“IF” may get by. It’s sincere. As the song from “The Music Man” asks: How can there be any sin in that?

It’s also maudlin enough to force you into a defensive emotional crouch for an hour and 44 minutes. I speak for an audience of one here. Others may experience an entirely different set of side effects to a movie with a weirdly groggy and medicinal aura.

As his popular success with the first two “Quiet Place” monster movies asserted, writer-director John Krasinski knows how to balance thrills and miles and miles and miles of heart. He’s a pro at prolonging and screw-tightening a scene where something enormous and potentially scary is about to leap into frame. The same thing happens in “IF,” a lot, this time to mild “gotcha!” comic effect.

The fantasy this time concerns Bea, a wise, empathetic, privately grieving 12-year-old played by the first-rate and periodically movie-saving Cailey Fleming (of “The Walking Dead”). Bea’s mother has been dead for some time. The girl visits her grandmother (Fiona Shaw), while her practical joke-addicted father (Krasinski, seriously misjudging the average human’s tolerance for practical jokes) undergoes tests for heart trouble in the very same hospital where Bea’s mother died.

In Brooklyn, New York, on magically shining streets and in sun-drenched interiors provided by cinematographer and frequent Steven Spielberg collaborator Janusz Kaminski, Bea finds herself beset by a series of imaginary friends, most of them long separated from their human companions of old. “IF” sets up a scenario in which Bea and former clown Cal, now a testy, sullen lost soul played by Ryan Reynolds in a similarly thwarted limbo state, start a matchmaking agency to reunite the IFs with their now-adult companions, or else find suitable new matches. Their IF colleague is Blossom, an animated early Disney-esque creation voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. There are some promising ideas afoot. The IFs, the most prominent being the purple goofball Blue voiced by Steve Carell, reside beneath Coney Island in a magical retirement home. The voice casting boasts plenty of talent and fame, from George Clooney (as an astronaut IF) to Emily Blunt (as a unicorn IF) to the late Louis Gossett Jr., as a wise and mellow Teddy bear, Lewis. It’s genuinely sweet to hear Gossett Jr.’s easygoing delivery one more time.

Krasinski hasn’t overplotted his story, exactly, but it’s heavily padded and dangerously light on actual jokes. Reynolds’ Cal is all impatience with next to no story reason for being, besides one big reason sprung at the end. At its core, “IF” deals with rampant anxieties coated in honey, a one-two combination deployed in countless stories beloved by both children and adults. But whimsy that periodically goes for the throat is not easy to pull off. “IF” reminds us how certain key ingredients — charm, wit, clarity, emotional tact and resonance — cannot be willed into narrative existence, or fixed in post.

At one crucial juncture Bea, promised earlier by her father that he will not die on her, is put through the wringer not knowing if he’s dead or alive, even though the saintly nurse perpetually on call (Liza Colón Zayas of “The Bear”) makes it super clear in the preceding scene that he’ll be fine. I mean, anything’s possible in a health crisis. But I’m not sure Krasinski was clear on his own intentions at this point, other than to jack us around a little for sport.

The larger issue is one of messaging. “IF” caters to a young audience, of course, and to fathers and daughters everywhere, as well as parents and adult guardians who’ve given up on the wonderment of childhood and the sweet innocence of made-up friends and the tonic of pure imagination. Character to character, the script sells everyone’s emotional lives short. It’s a strangely scold-y sort of heart-yanker, calling out the ignorance of grown-ups who ditched their IFs and childhood treasures as they grew up. Pixar digs this idea the most, as we know, and the best Pixar films brake right at the edge of shameless pathos while surprising us with little details and larger, deeper emotional crossroads. “IF” feels like well-meaning guesswork, with an eye toward the suspiciously familiar. When humans and IFs find each other again, it’s the heart-light routine from “E.T.” When the sadness of the abandoned IFs dominates the narrative, it’s like watching “Inside Out” populated entirely by Bing Bongs.

