Grade for it
- Thread starter chief4db
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I give it a strong A. Even though it deviated from the book (as did the original), I didn't have a problem with the changes. Maybe it's because I would have been only a couple of years older than the kids in the movie during the timeframe in which the movie was set. I dug the eighties references. And Bill Skarsgard was sufficiently creepy as our favorite shapeshifting evil clown. Can't wait for a director's cut!
Amazon has It up for pre-sale. No release date yet.
Amazon.com: It (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Combo Pack): Movies & TV
After a second viewing, I'll update my grade to an A. I watched it the first time but my brain was constantly wrestling reconciling what I saw on the screen with what I read in the book. Watching it a second time, everything flowed nicely that I was able to appreciate the movie a whole lot more.
Price has already dropped down to $22.99!!!!!! Must be getting massive pre-sales already!
Robert Gray
Well-Known Member
Chief, I'm with you: the movie didn't draw me in like the book did. I think my expectations were too high because I saw the interview with SK, where he said Stand By Me was a "dress rehearsal" for It. Based on that, I expected the movie to be have the same--or better--emotional wallop as SBM or It: the book. As a standard horror flick, I'd give it an A. As anything more, it gets a C from me.
One good thing about it: the movie made me appreciate once again what a damn good writer SK is. When I read the book, several heartfelt friendship-and-loyalty scenes almost moved me to tears. The same scenes in the movie fell flat. For me, anyway. Same for scary book-scenes that I actually dreamed about...in the movie, well, flat. Again, for me.
Maybe I'm jaded? My 18-year-old daughter got so scared she walked out.
One good thing about it: the movie made me appreciate once again what a damn good writer SK is. When I read the book, several heartfelt friendship-and-loyalty scenes almost moved me to tears. The same scenes in the movie fell flat. For me, anyway. Same for scary book-scenes that I actually dreamed about...in the movie, well, flat. Again, for me.
Maybe I'm jaded? My 18-year-old daughter got so scared she walked out.
My grade for the movie is definitely an A.
Not going to get bogged down in analysis or comparisons with the source material, if that's ok.
The cast, cinematography, special fx and sound were top notch.
So, purely from the movie standpoint it's a great big A from me.
Not going to get bogged down in analysis or comparisons with the source material, if that's ok.
The cast, cinematography, special fx and sound were top notch.
So, purely from the movie standpoint it's a great big A from me.
You reminded me, the child actors were way above average. I'd definitely give them A's.
And you're right, the special effects were good. Not once did I think, "Oh, cheesy animation."
But I can't help comparing it to the "source." The Inner English Major never dies...
(Also, that darn "Horror Film as Lit" course ruined me. For life.)I've changed my mind after a couple more viewings...I have to upgrade my initial review and say that this is a solid A movie for me. I think I got caught up in comparing the plot from the book and perceiving some things as shortcomings that upon further reflection I think work really well. Also, the more attention I paid to both Pennywise and the cinematography the more impressed I was.
But I can't help comparing it to the "source." The Inner English Major never dies...
No harm in that, Joanie. It was just a personal thing with me regarding my approach
No harm in that, Joanie. It was just a personal thing with me regarding my approach
LOL Actually, sometimes I wish I could turn off my Inner Critic and just enjoy. Once a pickle, never again a cucumber, I reckon.
Just got home from seeing It for the second time! It's still awesome! Even better the second time! (TWSS!) I love everything about this movie!
...damn!....now we're doing our stupid gag to ourselves...remarkable...
At this point I'm wondering (and hoping) that the gal that plays Bev gets nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress! She is simply fantastic!You reminded me, the child actors were way above average. I'd definitely give them A's.
And you're right, the special effects were good. Not once did I think, "Oh, cheesy animation."
But I can't help comparing it to the "source." The Inner English Major never dies...
I agree. She might have been the best-cast kiddo in the movie. Gorgeous, but in a down-home way...and absolutely believable in some scenes that I imagine would be very difficult to act. Near-paralyzing terror is hard to fake, but I swallowed hers hook, line, sinker, rod and reel.
Considering how many ways they could have screwed this up (see The Dark Tower for a recent example) I give It an A+++. I was very skeptical about the casting choice for Pennywise but that dude absolutely nailed it.
Robert Gray
Well-Known Member
I had the advantage of having seen him in the series Hemlock Grove (basically a supernatural soap opera with a gritty baseline). I knew he had the acting chops. Of course, I was never really worried about Pennywise. Playing an evil clown in a part so well-written it is impossible to screw up all but ensured the monster was going to be fine. For me it was always about the Losers. They are the real story. Pennywise is just the trouble that binds them together. He is a natural disaster so to speak, or an unnatural one if you prefer. I was relieved the kids were good and their parts were well-written. More to the point, I think their parts were shuffled a bit in the making of the film. I think the Director accurately zeroed in on which of the new Losers were the best actors, i.e. those that could carry scenes with serious, professional chops. The ones that were just solid, but not brilliant, got written (wisely) into more support.
I give it an A. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I can't wait to own the movie, and see the director's cut