A great coming of age story.. that happens to be scary

Rating: 9/10 (17 September 2017)

A surprisingly entertaining coming of age story that's multi layered, dramatic, comedic, and endearing, "It" is easily one of 2017's best films to date. The film presents a very well constructed analysis and exploration on the topic of fear and the importance of overcoming it when growing up, all the while presenting a very hopeful message about the power of friendship against even the harshest of adversities. All of these topics are also present in the original novel, making this newest adaptation stand out among the rest of its kind as one of the most faithful ever produced (and it only told half of the full story!).
The film is elevated by an extraordinary cast of actors, all of which deliver spot on performances, especially the kids. The Loser's Club is easily the best aspect of the entire thing. Every single member is given some time to develop and stand out, and no actor feels tacked on or delivers an out of place performance. Stand outs are Wolfhard and Lillis. All of these kids have a promising future ahead of them.
Technicalities are all spot on and expertly directed and brought together by Andy Muschietti. Visuals effects are superb, cinematography looks beautiful, soundtrack has an adventurous yet perilous vibe to it that suits the film's mood perfectly, and the pacing is consistent throughout the picture. The movie never drags or rushes with unnecessary information or scenes. It maintains a steady pace and never feels boring. This is one 135 minute movie that feels like 90 minutes, and leaves you drooling for more.
.. oh, I forgot. It also has some horror elements to it. The film does deliver on some extremely disturbing imagery, psychological terror, and some visceral and grotesque moments that leaves you wondering how did a big studio like WB allowed these to be shown to the masses. The film truly earns its R-rating and uses it to its advantage, delivering one of the most surreal, uncomfortable, uncompromising, and, most importantly, scary horror experiences of the year.
Bill Skarsgard may not be an actor in the same caliber as Tim Curry, and it that sense some may argue the latter delivers the best performance. However, when it comes to the character of Pennywise himself, Bill's version exceeds on the miniseries' in every other front. This is one scary looking, physically imposing, unpredictable, sinister monster with one twisted personality and a dark sense of humor. He steals every scene he's in, and proves to be such an interesting character, by the time the film's over, you're left wanting to learn more about him. His role as an antagonist serves the movie's thematic purpose and is essential to the film's ultimate message, making him one of the most endearingly despicable (if that makes any sense) villains in modern cinema history.
All in all, IT is one of the best movies of 2017 thus far. It delivers an amazing coming of age story that's endearing, funny and compelling, with a message that's as timeless as the titular monster itself, all the while still working as one of the better horror movies of the past decade. This is one great movie, period, and one that film buffs should not hesitate in checking out ASAP.