'It: Chapter One' (2017)—A Movie Review

If you ever see a floating red balloon along the street chances are that Pennywise the Dancing Clown is stalking you.

Based on the chilling novel by author Stephen King, It centers around the lives of seven outcasts, known as "The Losers Club," whose town is being endlessly pursued by a demonic clown. The kids must team up and face their fears before one of them is next on death’s door.

I remember the day I saw It in theaters back in 2017. My heart was in the pit of my stomach, excited and nervous at the same time. There were times when I jumped up in my seat or leaned forward in anticipation to see what would happen next. That is what it’s like to watch on first viewing. On second viewings, It surprisingly is not that scary. I wouldn’t let your child see the film quite yet as a few disturbing images and frightening scenes to note.

This is my favorite adaptation of It. In 1990 a televised version of It was released in two parts. Although it was quite successful, to me it wasn’t as strong of an adaptation. In contrast to how the director disliked the second act of his miniseries feeling as though the adult actors were not strong enough to the child counterparts, I disagree. Although the kid actors in the 1990 version did a great job, they weren’t memorable and their friendship didn’t sell.

It (2017) is chalked up with gifted young actors, breathtaking story development, and even visual effects that didn’t have the needed technology in its predecessor. The novel by Stephen King is a book that weighs you down while reading. The great King loves details and so do I. Director Andy Muschietti, does a terrific job condensing the first half of the novel into a riveting work.

Starring many gifted young actors the message about friendship has a great impact. Jaeden Lieberher (Bill), Jeremy Ray Taylor (Ben), Sophia Lillis (Beverly), Finn Wolfhard (Richie), Jack Dylan Grazer (Eddie), Wyatt Oleff (Stanley) and Chosen Jacobs (Mike) star as the seven misfits who are each going through rough patches. I can just feel their chemistry as they joke around, comfort one another, and just be kids. That’s what I feel that the 1990 version was missing.

Not only are they trying to stay clear of the demonic clown who haunts them with their worst fears, but the bullies are also a worse matter. Every single actor is genuine in their character. Behind the scenes, Nicholas Hamilton who played the cruel Henry Bowers was a very nice person. Acting takes commitment. You have to take yourself into this new personality and take on the part.

Now it’s time I talked about Bill Skarsgard's performance as the terrifying Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The 1990 version of It was made memorable for Tim Curry’s chilling performance and even one-liners. In the newest version, Pennywise has a different look, an almost similar personality to Tim Curry’s version, but he creates more subtly.

The visuals are stunning sans for a few noticeable CGI mistakes. And there are also a few missing scenes that could have made the film a little stronger. Important scenes of Bill and his parents were deleted and even an ending that could have given the film needed closure. Also, a few other character development scenes between the group of friends were scrapped.

It (2017) delivers a genuine scare and is packed full of the best funny one-liners delivered by Wolfhard. I could watch It a thousand times and never get bored with it. I cannot wait to see what It: Chapter 2 will add to this enthralling and creepy story about the powers of friendship. Together you can have an epic match with an evil clown.