fairly faithful adaptation with a good mix of elements to please fans

Rating: Null/10 (9 September 2017)

Intense, well-made adaptation of the Stephen King novel transplanted to the late 1980s about a group of outcast kids in the rural town of Derry, Maine who are united by common encounters with the titular being—a demonic, shape-shifting entity that is preying on local children. Emboldened by one another, they set out to kill the creature despite their initial fears, insecurities, and seemingly insurmountable odds. Even with the source material this isn't a traditional, clear-cut horror film, but more of a character-driven, coming-of-age story about friendship and the loss of innocence, with spooky, spine-tingling elements and acerbic, laugh-out loud humor in equal doses. Makes some unfortunate changes from the novel, but some surprisingly effective ones as well that are sure to unsettle the most ardent fans. Skarsgard is ferocious and creepy as the monstrous Pennywise, and kudos to the film's youthful, well-chosen cast for embodying characters that are actually three-dimensional. ***