IT (2017)

 

Movie Review

Director: Andy Muschietti

Screenplay: Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga, and Gary Dauberman

Starring: Jaeden Lieberher, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff, and Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise

Based on the novel by Stephen King

Thirty-one years ago, the novel It was published by Viking Press, the year was 1986. This was Stephen King’s 18^th novel, and is an impressive 1,138 pages. I read this book as a teenager, as Stephen King novels were always in my house thanks to my older brother and sister. The story takes place in small town Derry, Maine, and revolves around seven childhood friends.

In 1990, Hollywood made a valiant attempt to produce a made-for-TV, two-episode version of It. While this TV version was cast with a lot of very talented actors (Tim Reid, Harry Anderson, Richard Thomas, John Ritter just to name a few), this was a flop. Taking the lead as the unforgettable Pennywise the clown (the menacing evil that takes over Derry Maine), Actor Tim Curry turned in a brilliant performance.

Just like the monster that dwells in Derry, Maine, It has returned, in a shiny new re-boot. It (2017) is creepy and scary in all the right places. The fact that I read the book didn’t save me from jumping at a few scenes, but I liked it. The seven childhood friends; Bill, Ben, Beverly, Richie, Mike, Eddie and Stan are the “Losers”. Not a name they picked for themselves, but one thrust upon them by the bullies who have it in for them. The Losers have all had an encounter with the evil that has come to their town, as if they didn’t have enough to deal with. The Losers have figured out what It is, but It is not easy to get rid of. The characters are likable, and the story keeps you engaged. This film is only half of the book, and at this writing part two is scheduled be released in 2018. It’s a good scare, but if you are not a fan of clowns, you may want to skip this one.

By: Sandie