Stephen King's It, A Comparative Review of 1990 and 2017 Version

In the past I have tried to review a movie based on its own merit, especially when a movie is based on has been previously released in a different era. While that is my intent, I don't know if an appropriate review of the new theatrical release of Stephen King's It, (2017) can be done without referencing throughout the review and commenting in some aspects on the 1990 Television Miniseries. I have seen many people making comparisons of the new release and the 1990 release and while I have had many requests, (more than any movie ever) to review the 2017 theatrical version of It, I don't think an adequate review can be made without a comparison and understanding of the effort to stay close to the original television mini series in 1990.

Let's get this monkey off my back right away, you cannot compare the two programs as the new 2017 theatrical version is in reality a telling of the story involving the 7 primary, young, pre teen, early teen youth in their interactions with the clown Pennywise. The 1990 version, ala Star Wars, is a telling of the story some 30 years after the youth experience. In other words, you can't really understand the totality of the story without watching both movies which will involve some 5 1/2 hours, of course it is impossible to currently watch them together, but, it is possible to do it over the course of 2 days, and if having time, in a single day. My recommendation would be to watch the 2017 theatrical version of It first, then watch the earlier 1990 version, in that order. You will see the primary story told through the experiences and time frame of the children, and then will also see the story as it completes some 30 years later when those children are adults. While there are flashback scenes in the 1990 television mini series that sees the story from the perspective of the children, it is amazing at how close the 2017 version is to the 1990 version flashbacks, and in some instances telling other things related to the experiences of the youth, in everything from the characters story to backgrounds and so forth. Even the characteristics and physical appearance of the children are similar. It is in this regard that one quickly begins to see the brilliance of everything related to the 2017 release.

One of the primary differences as can be expected is that a lot has been done in regards to CGI and special effects, along with film from 1990 until 2017. One also has to understand the money available to make the 2017 version as opposed to the amount spent on a 1990 television mini series on ABC. I have to comment here, I had not seen the original 1990 version since its original airing until yesterday. At the time I didn't like the television movie when I first saw it, but after watching it alongside the 2017 release, I felt it completed the story of the 2017 release and was actually quite good, except as I have stated numerous times before, the ending.  I have said in this regard over many years that I believe Stephen King tells a great story but has trouble at times in ending that story.  I still feel the same regarding It, especially the 1990 version. 

As mentioned there are some wonderful things about the 1990 version when doing a comparison review of the 2017 release.  There are tidbits that I love and without giving away to much or giving spoilers, as an example there is a scene in the 1990 version where a comment is made about security guard Dean Koontz, "yeah, he's a bad one."  This was a bit of humor that Stephen King threw in to make a reference to his rival, author Dean Koontz. There are many other things, including Easter Eggs that are included in both versions of the film. I will post a video with some spoilers that will point out some of those Easter Eggs.

In the newer 2017 version we also see some beautiful, although haunting cinematography. We also see a movie that does not have to deal with television censors or ratings systems of the 1990's. In other words, we see a truly haunting and at times disturbing graphic story involving children. In this regard, King, while receiving some criticism, has done a masterful job at showing disturbing images involving children. He is not afraid to show the most horrific images because they are so disturbing and he wants to play on the minds of the viewer or reader as to the reality of dark horror. He understands the concept of the darkest of all powers seeking to do danger even to the smallest of God's creation, the most innocent, the most undeserving.  Just as we see a dead community and church in Derry Maine, we also see a group of innocent children that try to discover concepts of brotherhood, sisterhood, faith, commitment and a willingness to come together to fight against dark forces that dwells and focuses on fear. In this portrayal we see some incredible direction, especially in the 2017 version directed by  Andy Muschietti. As a part of that brilliance I will mention again, the faithfulness to the 1990 version, including the look and attributes of the children in the movie. We also see a brilliant effort at direction in other aspects even more important. While there are some differences, those differences are minor in many regards.

There are several social themes addressed in both versions of the film but even more so in a realistic way in the 2017 version. Among those themes, in both variations are issues like racism, where we see the way the community sees Michael, especially in the 1990 version and to some extent as well, the 2017 version. We also see how violence can impact a child, especially when forced on that child by an uncaring adult. We also see issues addressed like social shaming whether it be towards people overweight, gay and so forth. For me though, the most powerful issue that is addressed is the issue of child sexual abuse and bullying. While both of these have had some recent revelations placed on them it should be noted that Stephen King was addressing those issues even back in 1990. They are portrayed in a respectful, yet real way in the 2017 version. The 2017 version pulls no punches, those things still exist and are still swept under the rug by many, including many in the faith community who while present in the community as is evidenced by their large well maintained buildings, still have not nearly enough, if anyone, addressing the real horrors that are so prevalent in the lives of those children, those things that in reality, lead to the fears that ultimately can kill and destroy innocents.

