There was nothing wrong with the original It (and the sequel), starring Tim Curry as the evil clown, Pennywise, aside from the fact that it was one of many films in which Tim was typecast due to Rocky Horror Picture Show. That doesn't reflect on the film, though - it reflects on Hollywood, which has many flaws (recycling the same movie over and over again, typecasting, sexual abuse, substance abuse and much more if even a fraction of the rumors are true).
I didn't have the same reaction to the new one as the old one, though. Neither of them scared me, but that was because I got past my fear of horror films a very long time ago. I think it was more about the portrayal of the members of the "Losers' Club" and how they ended up growing by helping each other, and helping other victimized kids. Sure, Richie was an ass, and Stan really only survived because of the others (he kills himself in "chapter 2" rather than face the monster again).
The movie doesn't entirely follow the book and I think that probably was a good thing. The silly, pseudo-Hindu aspect would probably have been a bit much for a lot of movie-goers, and people would've been offended by the orgy. In the original It, Henry the psychopathic bully and his goons are recruited by It to take on the "Losers" but It is hungry and eats Henry's buddies because they are too deliciously fearful (It thrives on fear). In this version, the goons aren't involved at all and, at the end - unlike in the first version - Henry seemingly dies.
This is one book by King I haven't read, and don't intend to, because the synopsis tells me there are things about this book that are just fucked up.
I don't want to spoil any more of the film so I'll focus on what I got out of this version that I didn't get out of the original. The film repeatedly plays on the power of friendship and unity - and desire for Bev, a beautiful girl - and how the adversities they repeatedly face actually make them stronger (like Bill), give them the power to confront and defeat the bullies, and ultimately help them to conquer their personal fears (except for doomed Stan). The success of the club is attributable to multiple factors which are not well-developed in the film because of time constraints, but are at least hinted at.
While it is not always true that "what doesn't kill you makes you strong," many people come out the other side more able to deal with the adversities of life, but not all deal with it in good ways, which is what Henry and his losers shows us. We see both the good and the evil that are possible outcomes of adversities in this film, and I think that is an important statement.
There are no real monsters in the world but there are certainly humans who behave like monsters all over the world. I have long wondered if Stephen King has had a run-in or two with a human monster (or two), and writes from the darkness of those experiences.
Definitely a well-created film that will scare lots of people.
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