Last Saturday evening, Namita and I dropped off the kids to go watch The LEGO Ninjago Movie, and we went to go watch the new It film. It’s the first film adaptation of Stephen King’s It novel, although there was a famous adaptation on TV back in the 1990s that I never watched starring some famous actors. I’m not one for scary movies, but my wife likes them.
The film takes place between 1988 and 1989 in the fictional town of Derry, Maine. This small town has been the site for many tragedies, including a huge factory explosion and many missing persons over the decades. Recently there has been an increase of missing children, but the townspeople are strangely numb. We’re introduced initially to Bill and his younger brother George.
Over time, we’re introduced to the rest of the cast of young teenagers who have their own issues and fears, aren’t the cool kids in school, and who often get picked on by the town bullies. They are a bunch of misfits who band together as “The Losers Club” for camaraderie and friendship, to unite against the town bullies, then when they all realize they are all experiencing waking nightmares featuring a clown.
I’ve never read the Stephen King book, and I never watched the 90’s era tv miniseries. I did hear something about “IT” being alternatively a clown and a giant spider. Didn’t know much more than that.
After watching this film with my fingers often shielding my eyes, I’ll say that the film is done really well. The “Losers” are well written as teenage characters, and the actors and actress are very good. Pennywise the Clown is absolutely frightening, and Bill Skaarsgard did a very good job. Good quality film and I definitely recommend it.
Bring your hands so you can cover your eyes during the scary parts like I did. 😉
IT (2017)