Pennywise: The Story of IT

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SkyRo P I’ve decided to write a comprehensive review of the horror movie “It,” based on Stephen King’s iconic work. The film, especially the 1990 version, is truly terrifying when you’re a kid. Growing up, this film left a lasting impression on me, and I recently revisited it because it has always lingered in my memory. The original film centers around a group of misfit kids—dubbed "the losers"—who band together to save the town of Derry from a sinister clown named Pennywise. Tim Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise is a blend of goofy and frightening, instilling a deep-seated fear of sewers and nightmares that would haunt me at bedtime. The character of Georgie plays a crucial, albeit brief, role that allows viewers to feel the immense grief and anguish Bill experiences following the brutal murder of his younger brother. Each of the kids brings their own unique dynamic to the story, and the 1990 version gives viewers the chance to grow with these characters. The modern adaptation of the first part of the film similarly explores their backgrounds, featuring a talented ensemble of young actors who bring a fresh perspective to the story for a new generation. Both films successfully captivated audiences, laying a strong foundation for the terrifying legend of Pennywise. However, the sequel—whether it be the second VHS in the 90s or the modern-day “Chapter Two”—takes a different approach. The second part of the story follows the adult versions of the kids as they reunite to confront the horrors of their past, despite their reluctance. The original 1990 film introduced viewers to the character of Annette O'Toole, adding depth to the narrative, even as some characters faced grim fates. However, the 90s sequel fell short in comparison to the first installment, lacking the same intensity and being somewhat corny, failing to deliver genuine scares. In contrast, today’s “It Chapter Two” felt like the weakest link. Despite featuring a star-studded cast, the film disappointingly failed to deliver the horror and suspense I was hoping for. Instead of offering thrilling twists and turns, it seemed to echo the shortcomings of the 1990 version's sequel, leaving much to be desired. The backstory of Pennywise is fascinating, and the documentary series delves into the creation of Tim Curry's chilling character, shedding light on the darker elements from Stephen King's book that were left out of the film. Many unsettling aspects of the narrative were omitted due to their disturbing nature, which only emphasizes the horror that Pennywise embodies. Ultimately, Pennywise deserves his place in the horror Hall of Fame as a truly terrifying figure. However, I can’t help but wish that future adaptations could do justice to the story and create a sequel that truly encapsulates the horror and depth of King’s original work. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/14/25 Full Review Jeffery F A really solid documentary, comparable to Never Sleep Again Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/10/24 Full Review Audience Member Unbelievably impressive documentary. I was overjoyed to see ALL the original cast characters participate and explain their experiences. Seeing every actor all these years later was special. Behind the scenes step by step visuals and narration was so appreciated. Thank you to all the creators of this. This miniseries was a very large part of my teen years, and being a massive Stephen King and Pennywise fan, it means so much to me. Great job!!. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/02/23 Full Review Procke C Really fun and informative. I'm still surprised at how many people involved with the miniseries came back to talk about it in this doc. Big recommend. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/29/23 Full Review Salman H Pennwise the story of it a brilliant document ary for the fan of it Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/21/23 Full Review Markus L Fun to know more about IT Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/15/25 Full Review Read all reviews

Pennywise: The Story of IT

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