she blames Vic, a former partner in crime, for her capture.) You likely didn’t expect a heist movie, did you?

2. It’s about Trials, Pain, and Reconciliation

The broken relationship between Garfield and his father is the plot’s core. As Garfield recalls, he was a tiny kitten when his father placed him in a dark alley on a rainy night and told him he’d be right back … only never to return.

“You can’t make up for five years of not being around,” Garfield tells him.

Throughout the movie, Garfield harbors resentment toward his dad, and throughout the film, his father tries his best to win back his son's heart. Their arguments never cross into uncomfortable territory, but their spats will still resonate deeply with many moviegoers -- some of whom will identify with the father-son duo. Humor often cuts the tension (such as when the two are tied to a tree and forced to talk).

Thankfully, Vic and Garfield provide hope for estranged family members, even if their details are far tidier than most real-life situations. (Vic, we learn, didn’t abandon Garfield. He even checked in on his son by secretly watching him through a window at Garfield’s home.)

Reconciliation in the real world is often messy, but it’s nevertheless God’s will ( 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 ).

3. It’s about Love and New Beginnings

Vic, Garfield, and Odie find much-needed help for their heist at Lactose Farms through the help of Otto, a bull who was put out to pasture years earlier when a big corporation bought the farm. That takeover meant Otto was separated from his beloved, Ethel. Otto promises to help Garfield and his friends break into the farm if they help him reunite with her.

Thanks to the heist plot and multiple chase scenes, The Garfield Movie  lacks the laid-back charm of the comic strip and the TV series. (One of those, Garfield and Friends , ran from the late 1980s through the early 1990s.)

But it does have plenty to offer families. It contains no sexuality, no coarse language (minus a “bloody”), and only Looney Tunes -style violence. It contains plenty of solid lessons, including a laser-like focus on reconciliation that our divided culture needs. (Toward the end, Garfield invites his father over to the house for dinner.) It contains plenty of laughs, too. (Jon phones “Find My Pet” and is given options for English, Spanish and Pig Latin.)

The Garfield Movie likely won’t be the best family film of the summer, but it's worth a watch for parents who need a kid-friendly option.

Rated PG for action/peril and mild thematic elements.

Entertainment rating : 3 out of 5 stars.

Family-friendly rating : 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Adults raised in the ‘Christian parenting empire’ of the ’70s-’90s push back

(RNS) — For Tia Levings, it was blanket training.

A method where a parent places an infant or toddler on a blanket and punishes them — often by hitting them — if they stray, blanket training was a line Levings refused to cross, and a technique that made her question the teachings that enveloped her as a young mother in the Christian patriarchy movement.

“We were not to listen to our instincts,” said Levings, who raised her kids in Jacksonville, Florida, in the 1990s. “Our mother instincts would lead us to make weak choices that cater to the flesh, and instead we needed to raise our babies the way God would.”

When Levings spoke about corporal punishment in the hit documentary series “ Shiny Happy People ,” her story didn’t just resonate with viewers raised in fundamentalism. Though the series focused on Bill Gothard’s Institute in Basic Life Principles, the idea that spanking results in obedient, righteous children was a hallmark of mainstream evangelical parenting in the ’70s-’90s.

“Dobson taught people, spank your kid, but sit them down and put them on your lap and hug them,” therapist Krispin Mayfield said about psychologist and Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, whose book “Dare to Discipline” has sold more than 3.5 million copies since 1970. This combination of pain and affection, Mayfield told Religion News Service, can shape how children view parents and authority figures. And, according to Mayfield and Levings, it can impact their view of God.

“It leaves you without any spiritual solace,” said Levings, author of the forthcoming book “ A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape From Christian Patriarchy .” “You don’t know where to turn for any kind of safe spirituality because the Divine was used … as the justification for why you were being hurt.”

In the late 20 th century, a specific, often white evangelical brand of authoritarian parenting emerged. Framed as being God-glorifying, it was characterized by rigid hierarchies, demands for children’s immediate and cheerful obedience and the absence of negative emotions among children. It was enforced by spanking, often starting when a child was just a few months old.

Now, some of the adults raised in that context are pushing back. Leveraging social media, they aim to show that this parenting approach can result in trauma, estrangement and a view of God as abusive. Their warnings are often paired with a plea to raise kids in a way that honors children’s agency.

