IT: Film Review – Pennywise Trumps Annabelle

If you’re old enough, you probably remember the last appearance of Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the small town of Derry in Maine. The 1990 miniseries based on Stephen King’s It danced up a storm with only two episodes. Pennywise introduced us to coulrophobia as our worst fears played out before our eyes. Then he disappeared and clowns were once again just associated with birthday parties and circuses. But as the legend goes, Pennywise makes an appearance every 27 years. If you have checked your calendars, it is 2017, and The Dancing Clown is back! IT is making its way into theatres this Friday and you must definitely not miss this movie, even if you hate clowns; especially if you hate clowns.

The movie covers the events in the first part of the story. After the disappearance of a little boy Georgie, his brother Bill becomes obsessed with finding him. He discovers that Georgie and the other missing children from town all disappeared near the sewers. Along with his friends Ritchie, Eddie and Stanley he begins to investigate the drainage system of Derry, hanging by the woods. The group is later joined by Beverly, Ben and Mike, who share one thing in common with the others – they are all bullied by Henry Bowers and his cronies. As the gang discovers more about the missing children and its connection with past disappearances, they are being terrorized by Pennywise the Clown (Bill Skarsgård), who is far more dangerous than their school bully. The groups can collectively fight this evil monster or individually succumb to their worst fears.

IT is probably one of Stephen King’s best horror novels and its adaptation was equally exhilarating the first time. What’s different this time is that the movie was created for IMAX screens. If you have watched a horror movie in IMAX before, you know how thrilling the experience can be. You don’t just watch the movie, it feels like you’re in it! Watching a film like IT in IMAX can be a scary experience for some, especially due to Pennywise’s unexpected appearances, making you jump out of your seat every time. Bill Skarsgård – younger brother of Alexander and Gustaf Skarsgård – impresses as the evil clown. Unlike most horror movies, the antagonist is not absent for most parts, only appearing towards the end.

Pennywise is one of the first people you will see here, making you dread him right from the start. He is there throughout the film, instilling fear in every possible way. Just like the kids, you too find your fear of him waning towards the end. Don’t be fooled – the movie does not get less scary. Just when you feel more confident around Pennywise, your other fears begin to take over.

Children these days are on par with adults with their performances. The kids from Stranger Things left us in awe and the ones in this movie are not very different. In fact, there is a similar small-town feel and the teens seem to be wise beyond their years. It’s a pity that the film has an ‘A’ rating, as it should not be missed out by other kids. But the use of foul language, blatant bullying, suggestive pedophilia and child abuse in the film will make you want to keep your children away. Nevertheless, the children gave very convincing performances and the only reason a small part of you is rooting for Pennywise is due to the highly impressive Bill Skarsgård.

Why You Should Watch This Movie:

While the film is a must-watch in IMAX screens, the fear is just as real anywhere else. This is the horror movie of the year and you don’t want to miss out even if you’re not a horror fan. The power of friendship, the newest psychopath in town, the scary feels, or just FOMO – there are several reasons to watch IT in theatres this weekend.