Not that it was written for kids, but millions of us adored the Mary Chase stage fantasy “Harvey” at a young age, or any age, the one about tippler and philosopher Elwood P. Dowd and his undeniable 6-foot invisible rabbit friend. Krasinski loves it, too; twice in “IF,” we’re shown scenes from the 1950 James Stewart film version. The lack of harsh language in “IF” may be reassurance enough for families today, though the general, nattering sourness of the banter in Krasinski’s story is something of a drag.

The biggest surprise? The great film composer Michael Giacchino gives “IF” a cruelly insistent childlike musical theme that may be the first substandard leitmotif he has ever written. By the 90-minute mark, that theme — and the movie it captures all too well — may have you wishing upon a star for a cameo appearance by one of the extraterrestrials from “A Quiet Place.”

‘IF’

1.5 stars (out of 4)

MPA rating: PG (for thematic elements and mild language)

Running time: 1:44

How to watch: In theaters May 17

Ryan Jeffers got the Twins’ offense started on the right note in the first inning on Tuesday night, smacking the first leadoff home run of his career. It would be the only run the Twins would score in 27 innings against the New York Yankees.

Another slow day at the plate on Thursday led the Twins to their third straight loss, this one a 5-0 defeat to cap the Yankees’ three-game sweep at Target Field.

There was almost no offense to speak of Thursday against Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt, who threw seven innings and allowed just three hits while striking out eight.

Until Carlos Correa’s double in the sixth inning, no Twins (24-19) baserunner had even advanced past first base. He was the only one to touch second in the loss.

The Yankees (30-15) had no such issues. Leadoff hitter Anthony Volpe hit a home run on a Joe Ryan fastball, helping set the tone for the day.

The Yankees would collect another two runs in the first inning, one on a ball that Alex Kirilloff got a glove on but could not snag. It was ruled a double, though easily could have been charged as an error. Another run scored on a groundout.

Ryan would give up one more run in his 5⅓ innings of work, settling in after the difficult first inning.

Yankees superstar Aaron Judge was in the middle of things once again, hitting a pair of doubles and walking and scoring once. After he went 4 for 4 with a walk a day earlier, a Twins pitcher, Ryan, finally retired him in the fifth inning.

That out? A flyball that traveled 409 feet out to center and would have been a home run in 18 of 30 parks.

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The serene lake, the towering evergreens and shaded hiking trails — there are plenty of reasons to jet off to South Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re looking to hit the trails or splash on shore, you’ll likely need a meal and a post-hike brew to refuel between adventures. And the South Lake beer and breakfast scene makes it easy to enjoy the lake’s scenic wonders without skimping on what’s in your glass or on your plate.

There are plenty of spots that boast delicious scrambles, Benedicts and other brunchy fare. But head for the Artemis Lakefront Café, and you can enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired menu lakeside. Take in the water views while sipping mimosas and espresso drinks by the giant outdoor fire pit or on the patio. The Greek Breakfast ($17) offers gyro slices sautéed with peppers and onions, topped with feta and served alongside eggs, herb roasted potatoes and pita bread. They’re open for lunch and dinner, too.

Heidi’s Pancake House and its bright yellow chalet are a South Lake Tahoe institution — it opened in 1964 — and a great place to start any pancakes-to-pilsners itinerary. Order a Heidi’s Short Stack ($11.49) with four buttermilk or buckwheat pancakes or indulge in a Bacon Stack ($15), six pancakes with bits of crispy bacon cooked right into the batter.

Meanwhile, the Driftwood Café puts you right in the middle of the Heavenly Village action. Their breakfast burrito ($14) holds a special place in our hearts (and bellies) with its plentiful filling of scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage (or avocado), hash browns, cheese and housemade salsa. And the lineup of “primo pancakes and wacky waffles” includes a loaded waffle ($14) topped with bananas, granola and yogurt.

The beer garden at South Lake Brewing Co.in South Lake Tahoe includes ski lift seating. (Courtesy South Lake Brewing Co.)

