This was back in 1990, when the tv/miniseries era of Stephen King's works started taking off. I'd presume that's because his books were so long. I know his story for "IT" is some 1000 pages, so that couldn't all fit into just one movie. Not back then, and not today, either, apparently. Certain popular franchises can secure lengthy runtimes, but the 90s preferred the form of the miniseries.
IT: Chapter Two will be out soon. People are going to get their "IT" on, but which "IT" is worth IT? One is a fucking 90s tv-movie x2, and one is a polished Hollywood soiree. Obviously, people today will prefer the movie of today, which glorified an 80s aesthetic.
TV movies back in the day weren't so bad. Everyone can agree that Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a great fucking movie. And IT was a pretty gnarly mini-series, which featured a lot of popular Stephen King themes, like child protagonists, bullies, monsters, period pieces, et cetera.
The movie is back and forth between young and old versions of the characters. The newer films are separated by one, then the other. In the 90s way, you already know who's who in both sides of the story. Not sure how it is in the book, because I don't have time to read books. I just watch movies, including this 3 hour ordeal that features Tim Curry as a goofy circus clown.
I think Tim Curry is great. I can't believe I stood within 5 feet of that man. It breaks my heart to know that such a legend has been disgraced with a string of bad health problems. He could have done so much more. I was still holding out hope for Rocky Horror: Second Coming. Up until a few years ago, he could have done it! 😦
The cast for both halves the characters do great. The current kids are probably deemed cooler on account of pop culture, but the old cast made for a great effort. It also upsets me to know the fate of young Bill Densborough, Jonathan Brandis. He was a member of the 27 club, having hanged himself in 2003. Also, I miss John Ritter.
I guess the tv movies were pretty cheesy in some sense, but they might be Tommy Lee Wallace's most popular effort. Horror fans today are warming up to Halloween III considerably, but IT might be what he's remembered for. The only other thing I know he's done is some shitty Vampire movie with Mister
•belch•
IT's a good movie/miniseries. I like it.