It is a 2017 supernatural horror film directed by Andy Muschietti, starring Bill Skargard, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Jaeden Lieberher, Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Nicholas Hamilton, and Chosen Jacobs. Based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Stephen King the film follows seven young outcasts in Derry, Maine, are about to face their worst nightmare — an ancient, shape-shifting evil that preys on the town’s children.

The story follows seven young kids in the small town of Derry, Maine who become stalked by a predatory shapeshifting entity who takes the form of a clown named Pennywise. Stephen King’s mastery of storytelling is translated well on the big screen. The story itself is pretty deep and intriguing with the Losers dealing with both the trials of their everyday lives (socially and at home) and also the supernatural entity named Pennywise who’s haunting them. There’s a lot of pain but also a great deal of excitement and satisfaction in the development of the characters together and individually. It’s lengthy yes, but engaging with layers of complexity to it. There’s a good bit of suspense as the fear of Pennywise does keep the atmosphere tense and dreary. The tension does grow to an awesome confrontation which is leagues better than the miniseries. (5 out of 5)

The film does a great job with its characters, being really interesting and having well rounded personalities. The main cast consist of pre-teens Bill, Stanley, Eddie, Beverly, Richie, Ben, and Mike. One of the best aspects of the film is how well the characters are written and the tragedies of their lives that make them friends.

But let’s be real. For as interesting as our young characters are, the real star is Pennywise. And boy does he steal the show. Every sequence he’s in is either scary, intimidating, funny, or just straight up dark. This time around the character isn’t playing. But I have to add that as much as Pennywise is the main antagonist a lot of the people of Derry are just the same. Henry Bowers and his crew often pick on the Losers and boy are they dispicable. You just hate them but the film does give some insight as to why Henry is the way he is. Many of the kids parents and other adults are just assholes to the kids and you can tell that there’s something odd about them. (5 out of 5)

The acting’s just brilliant. I believe this talented cast of young actors all have bright futures ahead of them. The main cast includes Sophia Lillis (Beverly0, Finn Wolfhard (Richie), Jaeden Lieberher (Bill), Jack Dylan Grazer (Eddie), Wyatt Oleff (Stanley), Jeremy Ray Taylor (Ben), and Chosen Jacobs (Mike). I liked what each of them brought to the characters both through their personalities and the chemistry that evolved onscreen.

The guys who played the bullies were good, especially Nicholas Hamilton who played Henry. Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise easily exceeded my expectations. Performances like this actually prove that a character can be played by different people and make it their own (kind of like Jack Nicholson’s Joker to Heath Ledger’s). Maybe not as goofy as Tim Curry’s version but he definitely gives a more frightening performance. (5 out of 5)

The visuals are just crazy. First, the makeup and costume design for Pennywise was definitely cool. It has this older look to it that makes it look ancient in its appearance. There are sequences that happen that actually look like the CGI is real, to the point that its hard to distinguish. Two of my favorite visual sequences are when Pennywise comes out of the refrigerator and the scene where he appearance out of the projector. Also, one of the more interesting effects are the moment where Pennywise tries to eat someone and his skin pulls back which emphasizes a creature wearing a mask. Some of these moments the CGI could’ve been better but it isn’t bad, just a noticeable. (4 out of 5)

The music is beautiful and brilliantly crafted by Benjamin Wallfisch. I’ve enjoyed some of his other works including his contributions to Lights Out, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Blade Runner 2049. (4 out of 5)

The script’s very well written, the pacing’s good, and Andy Muschietti’s direction is definitely on point. The scares are creative and impactful and do maintain a sense of dread. I really liked the dialogue between the kids and how vulgar it is makes it feel realistic and not over the top. Rob Zombie films are an example of how not to write dialogue as characters curse every other word but here it just feels believable. There’s hardly any blood and gore but when its utilized its done in many effective ways.

The script isn’t flawless however (what film is). There are some moments set up in the film that are interesting but do little to add to the major elements of the story. It’s hard to have a horror film nowadays that creates atmosphere and maintains it without resorting to jumpscares because there are jumpscares, but most are done good. (4 out of 5)

In the end, It is one of those remakes that blows the original right out of the water. There are some issues with the script and some questionable choices and the jumpscares. However, the film excels with its characters, performances, writing and direction, atmosphere, score, story, and visuals. It gets 5 out of 5. This is definitely a film for fans of the book, Stephen King’s work, and horror in general.