The New IT is a KILLER

By Alyssa Tornel, Courier Staff Writer

Every 27 years, a mysterious shape-shifting clown returns to Derry, Maine to torment the kids that live there. This new movie, IT, is focused on a group of kids who belong to “the losers club.” After a couple of kids go missing, Pennywise the clown begins to set his target on the losers. Throughout the movie the kids are faced with the difficult and terrifying task of stopping Pennywise.

IT (Rated R) is a completely revamped version of the original 1990 movie. This new version of the classic highlights origins of the kids, allowing the viewer to learn about how they became friends and became dubbed “the losers club”.

Unlike the previous version, which jumps back and forth between the kids’ current and older lives, the new IT presents their fears in a more intimate setting, letting the viewer empathize with their fears of being tormented by Pennywise.

Whenever Pennywise is on the screen, the audience is always on the edge of their seats. Whatever he will do next is completely unpredictable. Filled with jump scares, IT succeeds in keeping its viewers’ hearts pounding the whole time. If you aren’t a fan of such movies, don’t worry; IT also features comedy and “feel good” friendship from the conversations between the kids.

The chemistry between the cast is apparent, especially since they have great friendships both on and off the screen. IT stars an amazing cast of young actors, including Finn Wolfhard of Stranger Things and Jaeden Lieberher from Book of Henry. They all add their own personal quirks to the characters, creating a sense of true reality. In fact, they act just like the  kids we see nowadays making snide remarks to each other and hanging out for fun. As the movie progresses, it is difficult to break the bond between the viewer and the characters.

The jump scare aspects of IT are mainly courtesy of two characters: Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard) and Eddie Kaspbrak (Jack Dylan Grazer), who always remain humorous even in the scariest situations. Their friendship and chemistry truly shows through their superb acting, which reminds viewers of two kids quibbling with each other. They also demonstrate awkwardness of growing up, showing that it’s easier to face the struggles of life with others, instead of alone. 

The new Pennywise is played by Bill Skarsgård, who had some pretty big shoes to fill, especially after the departure of Tim Curry, who played the same role in the 1990 version. Skarsgård does a phenomenal job of taking on this iconic role, and adds a completely novel and scary dimension to the character. Skarsgård is the true embodiment of fear, providing suspense and terror every time he is on the screen, and will haunt the viewer’s hearts even after the movie is over. 

IT was released just in time for Halloween, and features the perfect combination of comedy and horror. Certified “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with an 84% rating, and also being the highest grossing horror film of all time, IT is definitely a move you can’t miss.