It was my birthday this week and as part of my gifts (along with a Pennywise mask and a Jack Skellington hooded coverall, because I'm a fun type of freak like that) my son treated me to IT in 4D. I am going to TRY to remain objective in this review although having seen both versions and having read the book some comparisons are inevitable so lets try to get them out of the way first.
Tim Curry defined the role of Pennywise and his performance in the 1990 miniseries was iconic. He was funny and playfully heinous which made him all the more terrifying. There is no way to recreate his legendary take on the killer clown. Skarsgard's Pennywise is much more sinister than Curry's. It lacks the playful exuberance exhibited by Curry and the few scenes that try to add levity to the character just seem awkward. That being said, both performances are respectfully solid.
The 2017 version absolutely gives more insight into the trials of growing up than the miniseries did. Henry Bowers is still their biggest protagonist but there are others added to the mix. Bev and Mike have the most added to their back stories, with Bev's being horrible as a whole from outside of the home and within. SPOILER!! - It is quite apparent that not only is she bullied at school but her father is sexually molesting her as well as abusing her. All in all the roles in both films are superbly acted by the young actors.
Now my Review : If you seen the miniseries then you won't see many surprises in the way of progression. Each character still has to face Pennywise's attacks alone before they band together to take him on. Their fears are different than in the 1990 version and this movie is much darker than the miniseries but if you've seen the miniseries then you'll know what to expect.
Ben and Eddie have the most memorable confrontations with their fears, with the exception of Bill. His creepy little brother scenes are what nightmares are made of! The most uncomfortable scene in the movie, for me, is Bev's with her father when you realize what he has been doing to her. She defends herself vehemently but is subsequently 'kidnapped' by Pennywise and used as bait to draw the other six members of the Losers Club.
Both the new movie and the miniseries hold their own in the horror genre. The 2017 version is far darker and more ominous than the campy 1990 version but both are significantly scary with the new version relying much more on the shock value that has come to be expected by a new generation of movie viewers. It would be unfair to compare the two movies completely because the miniseries is complete whereas the movie is not till the adult sequel hits theatres.
I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the 2017 film and it definitely had enough heebie-jeebie moments to make me jump.
I would recommend seeing it. You will not be disappointed.