Despite negative stigma aimed towards typical Hollywood re-makes, the latest production of “It” gives this vintage horror story a new spark and newer, younger fans. Superior technology and an emphasis on jump scares makes the latest remake of the movie “It” far better than the original 1998 ABC mini-series version.
The production of Pennywise the clown is an essential area where the remake is better than the original “It.” In the 1998 version, the clown was just that — a clown.
Pennywise simply looked like an unattractive clown that a young child would see when they go to a circus. However, the remake does a much better job of showing how terrifying Pennywise truly is. The clown in the remake actually provokes fear in the viewers, which could not be said for the original.
The horror aspect of the remake is much better as well. There were plenty of jump scares, which is the thrilling experience horror movie lovers crave.
Unlike the original mini-series, Pennywise had frequent appearances in the remake. In the original, he pops up here and there, but not nearly as much as viewers would prefer.
In the remake, Pennywise makes a more impactful presence in the plot of the second half of the movie, and in longer stretches as well. For this, viewers can be thankful — and more importantly — frightened.
The remake blows the original mini-series out of the water in the aspect of comedic-relief as well. Sometimes, it was hard to tell that “It” was supposed to be a scary movie with how often it caused the viewers to fall out of their chair with laughter.
During the beginning of the remake, many viewers likely forgot that it was not intended to be a comedy. Funny moments are needed for a more complete cinematic experience.
Many references to the Steven King book, which “It” is based on, were missing from the three-hour mash-up original film. Fortunately, the remake included important parts of the novel such as Pennywise’s deadlights and the Paul Bunyan statue described in the novel.
Loyalty to the novel makes the remake more in-depth and satisfying than the 1998 original.
Additionally, the remake is superior because of the graphics and technology used. While the original had a certain creepy feel to it as it was much older, therefore catering to the taste of people growing up in the 1990s, it fails to compare to the CGI effects of the newest version.
The production, graphics, and all things visual and technology-related gave the remake that special edge. While the original looked far more theatrical during important fight scenes, the remake had Pennywise changing heads and adding to the more cinematic effect.
The team involved in making the far superior films in 2017 and 2019 created a much stronger “horror” feel to it, which made the films a huge upgrade over the original. Therefore, especially for students spoiled with its riveting plot and larger-than-life use of technology, the newest “It” movies are a more thrilling and cinematic experience than its 1998 predecessor.
