REVIEW OF 'IT'.

Stephen King and Hollywood are a delectable combination. Screen adaptations of best sellers like 'Stand By Me', 'Misery' and 'The Shinning' are proofs that Stephen King is a pop culture icon and his stories are inherently cinematic in their appeal. Together, they may always not struck gold at the box office but you can always be assured of a good content and it's completely up to individual filmmakers as to how they treat the subject matter. 'IT' is the latest entrant into the long list of films inspired by King's timeless novels.

First of all a fair warning to those who may go in expecting a 'Conjuring' or 'Exorcist' kind of movie. Technically 'IT' is a horror movie but is one with a heart, soul and full of nostalgia (for those who have watched the 1990 TV movie of the same name). Fear is an emotion here rather an accessory for the filmmaker to induce fright in your minds. Come to think of it what is so scary about a dancing clown called Pennywise, right? Hence it makes complete sense that 'it' targets only minors/children with impressionable minds. High on emotional quotient the film subtly emphasizes the fact that just like your first love, your first experience of fear is unforgettable. The film works because the content gives it an opportunity to delve into a world of characters who are almost hard to find in today's time or films - kids roaming around in their bikes in woods and quarries, high school bullies beating up younger kids, the quintessential tomboy etc. Set in the fictional town of Derry, the film is an out and out American affair with which the world may or may not fall in love with. It becomes all the more difficult to relate to the characters for those viewers who haven't read the book or watched the mini-series based on it. But the good news is that if you loved the show 'Stranger Things' and the brutally honest coming-of-age movie 'Stand By Me' then there is a very good chance that you will enjoy 'it' too. Each and very performance from the young cast is amazing and the background score is apt as per the proceedings. Bill Skarsgård as 'Pennywise' is more than convincing.

I am going to be honest and say that I didn't found anything scary in both the versions but I loved them totally. The new version has very cleverly made some necessary changes to cater to the ever evolving audiences of today. The moral fabric is more relaxed in this one as the 'insult your mother' jokes are bang on and the hormonal tensions palpable. I recommend you to watch both the versions for a better perspective. As for me I already know what's going to happen in the sequel but I still want to watch it and there in lies the beauty of the film as genuine emotions never goes out of fashion.

RATING: 4/5.

David Lagachu
lagachu.david63@gmail.com
8011770756.