It Chapter I & II vs. memories of the book and the tv mini-series

Rating: 8/10 (18 September 2019)

When I was 12 years old, I saw a trailer on TV for the TV miniseries. They mentioned it was forbidden for the "under 12", so, of course I had to see it. What followed was one of the most scary but invegorating tv experiences of my young life. I could'nt sleep very well the following nights. Strange thing, though. I hadn't had enough. When I found a pocketbook display in the local supermarket with "it" part 1 I asked my mother to buy it .Well, I asked to buy directly the three volumes but my track record with books wasn't really great to say the least. Until then.
True enough, "It" made me start to read for pleasure. And I never really stopped afterwards....
I watched the TV miniseries only again once when it came out on DVD...more than 27 years ago...So, what follows is a review of both movies tainted by my 27 year old experiences...
I watched the two chapters in a double screening. The book was kind of being cut in two. It was the only way I could experience this new adaptation.
So I think the movie was great. I was not disappointed at all. This adaptation is one that the book deserved. Chapter II lasts almost 3 hours and it didn't seem that long at all!
The casting is great. Special mention for the adorable Sophia Mellis who portrays an amazing young Beverly.
The effects, the general creepy atmosphere. "It" is a great horror drama....
BUT...
(I feel a little bit like a daddy who's kid has great grades but is hammering on the flaws...so be it)
Three things bothered me.
First, one of the great things in the book is the sense of togetherness of the group. Stronger together... I missed that a little bit in this modern version. An exemple I can give is the way the "cleaning Beverly's bathroom together" scene lost all it sense the way it was directed and edited. I was like " what the hell?" And I think, in general, the main characters were more alone than I remember in the book.
Secondly, the appearances of IT felt a little bit too much. It felt like the director was showing off ..."See what I can do!!" .A little voice in my head was saying "why doesn't he kill them already?"(I know why....)
Thirdly, "It" is a being that feeds on fear. (that's why!)...That being said.. in this version we see IT eat/bite a lot....why?
Lastly, the whole origin story of IT with the Amerindian sacrifice ritual felt bogus and forced. Was that in the book?
Anyway I think they did a great job. I just needed those little grievances out of my system. The special collector director's cut box is probably going to find it's way on my shelf
Enjoy IT !;-)