IT: CHAPTER ONE REVIEW

    Spoiler Free Review    

     It: Chapter One (2017) directed by Andy Muschietti is a recently released movie that is an adaptation from the 1986 Stephen King novel of the same name.  As of this writing, It: Chapter One is one of the highest grossing horror films of all time, and for good reason.  The story follows a group social outcasts in 1989 called the Losers Club as they attempt to fight back against an evil supernatural force that takes the form of a clown called Pennywise.  It: Chapter One is the first in a presumably two-part series (although knowing Hollywood’s money grubbing nature they may stretch it out to three films) that follows the Losers Club when they are thirteen year olds.  The second film will take place when they are adults.  It: Chapter One is one of the best adaptations of a Stephen King novel I have ever seen, as well as the scariest.

    Part of the reason It: Chapter One is such a great adaptation is because it is able to concisely capture the children’s portion of the novel in just two hours and fifteen minutes.  The novel, on the other hand, is over a thousand pages long with the children’s section of the book taking up a major portion of the book.  This film is also able to adapt the major theme from the novel as well.  It: Chapter One captures the novel’s portrayals of childhood trauma, the cluelessness of adults, the dark hidden pasts of small towns, and the power of strength in numbers against a force of unknowable evil.

     All of the film’s actors are perfectly cast in their respective roles.  If they keep their noses clean and don’t let the negative aspects of the entertainment industry affect them, I predict they will be major stars for years to come.

     Bill Skarsgard’s performance as Pennywise the Dancing Clown is absolutely out of this world.  Skarsgards is able to balance Pennywise’s creepy cheerfulness and murderous child killer superbly. While watching this film, I did not think of Pennywise as a guy in a clown suit.  I thought of Pennywise as a monster.  That is truly the mark of great actor because Pennywise is supposed to be unknowable.  Pennywise is supposed to be a monster in every way shape and form.  This is saying something considering that Tim Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise in the 1990 TV movie adaption of It was great as well.  Skarsgard has surpassed Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise in every facet possible. Skarsgard’s performance will go down in history as one of cinema’s scariest and greatest villains.

       Director Andy Muschietti is the one person that deserves the most praise.  He is able to take a novel many people thought was unfilmable and balance the challenge of managing child actors, a complex storyline, and most importantly provide a truly terrifying movie going experience.  Muschietti will be back to direct It: Chapter Two and he’s going to have to work hard to top himself, but I’m confident he’ll be able to pull it off.

        Overall, It: Chapter One is a modern horror masterpiece.  This movie should prove to Hollywood that as long as they make great movies, people will come to the theater in droves in order to see it. The sheer creepiness of this film will make you want to sleep with the lights on for a few days.  This film balances the tender moments with scenes that are incredibly disturbing to both the eyes and ears.  It: Chapter One presses the gas in the very first scene and doesn’t let off the pedal of dread until the final moments.  See this movie while it is still in theaters.    

        Overall Rating:  *****