New Film Review: IT

IT
Directed by Andy Muschietti
Screenplay by Chase Palmer; Cary Fukunaga; and Gary Dauberman
Based on the book by Stephen King
Starring Jaeden Lieberher; Jeremy Ray Taylor; Sophie Lillis; Finn Wolfhard; Chosen Jacobs; Jack Dylan Grazer; Wyatt Oleff; and Bill Skarsgard



Well. If you follow my blog often, you know I do not follow horror films. However, IT has such a big promo by advertising, and/or word of mouth, I felt I would give it a try. I usually start these reviews with positives and then I go negative, well I am going to do the opposite here.


Negatives:
-This film is being billed as extremely scary. I disagree. Yes I was scared often but I found it more disturbing. A young child gets his arm removed. A bunch of bullies carve initials into an overweight youngster's stomach. A young teenager is molested by her father. A stutterer gets picked on by bullies A mother mentally abuses a son so he is dependent on her. Yes a fun time in the theatre!! Many times I wanted to walk out. I just do not understand people thinking this is scary fun.
-The screenplay...or the main plot was somewhat confusing. What the heck is Pennywise? Is he a ghost? I will go with ghost. So if he is a ghost why does he need to eat. Why is he putting some kids to sleep? I just think it is a mess. I think they are throwing a bunch of scary stuff out there to see if it sticks or makes sense. Plus..........where are the adults???!! Kids are disappearing!!! The end......no Police???!!


Well, there are some nice positives:
-There are some good moments. There are moments when all the kids are together. Like when they are swimming, or just trying to work together to find a way to get to Pennywise. Those moments remind me of Goonies; or Super 8; or Stand By Me. Or even the wonderful TV show Stranger Things. Sadly when the screenplay takes us from those moments I think the film loses something special.
-The actors!! Every single one of these kids are fantastic.
I will highlight the two leaders of the group:
Jared Lieberher...I think he gives an Oscar worthy performance here. As Bill the stutterer. He lost his brother but he has to be strong...and weak all at the same time. All this while he is falling for Beverly. This kid is a wonderful actor...see The Book Of Henry. See St Vincent. See Midnight Special. The kid is always spot on. He is so good you watch him when he is not speaking and just watching the group. He has a presence.
Sophie Lillis as Beverly Marsh. Where did she come from. She plays a part with so many levels. A bad reputation at school, which is not deserved. A father who molests her. Yet she is strong and you believe it!! What a find!!!!!


Well......2 1/2 stars out of 5 for IT. Mainly for the performances. Plus I guess...I am opened minded enough to know if you are a horror fan and you came for screams, and that is what you pay for...well it delivers most of the time. ( I jumped more while watching Get Out...just saying).


From the shadows as always thanks for your time.