A Solid Horror Film Devalued by Jump Scares

Rating: 7/10 (14 September 2017)

It is a solid piece of horror fiction that does justice to its source as well as its 1990 counterpart. As in many Stephen King stories, the location of small town New England provides a perfect setting for what is an atmospheric and engaging horror film. The characters match the settings and the actors do a good job blending with the aesthetic of their surroundings as well as providing charm and charisma. The plot was engaging and the much anticipated Pennywise played by Bill Skaarsgard is a compelling antagonist, however the one way in which the film fell short was its cheap over use of jump scares. Throughout the film jump scares are scattered, starting off startling but by the end just annoying. Rather than building constant tension and stakes through the story, the constant jack in the box nature of Pennywise's appearances create a detachment in the otherwise smooth flow of the film.