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Connor Macgregor Reviews...It (1990)
Intro: Because of the remake, I really was eager to watch both the original and the remake back to back to make a more interesting comparison. So straight after this review, I'll review the remake. For this version, there are both good and bad aspects to it.
Summary: In 1960, a group of social outcasts who are bullied by a gang of greasers led by Henry Bowers are also tormented by an evil demon who can shape-shift into a clown and feed on children's fears and kill them. After defeating the demonic clown as kids, it resurfaces 30 years later and they must finish it off as adults once again.
Dual Story: This film (miniseries) is four hours long, so there's a lot to get through. But the fact that its set in two parts helps make the story much more interesting than other horror stories. I personally think the kids part is better, and much more fun to watch. But both are good to watch, especially when they all reunite as adults and how awkward but touching it all is to see. You buy their friendship and how they all unite to take on this disturbing monster.
Pennywise: By far the highlight of this film, and Tim Curry creates another iconic performance for his filmography. For this, it's his most multi-layered. An American accent, heavy makeup, and a clown costume to give kids nightmares. Curry works hard with what he has, and makes Pennywise a creepy presence indeed.
The Bad: Made in 1990, this film hasn't aged that well. As much as I like Pennywise, he's not particularly a scary character as he doesn't strike at the kids when he has all the clear opportunity to. The adult actors aren't that great compared to the kids, and their whole story is quite awkward to watch at times, particularly with the love side of things. The biggest criticism also is the fact that it's not scary to watch. Not one jump scare or creepy moment in the story that put me on edge, which is why the film is so very dated.
Overall: This version of It is good, fun even, but not a horror classic for me. A good adaptation, even if its very tame and light in parts.
Rating: 81% - A-
Connor Macgregor Reviews...It (1990)
Intro: Because of the remake, I really was eager to watch both the original and the remake back to back to make a more interesting comparison. So straight after this review, I'll review the remake. For this version, there are both good and bad aspects to it.
Summary: In 1960, a group of social outcasts who are bullied by a gang of greasers led by Henry Bowers are also tormented by an evil demon who can shape-shift into a clown and feed on children's fears and kill them. After defeating the demonic clown as kids, it resurfaces 30 years later and they must finish it off as adults once again.
Dual Story: This film (miniseries) is four hours long, so there's a lot to get through. But the fact that its set in two parts helps make the story much more interesting than other horror stories. I personally think the kids part is better, and much more fun to watch. But both are good to watch, especially when they all reunite as adults and how awkward but touching it all is to see. You buy their friendship and how they all unite to take on this disturbing monster.
Pennywise: By far the highlight of this film, and Tim Curry creates another iconic performance for his filmography. For this, it's his most multi-layered. An American accent, heavy makeup, and a clown costume to give kids nightmares. Curry works hard with what he has, and makes Pennywise a creepy presence indeed.
The Bad: Made in 1990, this film hasn't aged that well. As much as I like Pennywise, he's not particularly a scary character as he doesn't strike at the kids when he has all the clear opportunity to. The adult actors aren't that great compared to the kids, and their whole story is quite awkward to watch at times, particularly with the love side of things. The biggest criticism also is the fact that it's not scary to watch. Not one jump scare or creepy moment in the story that put me on edge, which is why the film is so very dated.
Overall: This version of It is good, fun even, but not a horror classic for me. A good adaptation, even if its very tame and light in parts.
Rating: 81% - A-