Books like Dobson’s were an explicit response to the perceived disruptions of the feminist movement, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War protests and 1960s youth culture, several experts told RNS. Evangelical authoritarian parenting prioritized parental authority as a stabilizing force and were also an answer to parenting models seen as permissive, including those popularized by such authors as Dr. Benjamin Spock and, later, Dr. William Sears. 

As Dobson’s reach extended beyond the evangelical parenting world, other self-appointed experts such as Gothard, Tedd Tripp, Gary Ezzo, Michael and Debi Pearl and Nancy Campbell emerged. Their advice proliferated via conferences and parenting books, some with provocative titles such as Larry Tomczak’s “God, the Rod, and your Children’s Bod” or Reb Bradley’s “Born Liberal, Raised Right: How to Rescue America from Moral Decline.”

Author Marissa Burt said that, barring Dobson, most of these authors were pastors who lacked relevant credentials.

“They marketed themselves well, they made claims to spiritual authority, they generated fear in parents, and they presented their opinion as God’s way to hundreds of thousands of people,” said Burt.

Together, these authors created a cohesive movement or, as Burt and scholar Kelsey Kramer McGinnis say in their forthcoming book , from Brazos, a “Christian parenting empire.” These writers viewed parents as God’s representatives charged with using physical punishment to enforce instant obedience, constant composure, strict hierarchies and gender binaries. This approach, parents were taught, would preserve the nuclear family and, by extension, society as a whole — and would prevent their children from losing their souls.

“Parents are being told, you have to do this or your kid is going to either end up in hell, or end up a criminal,” said R.L. Stollar, author of “ The Kingdom of Children .”

As writers D.L. and Krispin Mayfield note in their new multimedia “ Strongwilled ” project, these authors often rejected the authoritarian label. But the Mayfields developed the term “religious authoritarian parenting” to discuss those like Dobson, Gothard and the Pearls whose impacts and techniques, they argue, are nevertheless authoritarian in nature.

“It wasn’t marked by having to wear skirts or like not going to the movies or those sorts of things. It was marked by, do you submit to the authority figures in your life?” Krispin Mayfield said.

For many parents, the promises of this movement never materialized. Rather than a lifetime of happiness with compliant, Christian children, several sources told RNS, parents in some cases have become estranged from children who eventually sought autonomy beyond the parent-child relationship.

“The parents feel utterly betrayed, and the only way they can handle that is by saying, I didn’t do something wrong. It’s my children. They are not grateful for the sacrifices that I made,” said Abbi Nye, an anti-abuse advocate raised with the Quiverfull ideology, often characterized by large families, homeschooling and female submission. Parents who refuse to acknowledge the harm caused by Christian authoritarian parenting, she said, risk alienating their kids long-term.

Nye is one of several Christians and former evangelicals, or exvangelicals, speaking out against Christian authoritarian parenting and seeking different approaches. As she teaches her son to regulate, rather than stifle, his emotions, she said, she draws inspiration from child liberation theology, an emerging Christian movement that says children have the same worth as adults.

One of the leaders of that field is Stollar , a child of evangelical parents who were “somewhat resistant adopters of some of the more authoritarian aspects of parenting,” he told RNS. Now, he argues in blogs and articles that adults can parent without exerting force to exact compliance.

“I want parents to know there are different ways to read the Bible that are valid, that understand and respect who Jesus and God are, and are still treating children in a way that is humane and respectful,” said Stollar.

Deciding to parent differently than their evangelical parents was part of what led the Mayfields to eventually depart Christianity. Their “Strongwilled” project suggests kids raised by religious authoritarian parenting are more susceptible to political authoritarianism — including that of Donald Trump.

“We’ve been traumatized for political purposes,” D.L. Mayfield told RNS. “All of this was done to undo the progress made in the 1950s in the United States of America … and us as kids, we’re just collateral damage.” Through “Strongwilled,” the Mayfields hope to build a community for those reckoning with their childhoods.

As they share findings from their book research, Burt and McGinnis, both Christian parents themselves, have reached hundreds of people trying to unpack the Christian parenting empire they belonged to. People who’ve left Christianity, too, tune in to YouTube or Instagram to hear Burt and McGinnis discuss corporal punishment, perfectionism and spiritual authority in Christian parenting.

“There’s a way to talk about this that is absolutely accusing my parents’ generation of being either these authoritarian, spiritual tyrants or just sheep to people like James Dobson, and neither of those is true,” said McGinnis, who is also a correspondent for Christianity Today. “I think there’s a way to talk about this that welcomes those folks. So I’m really thankful when someone from that camp chimes in.”

