It (2017)

I never got into the "It" mini-series from back in the day, having found what I DID see of it dull and ineffective, especially if you don't have a clown phobia, of which I have never. I also haven't read King's book so, obviously, I wasn't initially all that eager to get to this remake, but was prompted by hearty recommendations and a bevvy of positive reviews. Misled, I was NOT - finding this version to be a massive improvement and all around solid, '80s-style horror flick.

Taking place in a small Maine town in the late '80s, a group of misfit 13-year old friends are being terrorized during summer vacation by a supernatural being that apparently shows up every 27 years. Using a creepy clown as 'it's' 'default' form, 'it' manifests itself into the kids' worst fears and occasionally drags a few down to his 'world' to eat them...

It doesn't take a genius to realize in what ways the two-part, made-for-TV adaptation could've been improved upon, but this new film succeeds in each aspect that I could think of. Firstly, it is abridged to a reasonable length, thanks to setting its focus solely on the kids combating the demonic clown. It's done without all the disruptive dual time period narrative bullshit involving a bearded John Ritter and Venus Flytrap from WKRP that bogged the 1990 version down heavily. What you get out of this "It" is a much more concise, lively and entertaining movie that doesn't shy away from unpredictable, impressive and occasionally grotesque visuals. The '80s vibe is also the huge driving force behind so much of the movie's overall appeal - fleshing out the characters considerably well and also enhancing the Pennywise villain's image and menace factor by leaps and bounds. He's looming, sinister and mysterious, while being outright abrasive and violent as well - offering up on-screen child chomping/de-limbing that is a favorable touch, for sure.

I guess there's another installment lined up for "Chapter 2", which is a no-brainer and hopefully it can match the energy and fun of this one. Definitely an enjoyable watch!