IT Early Screenings Scared Viewers
Following the less-than-stellar reception of , this year's first major Stephen King adaptation, fans of the legendary horror author were worried about the upcoming remake of It. Given the story's continued popularity, expectations for the book's latest live-action feature are high.
Based on the first half of King's novel of the same name, It follows a group of outcasts known as The Losers, who live in the quiet town of Derry, Maine. When a number of kids suddenly go missing, the Losers decide to investigate, only to discover the town's terrifying secret: a monster of unspeakable horrors that identifies itself as Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
Fans of the original It adaptation only want the best for their favorite killer clown, and this seems to be exactly what the new movie delivers. If the early reactions are to be believed, it seems that director Andy Muschietti of Mama fame has done Pennywise and The Losers justice, giving audiences a truly terrifying King movie.
The First Reactions All Float Down Here: It Viewers Are Terrified
Earlier this week, a number of journalist and entertainment writers were given the chance to check out It before the film hits theaters in September. The advanced screening reportedly scared everyone senseless, as seen via spoiler-free reactions to the latest Stephen King movie.
In fact, Entertainment Weekly's very own Anthony Breznican gave it the highest praise any Stephen King adaptation could receive.
In a series of tweets, Breznican described that It was equal parts frightening and compelling, as the movie delves into some unexpected themes of grief and loss. For him, subtle but important character developments such as these are often glossed over in weaker adaptations, but Muschietti's new movie successfully made them "the most vital part."
Most importantly, It is reportedly a terrifying experience. Praise was specifically given to Bill Skarsgard, who plays the newest rendition of the walking nightmare, Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
The original It mini-series remains a favorite childhood memory for its fans, and is partially blamed for their continued phobia of clowns. Surpassing something as cherished as the '90s adaptation of It may have sounded impossible, but it seems that Andy Muschietti defied all odds and has delivered a modern horror movie for the ages.
IT creeps into theaters September 8!
[Source: Collider, Entertainment Weekly]