The primary object of evil seen in the movie is through Clown Pennywise. While many, just as I do, love the early portrayal by Tim Curry, I also thought the portrayal by Bill Skarsgard, (also in the current release of Atomic Blonde) in the 2017 version is quite exceptional. This is no ordinary clown and the character is so demented that it could be said that Stephen King's Pennywise is likely more responsible for the demise of Clowns as a fun jolly character regarding public perception than anything in history.

In the 1990 version we see the children played as adults by notable actors such as Harry Anderson, Dennis Christopher, (one of my favorite largely unknown actors), Annette O'Toole, Tim Reid, John Ritter, and Richard Thomas among others. The cast as children in the 2017 version play remarkable likenesses again to the original children portrayed in flashbacks from the 1990 version. The 2017 actors do an amazing job in all aspects. It may be one of the most amazing ensemble cast of children in any film I have ever seen alongside another Stephen King based movie, Stand By Me. This is again, a huge credit to the direction and script related to the 2017 version. In a word, it is outstanding.

One of the things that constantly gets me into trouble with a few readers is my love of horror, especially when done well. I fully expect that my review of  It will be no exception. I had trouble even finding someone to go see this movie with, my wife hates horror but she finally agreed to go, that said, the spiritual themes addressed in It are tremendous. The development of how fear can keep us from the things we need and can obtain, to the terror that is placed on children, not just by the author of fear, but by adults who have little knowledge or compassion of the things that builds on the fears of children, yet, Stephen King, a man that seemingly many seem to hate gets it or at least appears to get it and is not afraid to address it. Using religious references as he often times does even in these two films and in the story. King and the movies includes a backdrop of faith, whether it be a Jewish child going through a Bar Mitzvah who has a dad as a Rabbi or a young girl who is being abused by a father physically and sexually who knows her salvation comes from God as is evidenced by her willingness to pray and ask God to help her in a moment of need.  The children know they are facing evil that only the children have a faith to not only see and know that evil exists but in the end knows of the important things they must do including coming together to ultimately defeat evil. These are things one would think would be taught by faith groups and the church, but they are often ignored because of the lack of faith adults sometimes have regarding children, yet as we can read in the Bible, as adults, we must have the faith of a child in order to enter the kingdom of Heaven, not just on the good Godly things, but I believe as illustrated in the movie, even towards evil things. Of course we also see the danger, especially in the 1990 version of children who grow away from that faith and innocence, just like in the real world, many, like in the movie who lose some aspects of faith and of the things that once brought them together to protect them from evil.

It is not a story for everyone, just as horror is not a genera for everyone. That isn't to say horror can't be exceptional or good though and in the case of both of these versions, when combined as they really should be as a companion piece as opposed to a "remake," It truly is an exceptional story. For me it took the 2017 version to complete the 1990 version and again, the 2017 should be seen first, but then after seeing it, make sure to find a way to watch the 1990 version as soon as possible afterwards as it completes the story.

I suspect that with the intent to make more money, the 1990 version of the movie will  actually be remade. The 2017 version isn't a remake but a prequel to the 1990 version and it will be a way for the movie makers to make more money. I won't be opposed to that though, especially if they hold to the original intent and message of the first two movies, which took place some 27 years apart. 

Both versions of It, when seen together is a wonderful horror film, complete with the full intent regarding social commentary and more. Thankfully, the way it is now, you won't miss anything by seeing the new release in theaters first. Prepare to be scared and if you haven't seen It yet, well think about the things I speak about here in this review. If you have seen it, go back watch the 1990 version and think about the things I say here, that is if you can handle It. We can actually be moved from losers to lovers if we only learn to love one another and be there for each other in the times of need when we need each other.

On a scale of 1 - 10 to review It as a compilation as opposed to a single movie I will make a wise decision minus the penny from the dime and give the compilation of the 1990 and 2017 versions together, a deserved horrific 9.  

For a video looking at some Easter Eggs in It, click on the video below.  If the video doesn't appear, try the following link.  Warning This does contain some spoilers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zE0qPCmugk




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