It is not a perfect film. The biggest issue is the portrayals of Bill Denbrough and Beverly Marsh by Jaeden Lieberher and Sophia Lillis. They both have potential, but their emotional and verbal delivery is somewhat dull and very overdone. What is particularly unimpressive is Beverly’s story line and the way the screenwriters and Lillis herself choose to portray Beverly.

The relationship between Richie and Bill that occurs for a brief period in the film is uninteresting as well. Richie, overall, is a funny character, but many of his jokes are forced and really done just to get a laugh out of the audience.

Another disappointment is that It does not give enough screen time or development for the character Mike Hanlon. That took away what makes that character very important in the novel and mini-series and instead gives that to Ben, which really isn’t necessary: Ben is a very stand alone character in his own right and does not need the extra plot given to him that could be very beneficial to Mike in the movie.

The movie, despite its faults, have many great things to make up for them, especially in the acting department. Bill Skarsgard is amazing as Pennywise and successfully differentiates himself from Tim Curry’s portrayal. He is scary, intriguing, and establishes himself as an acting force to be reckoned with.

Nicholas Hamilton, who plays Henry Bowers, gives the best performance in the film. Hamilton, playing the pure evil and sociopathic bully of the Loser’s Club, gives dimension and emotion to what otherwise could have been an unimpressive character if portrayed by somebody else. Hamilton plays this character so well that he seems to rival Pennywise as the better villain. He is definitely an actor to look out for.

Other actors who did a stellar job in the film are Wyatt Oleff as Stan Uris and Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie Kaspbrak. Their interpretations of the characters are spot on and really stand out, although they aren’t the members that were intended to. The score, editing, visual effects, and makeup are amazing too, which help bring the film to life.

Rating: 3 out 4 stars