And the casual, counter-service Sprouts Natural Café blends fresh smoothies ($7.50 to $8.25) to order, with a morning menu that includes Breakfast Bowls ($12.75), with brown rice, beans, steamed cage-free eggs, melted jack and avocado, and Huevos Verduras Rancheros ($13.50) that pile on the veggies.

Then hit the trails and enjoy the summery outdoor scene. When you’re ready, we’ll be waiting with some craft beer destination suggestions and — oh hello, here you are!

South Lake Tahoe has plenty of bars and restaurants, but if we’re focusing on what’s brewed here, head for South Lake Brewing Company. You can choose the local’s option and head for the brewery, where a taproom, beer garden with picnic tables and ski lift seating (yes, really) and rotating food trucks await. Or opt for the company’s Libation Lodge across the street from Heavenly Village and enjoy beer (and food).

We’re smitten with South Lake Brewing‘s “shot ski” style serves — no, no, not the high-alcohol, quick-consumption shots you find at some bars. The brewery uses skis for its beer tasting flights. Most people opt for the five-taste option which uses a pint-sized ski to serve two-ounce pours of five brews on tap. If you’ve brought a group and want to taste the entire line-up, there’s a 16 taster, full-ski option.

The Marlette Sunrise, a blood orange blonde, and the Fog Nozzle hazy IPA are the two flagships, both delicious but in very different ways. Every beer has a fun name, the artwork aligns with Tahoe vibes, and you’ll find many brews available by the can in the grab-and-go fridge, in case you want a brew on the go. Expert tip: When it’s time to refuel, the oversized pretzel with beer cheese ($16) does not disappoint.

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South of North Brewing Co. is a sweet little outdoor space that offers terrific Tahoe ambience and an impressive collection of beers brewed on-site in a converted hotel room. (Yes, really, and if the brewer is around, you can catch a peek.)

If I had to pick just one of their brews to drink all day, the Explorer Cream Ale comes top of mind. It’s described as a California Cream Ale, but the style is largely European and offers a milky mouthfeel with a touch of vanilla. The Front Porch Pilsner is a great pick too, an easy drinker that’s light on the palate. There’s a large line-up of IPAs and even a double IPA, but as a small-batch brewery, everything is on seasonal rotation and kegs occasionally run out.

South Lake Tahoe’s South of North Brewing Co. serves up an eclectic array of brews in an outdoor space that invites guests to linger. (Courtesy Erin Goody for South of North Brewing Co.)

Plan to hang out awhile so you can enjoy the outdoor area with its picnic tables and giant fire pits surrounded by Adirondack chairs and cafe lights, or head inside to catch a game in the bar. Keep an eye on the brewery calendar, if you’re interested in trivia nights.

Finish your day at Cold Water Brewery and Grill, a full-service pub in the Swiss Chalet Village, where you can grab dinner with your beer flight. You’ll find brews that echo the laidback lake style with names such as Feel Good IPA, Lake it Easy Pilsner and It’s All Pine by Me IPA. If you like darker brews, the Stillwater Stout is a delicious combination of coffee, caramel and chocolate flavors. The crowd-pleasing Mr. Toad’s Wild Rye is a malt-forward amber with a hint of grass and spice.

Or, if you want games along with your drinks, The Hangar is a great outdoor option. This taproom and bottle shop sits on an acre near the Tahoe forest and works with other breweries to curate their list of offerings. There’s space to picnic, food trucks and an adults-only play zone that offers bocce, corn hole and other lawn games. And for the indoor crowd, there’s the Flatstick Pub which offers mini golf, a full bar with beer on tap, and adult-only and family-friendly hours so you can choose your own experience as you…

Lake it Easy.

If You Go

Artemis Lakefront Café: Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 900 Ski Run Blvd., Suite 111, South Lake Tahoe; http://artemislakefrontcafe.com/.

Heidi’s Pancake House: Open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at 3485 Lake Tahoe Blvd.; www.heidislaketahoe.com.

