The fantasy-comedy “IF,” helmed by John Krasinski and starring Ryan Reynolds, is expected to earn a healthy $40 million over its first weekend of release.

Predictions indicate that “IF,” which stands for imaginary friends, will earn between $35 million and $45 million from 4,000 cinemas in North America. Even if the ticket sales prove to be greater than expected, it would be a good beginning for a live-action PG family movie that isn’t based on an already-existing property. However, the $110 million film will need to find widespread appeal in order to cover its costs. “IF” debuted last weekend in two foreign countries, France and Belgium, ahead of its American release. To date, the film has made $3.7 million in these territories. This week, it touches down in 56 more foreign countries.

“IF,” which follows neighbors Cal and Bea (played by Reynolds and Cailey Fleming) who have the power to see other people’s imaginary acquaintances, was written, directed, produced, and starred by Krasinski. In order to reconcile abandoned IFs with their former children, Bea partners up with Cal while her father, Krasnski, is in the hospital. A stellar cast of actors, including Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, Maya Rudolph, Emily Blunt, Jon Stewart, and Steve Carell, voices the IFs.

However, based on current box office forecasts, parents with little children might not care about critical opinions. Family-friendly movies are in high demand, according to theater owners, and “IF” may take the place of the newest kid-friendly release, “Kung Fu Panda 4,” which opens in early March.

“IF” is anticipated to top the box office in North America, but it will face competition from two other recent releases: Lionsgate’s new horror series “The Strangers: Chapter 1” and the Amy Winehouse biography “Back to Black.”

“Back to Black,” from Focus Features, is targeting a $4 million to $6 million domestic opening from 2,008 sites. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, the R-rated movie offers a close-up view of the life and career of a destructive musical genius. Amy Winehouse, a British singer-songwriter who shot to popularity with hits like “Back to Black” and “Rehab,” passed away in 2011 at the age of 27 from alcohol poisoning, is portrayed by Marisa Abela.

For less than $20 million, Focus purchased the film for distribution in the United States and a number of other countries. Internationally, “Back to Black” has already brought in $34 million.

“Back to Black” appears to be lagging behind “The Strangers,” which hopes to gross between $7 and $9 million from 2,800 theaters over its opening weekend. Given its $8.5 million budget, the film ought to do well during its limited theater run.

In other news, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” which won last weekend, is hoping to add $23 million to $26 million in its rerun. The fourth installment of the “Apes” reboot series has made $135 million worldwide and $62 million in the United States thus far.