CHEER! - (9 stars out of 10)

Rating: 9/10 (24 November 2019)

The stage curtains open ...
Being a big fan of the 1990 mini-series, I went into this one extremely critical. "It" has always been a personal favorite of mine and I loved what Tim Curry did as Pennywise. I was hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. However, when I walked out, I was smiling from ear to ear and already looking forward to the 2nd movie. This re-imagining of Stephen King's classic story did not let me down.
This first chapter focuses in on 7 young kids who, through different incidents in their lives, find friendship and support with each other. They become known as the Loser's Club, mainly because the town bully, Henry Bowers, is perilously pursuing each one of them forcing them to finally make an eventual stand. The main "loser" is Bill Denbrough, who's little brother, Georgie, goes missing. Bill believes he's still alive, but after each of the kids endures their own hardships and run-in's with Pennywise the evil, dancing clown, Bill decides to go after him and find his brother - leading to the film's climactic conclusion that will pit the 7 friends against not only Pennywise, but Henry Bowers as well.
Okay - I think we can all agree that it is Pennywise who makes this movie work. He is the centerpiece. If you don't have a good, scary clown, then this film fails. Tim Curry's Pennywise was a success. Bill Skarsgard's Pennywise was a triumph. The make-up effects, special effects, voice and laugh of the maniacal clown was just excellent. The use of colors, lighting and shadows was done to near perfection. Everyone was cast just right and the acting by everyone was invested and completely believable - and since this first movie hinges on the kids' performances, they did a wonderful job and delivered on all levels.
This film is one to be applauded. It has plenty of good jumps and scares, and one that I would watch again and again. Great movie! It comes at a very high recommend. Now off to watch the 2nd chapter. I cannot wait! 9 stars out of 10.