IT

(spoiler free)

It’s safe to say that we’re all getting a little tired of remakes. The number of these we see each year seems only to increase, begging the question is there any creativity left in Hollywood? Strangely though ‘IT’ felt somewhat different. The 1990 miniseries is really enjoyable and becomes essential viewing thanks to Tim Curry’s sinister turn as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. However it isn’t without it’s problems and there was definite room for improvement. For this reason I was actually really excited to see another interpretation of Stephen King’s 1986 novel which boasts such a fascinating premise. Released a spine tingling twenty seven years after the original could this remake terrify us all over again?

The story doesn’t deviate too far from what we know; a group of kids are terrorised by a shape-shifting clown amongst an epidemic of missing children during their summer vacation. The way in which the narrative is told this time around harks back to the glorious adventure movies of the 80s such as ‘The Goonies’ or ‘Stand By Me’. Of course being set in this era helps but it was the combination of the coming of age feeling mixed with the devilish dark horror twist that gives it this unique vibe. The horror featured is certainly unmistakable, it’s surprisingly brutal considering the ages of our protagonists and does deal with some seriously dark themes. The confidence not to shy away from this has to be applauded though and should earn the film marks with more hardcore horror fans. Whilst there is a definite sinister presence throughout the movie a lot of the scares are actually incredibly good fun. Instead of traumatising audiences they allow for further engagement into the story and make for a thoroughly entertaining horror experience. 

Despite this strong quality of horror on show here, it’s not the only element of the narrative that dominates the film. Surprisingly ‘IT’ is also delightfully funny, resulting in one of the most boisterous horror movies since Wes Craven’s classic ‘Scream’. Credit is due to the writers here for integrating this so successfully alongside the scares but even more so to the tremendous cast of young performers who portray the group of kids who make up ‘The Losers Club’. I can’t remember a horror film in which I have liked the protagonists so much. I imagine that audiences will feel the same, being perfectly happy to spend time with this young group of characters, at times even forgetting that the film finds itself within the horror genre. The beauty of ‘IT’ is that it could have worked even without the horror element, at times it just feels like an added bonus!

Leading the group of young performers is Jaeden Lieberher who is quickly building an impressive filmography considering his age. Whilst his previous roles have already shown his competent acting ability his work here could be his very best yet. However, it’s ‘Stranger Things’ star Finn Wolfhard who could well end up stealing the show. Delivering much of the wonderful humour present Wolfhard proves himself to be a star in the making, or maybe just a star already! Other stand out performances come courtesy of Jack Dylan Grazer and Sophia Lillis but the whole ensemble of youngsters are fantastic. Of course the performance many will be most eager to witness is that of Bill Skarsgård’s to see if he can adequately fill those massive clown shoes of Tim Curry’s. Thankfully Skarsgård doesn’t do an impression of Curry’s portrayal and his work here doesn’t even feel like a performance. You’ll find yourself watching Pennywise, not an actor playing him. He’s effortless in the role bringing a natural authenticity to this most malevolent of characters.

If pushed for a criticism I’d comment on the use of CGI and how it felt a little jarring at moments. The film had a brilliantly unsettling atmosphere without this and it’s use alongside the practical film making sometimes disturbed this. Nonetheless it’s a minuscule issue almost completely forgivable thanks to the triumphs for horror, remakes and young performers achieved here. ‘IT’ feels like a film discovered in a time capsule from the 80s, demonstrating how to tell a horrifying, hilarious yet heartfelt story in a most entertaining way. 

Rating – 9/10

Question: What is your all time favourite remake?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)

---

Thanks for reading this review and please let me know what you thought about the movie! Leave a comment below or drop me a tweet over at @HCMovieReviews.

---