Film Review: It (2017)

It (2017) brings the coming-of-age horror novel onto the big screen, after years of development and updates to creative tissue it’s here with a bright red balloon. But does it float? Find out as Jordan Samuel reviews the legend

Film Review: It (2017)

After recent cases of disappearing local kids in the town of Derry, Maine, IT follows a group of kids dubbed "The Losers' Club" in the summer of 1989 and their discovery and scary encounters of a shape-shifting demonic entity, known to return every 27 years and preys on your own personal fears.

It (2017) terrified book readers and TV addicts with various adaptations, bringing the classic Steven King (The Shawshank Redemption) story to new generations with the terrifying Pennywise being full front and center. Tim Curry (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) portrayal of the now iconic Pennywise in the It (miniseries) which brought the clown on screen with a creepy smile- creating one of the horror genres oddest monsters.

I read the book in high school, which freaked me out for months on end- with Pennywise haunting my dreams going forward. IT (1989) always had this cinematic experience attached, due to descriptions of those blood pumping scenes. The TV adaptation is lauded for delivering Pennywise to new audiences- with many children and adults being wary of clowns but since then It has remained silent.

Horror Monster genre haven’t seen the best success in recent memory with both awful Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) and Texas Chainsaw (2013) reboots, which failed in reviving the idea of one terrifying force raining havoc. Hollywood has moved on from these gimmicks but fans are still looking for a homage to those simpler days, with the pop culture always being redone it was obvious Pennywise would get a chance.

We’re living in the new horror renascence as fresh ideas are coming into the market, Get Out (2017) broke records for being the most original psychological horror film in decades. Relying on different ways to horrify the audiences, without needing the big monster pulling strings in backgrounds.

After decades of being stuck in a bubble, and forgetting to reinvent horror films have now found their place with directors and studios pushing for experimental ideas. 2017 is set to be the most interesting year in the genre, with projects (Annabelle: Creation, It Comes at Night) taking bounds to be original in crowded Hollywood season.

But Hollywood is adamant to give Pennywise his chance on the big screen, with It (2017) serving as the first in one long series. After the previous Steven King failure, The Dark Tower (2017) can we finally get a good adaptation of his work?

It (2017) is not only a brilliant and faithful adaptation of the original Steven King book but contains the scariest atmosphere in movie history with the mysterious Pennywise terrifying audiences. Director Andrés Muschietti provides a spooky horror classic, which doesn’t get scared to change up whole story elements for modern audiences: not being stuck in pages from the source material.

I preferred this approach with storytelling, as It (2017) doesn’t stumble in being a direct adaptation instead expands upon ideas and scenes keeping the property fresh for new generations. A great performance from newcomer Bill Skarsgård (Atomic Blonde) who pushes this remake into another level.

The story takes place in the town Derry of Maine during summer 1989 as several young children begin to be found dead in the neighborhood. A group of kids forms the Losers Club, which finds out that the killer is a killer clown named Pennywise but little do they know it’s actually a shape-shifting creature. Which can form into things that people are afraid, as the crew team up to destroy it for good: but how do you fight something like that?

Years after being written, Steven King’s (The Dark Tower) odd novel works perfectly in the movie realm bringing together a new horror franchise for adults. Themed around the ideas losing childhood innocence with the really terrible world, all being explained through bad situations: Director Muschietti doesn’t pull strings with these elects as dialogue falls into place.

It (2017) slow and mysterious pace, add to tension with each minute building upon those moments: musical scores and iconic sequences work so much better in the movie formats. Despite not having the largest budget, camera work and set designs put the rebooted project above many cheap unimaginative imitations.

We’re introduced to trans-dimensional evil Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) which only awakens every three decades, as he terrifies the Losers Club who vows revenge for the monster's previous rampages. The beauty of the character is the clown appearance is just a mask for the hideous alien creature, beyond even a sociopath due to his motives being so ancient in scope.

Bill Skarsgård (Atomic Blonde) reinvents Pennywise with a career defining performance, focused on giving audiences their own version of the classic horror monster. He delivers on the horrifying elements of Pennywise; not relying on the slapstick humor seen in the 90’s Tim Curry versions this is a completely evil and twisted adaptation

Skarsgård (Atomic Blonde) is an upcoming force in Hollywood, taking this strange alien character and turning it on the head with a new take on a beloved monster. Both channeling the late Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) with a standout performance and being committed to a horrifyingly tough role. The connection with the child actors is creepy but a blessing to watch on screen, with the whole dynamic feeling fresh and unique

Child actor Jaeden Lieberher (The Book of Henry) is William "Bill" Denbrough leader and assured member of the Losers Club which aims to destroy the creature, the role is meaty and involves a decent connection with our demonic clown.

Willam Denbrough connection to the creature is emotionally charged, which added tension into their sequences. Muschietti doesn’t mess around with these moments, which embrace themes from the book: as William learns about his past history. Jaeden Lieberher (The Book of Henry) doesn’t have the range, but I enjoyed his take on a character which hopefully will grow in upcoming sequels. Pushing forward into the final confrontation

I also enjoyed the other child actors, which surprised me after going into the cinema dressing another set of terrible performances. Their constant banter and comedic moments remind me, of classic the Steven King Adaptation Stand by Me (1987) which went for the same atmosphere. I’m looking forward to potentially seeing these kids grow into roles going forward: because the potential is there for some great character development.

It (2017) reinvents an almost dead franchise, with fresh paint and balloons with great performances from the main cast.  Pennywise will definitely bring horrors to new generations and make up filled nightmares for years to come. After the movie drought this summer it’s great to see such a well-done horror movie, blow the competition out the water

Don’t trust any clowns this season, but Pennywise! And bring along couple red balloons

4/5