Great Performances, Well Directed, but Some Pacing Issues Hold it Back

Rating: 8/10 (8 September 2017)

The performances across the board are incredible. The chemistry between all the members of the Losers' Club was staggering. Their interactions felt so authentic and genuine, that it instantly became the best part of the movie. These kids are the heart and soul of the film, and they make it what it is. Yes, Pennywise is f*cking terrifying, but it's the kids that take this movie to the next level. Something I wasn't expecting from this movie was just how funny it was going to be. And comedy like this in a horror movie could easily have detracted from the terror of what was happening, but director Andy Muschietti knew how to mesh the two drastically different tones together in order to get a product that ultimately works. Muschietti's direction is another strong aspect about this movie that cannot go unmentioned. It's because of Muschietti that It doesn't feel like a stereotypical horror movie. He crafts a great story that really elevates the movie towards being something more. Unfortunately, I think this movie has some pacing issues that kept it from being one of my favorites of the year...