Stephen King's It

If you were under 14 when 'Stephen King's It' miniseries played on television and stated that it didn't scare you, you are quite simply a liar. One thing stands out in every child's mind in the now dated Stephen King semi-classic, Pennywise. Those teeth. The hair. The freaky 'Killer Klowns from Outer Space' make-up job. The balloons. You get the point. He was freaky. I remember not being able to watch the whole movie as a kid. I'd have to leave the room when Pennywise came on and if I remember correctly I slept with the light on for a week or so after my initial viewing. Tim Curry's 'Pennywise' struck more terror in me than Freddie Kruger or Michael Myers. After all, it's a freakin' clown! I didn't go to the circus for a long time after viewing 'It' for the 1st and only time back in the late 80's.

So on a overheated day in Pasadena, when there isn't a movie playing of interest at the cineplex I decided to once again check it out and see if it holds up over the test of time. Well, it doesn't. Boy, oh boy has this movie gotten cheesy! It's nowhere near the cheesy not able to holdup to today's standards 'The Monster Squad,' but it's up there. If you remember 'It', you know that the 1st part was the flashbacks of the grown-ups having to get back together to fight off the monster from the small town they grew up in. The second part was basically the grown-ups of 'The Loser Club' hanging out determining if they are going to kill it or not. What I found amusing about this concept is how contrived the whole thing plays out. There's scene after scene with dissolves to the past and characters stating salute worthy 'Captain Obvious' dialogue that rings completely untrue. When the 1st part ends, I came to the conclusion there's no possible way they can stretch this film out for another 90 minutes and they do, oh they certainly do.

Yet with all the cheesiness aside, you can't hide the fear factor that Tim Curry created as Pennywise. Mention that name to any 25 -- 30 year old and see what they think of. I guarantee they won't think of the ska band nor the character from Twisted Metal 2 that drove an ice cream truck. If you bring up Pennywise, expect somebody to tell you, 'kiss me fat boy,' in a creepy Curry like clown voice. Does this make the movie a classic? Heck no. Does it make Tim Curry's performance every bit as creepy and downright good as any of the other classic horror villains like Hanibal Lector or Jason? Heck yes. His performance still holds up what is a pretty outdated flick that will be shelved on the 'nightmare' section of my DVD collection.

Dobler Rating: C

For a better time, fast forward to the creepy parts with Pennywise in 'It' and watch another midnight showing of 'Killer Klowns from Outer Space' instead.