IT is, by far, my favorite tale of all time. The best story I've ever grasped into my mind - from Stephen King that is. I never thought in my entire life that I would be one of those guys who simply just says, "the book is better." Horrifically, I come to you all now with that similar common complaint, though I'll try to explain myself a little more.
Though this television mini-series terrified an entire generation of clowns, it is only a small piece of the pie to the masterpiece story that is IT. The television show also ages horribly, going back and watching this show from 2017 was extremely saddening, especially after just reading the book again as well. Aside from all those problems, the biggest problem with this two episode television show is that the true understanding and experience of IT can not be grasped within 2-3 hours, it's impossible, the book alone is over 1100 pages. This mini series has attempted to cram a 12 hour story into just 3 as well as missing so many key scenes that impacts the story in so many ways. This IT is truly a total mess.
The only way IT could be properly translated to the screen is if at least a full season or two with multiple episodes were to be created. For an example, imagine if the creators of Stranger Things (An amazing Netflix original series) created a season of IT. In contrast to only 2-3 hours as well as terrible acting; picture ten 45 minute episodes per a season with modern day special effects - yeah let that sink in. As a huge fan of IT, I do hope that one day the money is put into this and this wonderful story finally gets to be experienced by so many people who particularly don't enjoy reading and are more of the film/visual types.
Lastly, I suppose I should point out some positive things about this IT as well. Tim Curry did a good job in my opinion considering what he had to work with. You can tell the scenes are forced, the actors are forced to do so much within such a short amount of time and the director attempts to develop the characters way to quickly. So it isn't all their fault, even though I don't think most of them were very good anyhow. It is important to remember this is an adaptation I suppose, so while it is an entirely different beast than the book, it is still painful to see so many people miss out on one of the greatest stories of all time.
Though this television mini-series terrified an entire generation of clowns, it is only a small piece of the pie to the masterpiece story that is IT. The television show also ages horribly, going back and watching this show from 2017 was extremely saddening, especially after just reading the book again as well. Aside from all those problems, the biggest problem with this two episode television show is that the true understanding and experience of IT can not be grasped within 2-3 hours, it's impossible, the book alone is over 1100 pages. This mini series has attempted to cram a 12 hour story into just 3 as well as missing so many key scenes that impacts the story in so many ways. This IT is truly a total mess.
The only way IT could be properly translated to the screen is if at least a full season or two with multiple episodes were to be created. For an example, imagine if the creators of Stranger Things (An amazing Netflix original series) created a season of IT. In contrast to only 2-3 hours as well as terrible acting; picture ten 45 minute episodes per a season with modern day special effects - yeah let that sink in. As a huge fan of IT, I do hope that one day the money is put into this and this wonderful story finally gets to be experienced by so many people who particularly don't enjoy reading and are more of the film/visual types.
Lastly, I suppose I should point out some positive things about this IT as well. Tim Curry did a good job in my opinion considering what he had to work with. You can tell the scenes are forced, the actors are forced to do so much within such a short amount of time and the director attempts to develop the characters way to quickly. So it isn't all their fault, even though I don't think most of them were very good anyhow. It is important to remember this is an adaptation I suppose, so while it is an entirely different beast than the book, it is still painful to see so many people miss out on one of the greatest stories of all time.