Actor John Krasinski’s movie “IF” had the highest box-office sales for the weekend, with a $35 million North American debut. Mr. Krasinski, known for his role in the comedic “Office” series, made the children’s movie “IF” based on his daughter’s imagination.
The movie features a set of imaginary beings that only a child can see. The movie was not liked by critics but loved by the general audience, with a 46 and 87 percent of approval respectively on the film ranking site Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers described the movie as “heartwarming, silly, and entertaining,” while site-approved critics said it was overly “loud” and “writ large” despite its “star-studded” voice cast.
The movie stars Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, and an army of A-list voices, including Steve Carell, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Louis Gossett Jr., Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Maya Rudolph. Paramount debuted the film, which cost a reported $110 million to produce, in 4,041 locations in North America.
Internationally, it earned an estimated $20 million from 56 markets, adding up to a $55 million global debut. “Families came out in force and they loved the film,” said Chris Aronson, who heads Paramount’s domestic distribution. Box office revenue this year was no match for 2023, with movies like “Barbie” having a debut of $162 million and the 3D children’s movie “Super Mario Bros.
” opening with $146 million in 2023. This year, after children’s “IF” with $35 million, .