The parents and professionals analyzing the previous generation’s Christian parenting are doing so amid a culturewide shift away from punitive parenting tactics. But as gentle and conscious parenting becomes more mainstream, it can also become whitewashed, warned parenting coach Yolanda Williams, who argues that true conscious parenting — which teaches parents to be mindful of their own trauma — must reckon with how colonization interrupted Indigenous parenting methods.

“There were reports that Indigenous people were appalled by the way that the Europeans treated their children like property,” Williams, creator of the Parenting Decolonized social media accounts and resources , said. “The roots of conscious parenting are from Black, Indigenous and other people of color.”

But though the tides of parenting culture seem to have turned, some artifacts of Christian authoritarian parenting have remained , with new iterations gaining popularity on social media, where self-platformed experts and “tradwife” influencers have been doling out parenting advice in what they see as a revival of old-fashioned Christian family values. To those raised in the original Christian parenting empire, these freshly packaged lessons about obedience, discipline and strict gender roles are grimly familiar.

“Whether we are exvangelicals, whether we still consider ourselves Christians, wherever we are on the political spectrum, we’re saying, what we experienced was not OK,” said Nye. “We want to warn the next generation.”

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Common sense media reviewers.

Poignant fantasy about loss and the power of imagination.

A Lot or a Little?

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

Imagination is presented as a coping mechanism. Di

We all have a purpose, and when we're able to fulf

All of the characters, both live and imaginary, sh

The story follows 12-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming)

Depicted gently through a montage of Bea's moments

Language includes "butt," "what the hell," "good G

Parents need to know that IF is a live-action/animated fantasy starring Ryan Reynolds that explores the idea of what happens to our forgotten imaginary friends (IFs). That might sound a little sad, and it is: After losing their connection to children as they grow, the IFs end up living in a retirement home,…

Educational Value

Imagination is presented as a coping mechanism. Distress-tolerance skills are demonstrated, showing that the five senses can be used to bring someone to a comforting and familiar internal space to manage overwhelming emotions.

Positive Messages

We all have a purpose, and when we're able to fulfill that, and help others, it brings joy. Also, you're not alone—but parents and caregivers may want to discuss how that translates in their personal belief system. Most kids will likely see IFs as a fantasy creation and leave it at that, but others may see them as guardian angels or relatives who've passed and are watching over us.

Positive Role Models

All of the characters, both live and imaginary, show positive traits. Bea is a curious, kind, artistic, well-intentioned 12-year-old who wants to help the IFs find happiness. Calvin is grumpy, and while he acts like he resents his job, he's clearly committed to helping forgotten IFs find new child companions. Elizabeth's dad is caring and funny, always striving to make a serious situation light. Benjamin is a 9-year-old who doesn't let his troubles get him down; he's upbeat and easygoing, even though he's in the hospital (and with no TV!). Louis, an elderly teddy bear who was once the leader of the IF program, teaches Bea how to access memories. IF assistant Blossom is calm, level-headed, hopeful, truthful, trying to help Bea realize her potential. Blue is sweet, perseverant, optimistic, always willing to try.

Diverse Representations

The story follows 12-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming), who's confident and independent. Bea and her family, as well as other main human characters, are White; supporting character Benjamin is played by Korean American actor Alan Kim. Black women appear in somewhat clich éd supporting roles (kind hospital nurse, receptionist). Some of the IFs are voiced by actors of color, including Maya Rudolph as Alligator and Louis Gossett Jr. as wise teddy bear Lewis, who was once the leader of the IF program and now teaches Bea how to access memories.

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Violence & Scariness

Depicted gently through a montage of Bea's moments with her loving parents, it's revealed that her mom has cancer (she's shown wearing headscarves and in hospital rooms)—and viewers will understand that she has died. Six years later, Bea's dad is having heart problems that require surgery. There are also a few "hop" scares (tamer than true jump scares), and the landlady appearing in the hallway at night is meant to be a little creepy but not truly frightening. Blue is a very large monster but also gentle and nonthreatening. One IF is a talking marshmallow over a flame who's melting while he's talking, which makes Calvin pretend to throw up. There are moments throughout that would be worrisome in real life but are positioned here in a way to remove concern, such as 12-year-old Bea going all over New York with a 45-year-old stranger, and the same man sneaking into a little girl's bedroom while she's sleeping.

