Surprisingly good

Rating: 8/10 (20 September 2017)

This movie had me after minutes. The introduction of Pennywise is handled excellently by Bill Skarsgard who delivers a note-perfect interpretation. The switch from playful and infantile to menacing is no better exemplified than in the moment we hear him segue from a jubilant 'pop pop pop' to a guttural hiss. Genuinely the stuff of nightmares.
The film devotes time enough to each character to give them substance without diverting for too long from the threat of an appearance from 'IT'. The 'loser club' are as likable as the bullies are repulsive.
Perhaps the only downside to this film is the message that 'adults are the real monsters' is perhaps a little too on-the-nose but nevertheless this message certainly rings true.
A thoroughly enjoyable film and deservingly the surprise hit of this summer.