Is IT Remake Scary? A Comprehensive Review

In the world of horror remakes, IT stands out as a peculiar nail-biter. The original IT, directed by Steve Niles and based on the Stephen King novel, features the unforgettable performance of Tim Curry as the monstrous clown Pennywise. While the remake, directed by Cary Fukunaga, managed to capture the essence of Stanley Bursock’s portrayal, it falls short in some areas that make the original a timeless classic.

_tim Curry's Superb Acting and Make-Up_

One of the key elements of the original IT was Tim Curry's portrayal of Pennywise. Despite minimal costume and makeup, Curry's acting capability brought out a level of scariness that few can match. His ability to convey fear through his performance alone made the monster identifiable and terrifying. This technique, where scariness emanates from the human performance rather than physical effects, is something that modern horror remakes often overlook.

The Chemistry Between Characters

The heart of the original IT lies in the chemistry between the main characters. The relationships and dynamics among the characters provided the emotional depth that made the scares more impactful. The remake, while attempting to replicate this chemistry, sometimes struggles to achieve the same level of emotional connection. The best parts of the film before the 2017 remake were the strong character bonds that contributed to the overall scare factor.

The First Chapter: Not Scary?

The first chapter of the remake, or perhaps the adaptation of the first part of the novel, doesn't frighten many. It relies heavily on tired and old techniques to scare the audience, such as the villain rushing at the camera and then abruptly vanishing. These methods are part of the arsenal of many other horror films, and their novelty has largely worn off. However, the second chapter of the remake improves on the first, taking its time to build tension and deliver satisfying scare moments.

Subjective Sensitivity and Frightening Elements

How scary a movie proves to be varies greatly depending on the viewer’s sensibility. Some find the remake unbearably terrifying, while others remain unperturbed. Personally, I fall into the camp that found it more poised to frighten rather than utterly terrifying. Over the years, I have enjoyed horror movies and can handle blood, clowns, and other graphics. While I enjoyed the movie, especially chapter 2, I cannot recommend it as merely not scary. It is definitely more frightening for those more sensitive to the horror genre.

Themes and Content Warnings

The remake handles various disturbing themes, including child abuse in its myriad forms, such as neglect, physical, sexual, and over-protection. Additionally, it explores racism, homophobia, religious discrimination, police brutality, and domestic abuse. While these are not central to the plot, they serve as keys to understanding the ultimate monster theme: how real-life horrors can be just as, if not more, terrifying than the monsters we create. The protagonist's struggle with Pennywise is a metaphor for overcoming these real-world fears.

Conclusion

While the remake of IT manages to captivate audiences with its talented cast and immersive atmosphere, it ultimately falls short of fully capturing the scariness of the original. For those who grew up with Tim Curry's iconic performance, the remake might not hit the same dramatic heights but still offers a chilling experience for those open to its more subtle and nuanced scares. The fear in IT is not just about the monster but about the real-life horrors it represents.