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

Language includes "butt," "what the hell," "good God," "oh my God," "swear to God," and "for God's sake." Fart joke.

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

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that IF is a live-action/animated fantasy starring Ryan Reynolds that explores the idea of what happens to our forgotten imaginary friends (IFs). That might sound a little sad, and it is: After losing their connection to children as they grow, the IFs end up living in a retirement home, listless and abandoned. Also sad—but handled gently through a montage (not unlike the one in Up )—is the fact that 12-year-old main character Bea's (Cailey Fleming) loving mother has died, and now her good-natured dad ( John Krasinski , who also writes and directs) is in the hospital. But Bea is distracted from her worry by busying herself with purposeful work (helping the IFs) and learns that accessing familiar music, smells, sights, and tastes can bring her back to a happy memory or feeling and help calm anxious or overwhelming emotions. Only very young or sensitive kids are likely to be distressed by the mild scares, like a character appearing out of nowhere or a creepyish neighbor who steps into the hallway at night. And while another key character, Blue (voiced by Steve Carell ) is a giant purple monster, viewers will quickly understand that he's as huggable and nonthreatening as a giant stuffed animal. Mild language includes "butt," "what the hell," and "good God!" All of the characters, both live and imaginary, demonstrate positive traits, and there are clear themes of curiosity, compassion, and teamwork. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (39)
• Kids say (15)

Based on 39 parent reviews

Like ordering mac n’ cheese for your kid, but it ends up being a much more mature version with bleu cheese, head-on shrimp, and veggies instead of macaroni.

What's the story.

In IF, 12-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming) stays with her grandmother ( Fiona Shaw ) in her Brooklyn apartment while Bea's father ( John Krasinski ) undergoes heart surgery. Bea hasn't visited the apartment since her mother's death six years earlier. After spotting an unusual creature who lives with the upstairs neighbor, Calvin ( Ryan Reynolds ), Bea learns that imaginary friends (IFs, for short) are real. She ends up taking a job to help the IFs who've been left behind as their children have grown—but it turns out that they're really helping her, because imaginary friends are coping mechanisms.

Is It Any Good?

Writer-director and co-star Krasinski's imaginative fantasy is poignant and full of wonder. It's magical, giving off E.T. vibes, and Reynolds' Calvin is reminiscent of Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka , a quirky pessimist who's outwardly discouraging while secretly rooting for the kid to figure out the puzzle. And, like both E.T. and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , the curiosity-meets-melancholy score in IF is central to understanding that while Bea is acting tough, she's also facing something terrifying: the potential death of her father, only a few years after the loss of her mother. It's a lot, but the movie artfully avoids overplaying viewers' emotions. It also serves an important purpose, demonstrating how imagination isn't just a creative outlet, but also a powerful coping mechanism.

Bea's journey with the IFs is ultimately rewarding, even though—it has to be said—the beginning does drag a bit. But when IF hits its stride, it becomes a mind-bending, eye-popping, musical extravaganza that's truly unforgettable. (The movie is worth seeing for that bit alone.) Teens may think the imaginary friend story will be too babyish for them, but even they may be swayed by its sweetness. And for families of elementary school-aged kids and tweens, IF makes for a simply enchanting movie night.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how imagination is made into a character in IF. Can you think of other examples of locations or nonliving things being made into characters? What does that mean, exactly?

How do you currently (or how did you used to) play out wild scenarios using your imagination? Did you have imaginary friends? Did that fade? How can we keep our imagination active, and how does that help us throughout life?

Discuss the technique used in the movie to access memories. How can accessing a happy, familiar feeling or space help us calm down?

What does it mean to have "purpose"? How do Bea's curiosity and compassion lead her to discover her purpose? Why does doing purpose-driven work bring fulfillment?

How is Calvin able to realize what isn't working with his IF program once he starts working with Bea as a team? Why is teamwork an important skill? Do you consider anyone in the film a role model? Why, or why not?

Movie Details

• In theaters : May 17, 2024
• Cast : Ryan Reynolds , John Krasinski , Cailey Fleming , Steve Carell
• Director : John Krasinski
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Paramount Pictures
• Genre : Family and Kids
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy
• Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Teamwork
• Run time : 104 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : thematic material, some suggestive material, brief strong language and smoking
• Award : Common Sense Selection
• Last updated : May 26, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.