Review: IT (2017)

 

2017 Theatrical Release Poster

Review Rating: 4.8 out of 5

 

IT was released September 8, 2017 and is directed by Andy Muschietti. To say that the buzz about this movie was high is a massive understatement as it previously held the record of the most watched trailer on the internet. The question loomed large, would it live up to the hype?

1990 TV Mini-Series Release Poster

 IT was originally released in 1986 as a novel written by legendary horror writer Stephen King in 1986. It was then released as a made-for-TV mini series in 1990 on ABC. Besides the great performance from the legendary actor Tim Curry as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, the TV adaptation falls rather flat and is disappointing.

Like the book and the 1990 made-for-TV version, this 2017 theatrical release is a story takes place in a fictional town called Derry in Maine. It follows a group of kids in their early teens known as The Losers Club. They are the outsiders in Derry that are dealing with their own issues and end up finding validation, acceptance and a great camaraderie. This ends up being exactly what they need to fight the terrifying antagonist known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. An entity from another dimension that has existed for billions of years. This being is able to present itself in any form it wishes, it knows what it's target fears. Worse yet, it's favorite target is children as they are the most vulnerable and easy to scare. It's favorite form is the twisted clown, Pennywise.

The cast is so strong in this movie it's incredible. Especially the children that make up The Losers Club. I found each character to be well written and performed perfectly. Even more impressive, the movie does a great job in properly showing you each character's personality traits and fears. I found myself caring about each character as they weren't simply "meat" to be killed off. As the movie moves along your care for each Losers Club member grows. In order for a horror movie to be effective, the audience needs to care about the protagonists and this movie gives you that. They bring such "heart" to this film. To say that about a cast in a horror is beyond rare. An honorable mention for me goes to the young actress Sophia Lillis, who plays Beverly. Her performance is full of nuance & shows a true maturity far beyond her years.

Pennywise The Dancing Down (played by Bill Skarsgard)

 One of the many questions that were "floating" around the internet about this movie before it was released was, "Who is playing Pennywise?" "What is he going to look like?" Immediately after we finally got the news and pictures of the shape shifting clown, reactions were strong. My reaction was strong. I was thrilled. I thought the look of him was perfect. I believed the worst thing that could've been done was to rehash the look of Tim Curry's version of the evil entity. I felt that Curry's version is untouchable and should remain that way. I found people (which was bound to happen) comparing everything about this new Pennywise to the mini-series version ridiculous. Nothing will take away from what Curry was able to do with the character, so leave it alone.
Bill Skarsgard's portrayal of Pennywise is haunting, humorous at times & downright horrifying. He's able to show the complexity of the character & puts his all in this performance. Like the rest of the cast, you see a character development even with Pennywise. He's not a one dimensional villain and Skarsgard creates a monster truly worthy of your attention and fright.


Summary:
After such a long wait for a theatrical release this movie is truly worth it and more. A classic to be sure.  It delivers on so many fronts. To have a horror movie that offers so many different things is something to behold and will have folks "floating" for years to come.