IT Chapter One (2017) Review

IT Chapter One (2017)

Directed By: Andy Muschietti

Starring: Jaeden Lieberher, Bill Skarsgård, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Wyatt Oleff, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer, Nicholas Hamilton, and Jackson Robert Scott 

Synopsis: Seven young outcasts in Derry, Maine, are about to face their worst nightmare — an ancient, shape-shifting evil that emerges from the sewer every 27 years to prey on the town’s children. Banding together over the course of one horrifying summer, the friends must overcome their own personal fears to battle the murderous, bloodthirsty clown known as Pennywise.

Review: Last night I caught a double bill of IT chapters 1&2 so I thought it was only fitting I reviewed the pair. This is not my first viewing of the first chapter, so I knew what to expect. I remember catching an early screening for it when it was first released. The hype was unbelievable as Pennywise was the clown that haunted peoples nightmares and now he was making his way back to the big screen.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, the cast of kids were all so likeable and Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard completely stole every scene as wise cracking Richie Tozier. Finn definitely has a very bright future ahead of him in the film industry and I look forward to watching his career develop. I can see him starring as a future Spider-Man. Jaeden Lieberher portrays Bill in such a heartbreaking way and carries a lot of anger, grief and guilt. Jaeden plays every emotion out so believeable. The bond the characters all have is very real and you would nearly believe that they are the best of friends in real life aswell as on screen.

The movie lived up to the hype which is quite rare these days, Bill Skarsgård absolutely blew everyone away with his portrayal of Pennywise and left a lasting impression. The movie was filled with suspense and tension and I didn’t think it quite relied on jump scares, most of the creepy shots were down to lighting, cinematography and shadows. Along with having to deal with Pennywise the group is also being targeted by Henry Bowers (Nicholas Hamilton) who is borderline psychopath and slipping very fast into serial killer territory.

Overall I loved this movie, I found it better than the original with the acting being far better and Bill Skarsgård portraying Pennywise in a truly menacing and memorable way that makes Tim Curry’s look like a McDonald’s ad. I would recommend this movie to anyone it is scary, suspenseful and quite funny at times due to the banter between the group. Fans of the original movie will be glad to see that the original Pennywise appears as a doll in one scene. This movie it a must watch!