Review of It (2017) by Wayne K — 01 Nov 2017

A modern horror film which, aside from annoyingly obligatory jump scares and character stereotypes, still manages to be not only scary but strangely affecting, It comes 27 years after the TV miniseries, which featured the principle characters as adults fighting Pennywise the clown.

In this version, it takes place entirely during their childhoods. The child actors here are great, some of the best I've seen in a major motion picture. They're occasionally forced to deliver some silly, dialogue, but they play their parts with real gusto, and easily worm their way into our hearts.

The bully characters are, as per usual, hopelessly one-dimensional, and often feel forced in a high-school movie, even though very little high schooling actually happens. Pennywise himself is a pretty terrifying presence, even if he doesn't actually do that much to harm his intended victims, and most often gives them too many chances to escape.

I understand he wants the kids to be scared, but since he wants to kill, or 'float' them, why doesn't he seem too bothered about doing so? With a few niggles aside, It is a very entertaining movie.

Tense, atmospheric and thoroughly engaging, Stephen King's novel is well served and respectfully adapted.