Saying a film feels like it could’ve come out 15 years ago can either be a compliment or insult; here, it’s the former.

“IF” follows a young girl (Cailey Fleming) who, with the help of her neighbor (Ryan Reynolds), sets out to reunite a group of imaginary friends (led by the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell) with their now-grown children. John Krasinski writes, directs and also co-stars.

I really loved John Krasinski on “The Office,” I think he was overlooked by the Emmys for his performance. I was then impressed by his direction of the “Quiet Place” films, so it was a little surprising when he announced his latest directorial effort would be a family film about imaginary friends, though I was intrigued at how things would go. And sure, at its core this is just a $110 million excuse for Krasinski to make his own kids laugh and hang out with some friends (Matt Damon, George Clooney, and wife Emily Blunt, just to namedrop a few vocal cameos), but the old-school nature of the project, partnered with a few effective laughs and heartwarming moments, help overcome some narrative issues.

I was a fan of Ryan Reynolds before the days of “Deadpool,” but like many people I have grown a bit tired of him essentially playing a version of that character in every film since. In “IF,” Reynolds still gets to quip and drop a few swear words (though the PG rating limits him to damn and hell), and I appreciated his downplayed performance. Reynolds shares solid chemistry with Cailey Fleming, who turns in a great performance herself. She has some nice emotional scenes but also some solid comedic timing, and I look forward to seeing her in more things.

Speaking of those emotional moments, some work really well here. Krasinski lets the camera sit on a character going through a moment, or Michael Giacchino’s musical score swells up, and you can’t help but get hit in the feels. As we’ve seen with the “Quiet Place” films, Krasinski is good at directing family dynamics and the (pardon the phrase) quiet human moments, and he does those effectively here. There are a few attempts at nostalgia or heart-warming that don’t land quite as sweet, coming off as either on-the-nose or even a bit cringey, but luckily those aren’t as common.

There is an overall warm sense about the film, which makes sense since it’s all about childhood whimsy, and almost makes it feel like this would play better being watched around the holidays (specifically as a Christmas 2008 release, it just gives off those vibes). The ideas of the film and its imaginary world are never fully explored outside “when kids grow up, they stop believing and thus stop seeing,” and for some that may be a major hindrance. It didn’t really bother me until one plot point in the third act, which opens a can of worms on how exactly the rules of this world operate, and ends the film on a… I won’t say cheesy note, but they just go straight for the emotional jugular instead of an earned moment (from a thematic perspective it works but from a critical one it’s certainly a bit unearned).

“IF” is a family film that will entertain the young kids while still having enough to keep parents engaged (I laughed at a few parts; Krasinski did start his career on the greatest sitcom of all-time, after all). It was nice to see the film with my mom, and see other parents bring their kids; going to the movies with my parents are some of the best memories I have from my childhood. So sure, “IF” may come off as a little too stuffed yet under-developed for some, and I don’t see myself rushing to rewatch it any time soon, but for what it sets out to do and be, I can’t imagine many people handling things better than Krasinski.

Critics Rating: 6/10