John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds' new movie IF is already a hit with fans.

This sweet-natured drama follows a young girl named Bea (The Walking Dead's Cailey Fleming) during a troubled personal time. She unexpectedly starts to see abandoned imaginary friends everywhere, much like her neighbour Cal (Reynolds), and together they strive to reunite these orphan 'IFs' with their former kids.

After preview screenings rolled out this week, social media has now become awash with early reactions.

ryan reynolds and cailey fleming, if
Paramount

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Fortunately for director Krasinski and his mouthwateringly impressive cast – many of the animated IFs are voiced by Hollywood heavyweights like Matt Damon, George Clooney and Emily Blunt – the general consensus seems to be a great big thumbs-up.

One X user wrote: "#IFMovie is adorable! It's a sweet, sincere movie packed full of heart and emotion that'll leave you beaming. @johnkrasinski's direction is solid and @VancityReynolds is as great as ever, but it's Cailey Fleming whose the standout here, she's remarkable! It's honestly a bunch of fun, with great characters and a neat story I had a blast with. Really liked it!"

Meanwhile, another fan review applauded its "pure, beautiful and endearing" storyline that taps into all of our emotions.

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Equally as pleased by what they'd seen at the cinema, a third individual added: "#IFMovie is a sheer delight, a family movie that is has it all. It is a complete joy from start to finish.

"Cailey Fleming gives an incredible performance in a touching and moving film for everyone @johnkrasinski has written and directed a film that will become a family favourite."

Someone else did mention a genuine loveliness to the upcoming movie, although "it can feel a little disjointed to begin with".

"Its humour and heart are firmly in the right place, and Krasinski sure knows how to tug at the emotions when he needs to," they went on to share.

IF is released in cinemas on May 17, with advance screenings on May 11 and 12.

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Dan Seddon

Reporter, Digital Spy 

Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment

In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.