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The new “IT” screening gets pretty much everything right…

balloons

From the shocking rip off of child’s arm to the true realization of what it means to grow up, the 2017 movie is true to the King’s novel and closer to the viewers’ hearts.

I’m not a big fan of horror movies and of King’s books, but went to see this film knowing that it will most probably scare me. And it did spectacularly.

First I will mention the only two problems which I have with this movie and why I rate it 8/10.
– too many jump scares. Too often frightening scenes follow one after another and this takes out a bit of the positive impression which those moments should create;
– horror movies are rarely perfect examples of cinematography. Of course there are some non-believable moments in the movie where some characters take some “stupid” decisions which are not logical. Also the bullying in the film goes way ahead of itself. But sometimes in reality children tormenting other children indeed is brutal.

Now to the more interesting themes of the movie and its execution.
First I’d like to mention that this film is shot beautifully creepy. I can’t think of any technical error or edgy 3D episode in it. Also, the music score is subtle and supporting, at times it takes the lead, but without leading the viewer too much above the actual feeling being presented on the screen.
The cast is great – from Bill Skarsgard to Sophia Lillis – all actors are great. The supporting characters, representing the children’s respective parents are also true embodiments of the certain problematic topics which usually ruin the psychology of a child.
The screenplay by Chase Palmer and Cary Fukunaga (True Detective anyone?) is respectfully following the book with only some scenes from the book missing (sewer scene between the teens!). So overall everything which compiles a good film is obviously here.

And most importantly – the film directly transmits to the viewers the deep message of fear overpowering, proper upbringing importance and teenage character development.
We see the exact moments when most of the main characters challenge their deep fears and fight them off. And step by step, as in real life, Bill, Ben, Beverly and the others become their own role models. Such growth is very harsh to the character of a minor, but it impacts influences his/her life more deeply and complete. Because once a person repeats the act and defiance against a deepest fear, the result is no longer what is desired, but also transforms into ambition, integrity and pure devotion. All virtues of a truly realized man or a woman.

And perhaps this is why Stephen King’s books are so popular – you can’t fake life, you can only represent it the best way you can. After all – human’s imagination is only a result of the perception of reality.