It - Review
Director: Andy Muschietti
Cast: Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher
Based on Stephen King's horror-struck novel of the same name, It is one of 2017's most anticipate features; the trailer broke the record for the most views online within 24 hours, certifying that Pennywise the Dancing Clown (and unnerving clowns in general) and his bloodthirsty appeal are too enticing for audiences to resist.
Every 27 years, and ancient shape-shifting manifestation of evil emerges from the sewers in Derry, Maine and preys upon the town's children. Spurred by the disappearance of young Georgie, seven pre-adolescent outcasts (giving themselves the name "The Losers Club") join forces to overthrow the murderous clown known as Pennywise over the course of one petrifying summer.
It boasts a stellar ensemble cast, primarily consisting of young actors barely in their teens, and director Andy Muschietti helps to produce fantastic performances from each and every one of them. The dynamic that exists between The Losers Club has strong echoes of The Goonies, Stand By Me and the recent streaming smash Stranger Things (one of the show's stars, Finn Wolfhard, also plays one of the principal characters in It as the loudmouth, wise-cracking Richard "Richie" Tozier) and the jokes that fly back and forth in the crew make for entertainingly joyful viewing. Each member has their own distinct disposition, from the timid leader Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) who is cast in the shadow of his little brother's disappearance, the severely hypochondriac and anxious Eddie (Jack Dylan Grazer) to the kind hearted but misunderstood Beverly (Sophia Lillis), The Losers Club only female recruit. This blending of personalities result in a special alchemy and make their bond utterly convincing but not all of the characters are so thoroughly enriched. Mike Hanlen (Chosen Jacobs) and Stanley Uris (Wyatt Olef) are underdeveloped in comparison to their counterparts but both characters hold a lot of promise that will hopefully be realised in the film's inevitable second chapter. Although, saying "goodbye" to this talented cohort of young actors will transpire to be a bitter departure.
Having previously been adapted into a 1990 TV miniseries, It featured an iconic performance by Tim Curry as Pennywise and his rendition of the character has stood the fickle test of time. Likewise, Bill Skarsgard's efforts as the callous clown is one of the film's finest offerings and the actor is equally as impressionable with his portrayal. Similarly to the great white shark lurking in the water in Amity Island in Jaws, Pennywise is used sparsely, inducing the fear of God into you before retreating to prepare for his next gruesome attack - like a predator playing with his food before it takes the fatal bite. Skarsgard gives the character a depth beyond the terrifying veneer and imbues him with ticks, such as a dribble of spit secreting from his mouth, that make him simultaneously feral and human. Like any living being, Pennywise is driven by a need for survival and can ultimately only thrive and prosper by invoking fear into the children of Derry. He succeeds, but out of his greatest strength emerges his only weakness - he fears not being feared.
Audiences with an aversion to horror films need not be deterred from It as the film is surprisingly light on genuine scares. Instead, it favours tower the human drama that consumes The Losers Club; with missing siblings, overbearing parents and sexual abuse all causing the young teens emotional trauma, It suggests that the terror happens behind closed doors. This notion is epitomised by Bill who delivers a rousing speech before he and the gang enter the Neibolt house, Pennywise's headquarters, expressing that entering his home where his missing brother's presence permeates every room is far more distressing than anything that exists in Pennywise's lair.
Blessed with an impressive script brought to life by an excellent cast and thoughtful direction, It is the rare horror movie that successfully blends tension, drama and even comedy and as a result packs a surprising amount of heart.
EB
Cast: Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher
Based on Stephen King's horror-struck novel of the same name, It is one of 2017's most anticipate features; the trailer broke the record for the most views online within 24 hours, certifying that Pennywise the Dancing Clown (and unnerving clowns in general) and his bloodthirsty appeal are too enticing for audiences to resist.Every 27 years, and ancient shape-shifting manifestation of evil emerges from the sewers in Derry, Maine and preys upon the town's children. Spurred by the disappearance of young Georgie, seven pre-adolescent outcasts (giving themselves the name "The Losers Club") join forces to overthrow the murderous clown known as Pennywise over the course of one petrifying summer.
It boasts a stellar ensemble cast, primarily consisting of young actors barely in their teens, and director Andy Muschietti helps to produce fantastic performances from each and every one of them. The dynamic that exists between The Losers Club has strong echoes of The Goonies, Stand By Me and the recent streaming smash Stranger Things (one of the show's stars, Finn Wolfhard, also plays one of the principal characters in It as the loudmouth, wise-cracking Richard "Richie" Tozier) and the jokes that fly back and forth in the crew make for entertainingly joyful viewing. Each member has their own distinct disposition, from the timid leader Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) who is cast in the shadow of his little brother's disappearance, the severely hypochondriac and anxious Eddie (Jack Dylan Grazer) to the kind hearted but misunderstood Beverly (Sophia Lillis), The Losers Club only female recruit. This blending of personalities result in a special alchemy and make their bond utterly convincing but not all of the characters are so thoroughly enriched. Mike Hanlen (Chosen Jacobs) and Stanley Uris (Wyatt Olef) are underdeveloped in comparison to their counterparts but both characters hold a lot of promise that will hopefully be realised in the film's inevitable second chapter. Although, saying "goodbye" to this talented cohort of young actors will transpire to be a bitter departure.
Having previously been adapted into a 1990 TV miniseries, It featured an iconic performance by Tim Curry as Pennywise and his rendition of the character has stood the fickle test of time. Likewise, Bill Skarsgard's efforts as the callous clown is one of the film's finest offerings and the actor is equally as impressionable with his portrayal. Similarly to the great white shark lurking in the water in Amity Island in Jaws, Pennywise is used sparsely, inducing the fear of God into you before retreating to prepare for his next gruesome attack - like a predator playing with his food before it takes the fatal bite. Skarsgard gives the character a depth beyond the terrifying veneer and imbues him with ticks, such as a dribble of spit secreting from his mouth, that make him simultaneously feral and human. Like any living being, Pennywise is driven by a need for survival and can ultimately only thrive and prosper by invoking fear into the children of Derry. He succeeds, but out of his greatest strength emerges his only weakness - he fears not being feared.
Audiences with an aversion to horror films need not be deterred from It as the film is surprisingly light on genuine scares. Instead, it favours tower the human drama that consumes The Losers Club; with missing siblings, overbearing parents and sexual abuse all causing the young teens emotional trauma, It suggests that the terror happens behind closed doors. This notion is epitomised by Bill who delivers a rousing speech before he and the gang enter the Neibolt house, Pennywise's headquarters, expressing that entering his home where his missing brother's presence permeates every room is far more distressing than anything that exists in Pennywise's lair.
Blessed with an impressive script brought to life by an excellent cast and thoughtful direction, It is the rare horror movie that successfully blends tension, drama and even comedy and as a result packs a surprising amount of heart.
EB
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