IT was a film that got me excited to go to the cinema for the first time since the Dark Knight Rises. As a horror fan i was hoping we would get a great horror for the first time in many years, and whilst it did not reach that status, we did get a good horror movie.

The thing with King is that I always found his tone almost sadistic, but I know he is actually just pessimistic in tone. I also saw the original It Mini-series, which I did like, but the second half, although I was fascinated by the kids as successful adults and being reunited didn't work as well. Possibly, the most memorable thing about it was Tim Curry as Pennywise, who nearly stole the show. He took the part and made it his own. Then, along comes this remake and I was dubious about it at first, but a part of me was still fascinated and I couldn't resist seeing what they had done with it as a completely different film and a modern update. It turned out to be a superior remake in every way. Whilst Bill Skarsgard was excellent as Pennywise, the best scenes came with the kids. All of them pulled off good performances here with their chemistry really adding to the film. It was very reminiscent of Stranger Things in that way, in many ways in fact.

Talking about movie direction, Andy Muschietti successfully manages to deliver a strongly personal view on the story, with tones and monsters really close to his previous (great) horror movie, Mama: If you loved Mama, there‘s a good chance you will probably love IT, too. Therefore the first half of the film building the world and characters ends up being stronger than the second half which focuses more on the horror. It does rely on jump scares and loud music,but there is enough suspense to keep you on edge throughout. It is darker without a doubt, with a stunning and much stronger opening, surprising even that is was allowed to be left in. Looks like they don't mind breaking the rules sometimes after all in this day and age of pc and no harm to kids. It's better for it though. I think the kids were more likeable in this one, and you really are feeling their journey. Speaking of the kids though that brings me to my most personal thought of this adaption and why I liked it as much as I did. Indeed, why I was moved as much as I was. Yes, a word lastly about Pennywise here played brilliantly by Bill Skarsgard, who is six-foot-four and of course the younger brother I'm guessing of Alexander. He is quite simply brilliant. There is nothing more I can say about him that hasn't already been said. He has taken this role and made it HIS own. He was also able to give it such a creepy and intimidating treatment and interpretation.