IT REVIEW

A group of bullied kids band together when a monster, taking the appearance of a clown, begins hunting children.

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

Directed by: Andy Muschietti

Written by: Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga, and Gary Dauberman

  It has become common to hear a lot of complaints about remakes especially horror remakes. It’s rare for one to actually receive some positive hype like the way “IT” has. Social media has been buzzing a long time for this movie, and it’s finally here. So you know the question…does “IT” live up to the hype?

  Right off the bat it’s great to see that this movie is rated R. For those familiar with the original, Georgie (Jackson Robert Scott) chases his toy boat down the street, into the sewer, and runs into Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard). That scene ends not showing much, but this remake shows the bloody tragedy that takes place. It sets the tone for many more bloody scenes, and proves that just because they’re kids that doesn’t mean they can’t get hurt.

  Speaking of the kids, this so called ‘Losers Club’ is anything but that. They’re a great mix of characters, and the acting by each kid is spot on. The kids have many of the characteristics found in the original like Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) stuttering, and Eddie (Jack Dylan Grazer) being a mamma’s boy. Richie (Finn Wolfhard) is particularly great, as he’s mocked for not shutting up, and really lets loose with his fowl mouth. They’ll definitely have the audience routing for them individually, and as the ‘Losers Club.’

  Now to Pennywise! This is where some will have mixed feelings. Yes, Tim Curry did an excellent job in the original, and many are right by saying his performance can’t be topped. However, don’t let that stop you from seeing and enjoying this movie. This Pennywise is dressed a little darker, and certainly acts that way. When they talk about Pennywise eating the children, he really brings new meaning to that. However, be prepared for some questionable CGI.

  Pennywise tries really hard to bring out the fear in the kids, and scare the audience. While he might not scare horror fans, he might just do a number on non-horror fans and those afraid of clowns. One of the craziest scenes is when the kids are watching a film in the garage. It starts off slow, but soon enough becomes a big problem for them. The scenes when the kids are in Pennywise’s house, and later in the well are pretty intense. Pennywise definitely wasn’t lying when he said “we all float down here!”

  So yes, for the most part “IT” lives up to the hype. The R rating alone gives this version a major upgrade. Some will like this Pennywise, while others will still prefer the original. Either way, he’ll produce scares that the seasoned horror fan should appreciate while they enjoy watching others jump out of their seats. Most of all, the kids will have the audience eating out of their hands. The acting by the entire Losers Club should be applauded. With that, I give “IT” 4 pools of blood and a red balloon!

  HorrO