Driftwood Café: Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at 1001 Heavenly Village Way; www.driftwoodtahoe.com.

Sprouts Café: Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at 3123 Harrison Ave.; www.sproutscafetahoe.com.

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South Lake Brewing Company: The Libation Lodge is open from noon to 9 p.m. at 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite 26. The brewery taproom and beer garden are open from 2 to 8:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and noon to 9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday at 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd.; www.southlakebeer.com.

South of North Brewing Co.: Open from 2 to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and noon to 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday at 932B Stateline Ave.; www.southofnorthbeer.com.

Cold Water Brewery and Grill: Open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and until 8:30 p.m. on Friday-Saturday at 2544 Lake Tahoe Blvd; https://tahoecoldwaterbrewery.com/

The Hangar: Open from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and until 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday at 2401B Lake Tahoe Blvd.; www.thehangarlaketahoe.com.

By SETH BORENSTEIN (AP Science Writer)

Ocean temperatures that have gone “crazy haywire” hot, especially in the Atlantic, are close to making the current global coral bleaching event the worst in history. It’s so bad that scientists are hoping for a few hurricanes to cool things off.

More than three-fifths — 62.9% — of the world’s coral reefs are badly hurting from a bleaching event that began last year and is continuing. That’s nearing the record of 65.7% in 2017, when from 2009 to 2017 about one-seventh of the world’s coral died, said Derek Manzello, coordinator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coral Reef Watch Program.

When water gets too hot, coral, which are living creatures, bleach and sometimes die.

In the Atlantic, off the Florida coast and in the Caribbean, about 99.7% of the coral reefs have been hit with “very very severe” losses in staghorn and elkhorn species, Manzello said Thursday in NOAA’s monthly climate briefing. Sixty-two countries are seeing damaged coral, with Thailand shutting off a tourist-laden island to try to save the coral there.

Meteorologists say a La Nina — a natural cooling of parts of the Pacific that changes the weather worldwide — is forecast to develop soon and perhaps cool oceans a bit, but Manzello said it may be too little and too late.

“I still am very worried about the state of the world’s coral reefs just because we’re seeing things play out right now that are just very unexpected and extreme,” Manzello said.

“This wouldn’t be happening without climate change. That’s basically the cornerstone of all the ocean warming we’re seeing,” Manzello said. But on top of that are changes in El Nino, the reverse of La Nina and a natural warming of ocean waters; reduced sulfur pollution from ships and an undersea volcano eruption.

Former top NASA climate scientist James Hansen said “acceleration of global warming is now hard to deny” in a new analysis and statement Thursday.

For coral, it comes down to how hot the water is and “things have just gone crazy haywire with ocean temperatures in the last year,” Manzello said. He said hurricanes bring up cool water from deep and benefit coral reefs if they don’t hit them directly.

“Hurricanes can be devastating for reefs,” Manzello. “But in the grand scheme of things and given the current situation we are in on planet Earth, they’re now a good thing essentially, which is kind of mind-blowing.”

On Wednesday, parts of the Atlantic where hurricanes often develop had an ocean heat content — which measures water warmth at depths — equivalent to mid-August, said hurricane researchers Brian McNoldy at the University of Miami and Phil Klotzbach at Colorado State University.

The world’s oceans last month broke a record for the hottest April on record. It was the 13th straight month global seas broke records, and because the oceans are slow to cool or warm, more records are likely, said Karin Gleason, NOAA’s climate monitoring chief.

Coral reefs are key to seafood production and tourism worldwide. Scientific reports have long said loss of coral is one of the big tipping points of future warming as the world nears 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming since pre-industrial time. That’s a limit that countries agreed to try to hold to in the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

“This is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet,” said Andrew Pershing, a biological oceanographer who is vice president for science of Climate Central. “It’s an ecosystem that we’re literally going to watch disappear in our lifetimes.”

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Read more of AP’s climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment

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Follow Seth Borenstein on X at @borenbears

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The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.