It

Sequel: “It: Chapter II” (2019)

Meet the members of the Losers Club of “Derry” Maine (modeled on Bangor): Bill, Richie, Eddie, Bev, Stan, Ben and Mike. As their group name implies, they’re the social outcasts of the school. They don’t let that bother them, however. In fact, their strong friendship serves them well when they begin to investigate the numerous disappearances of children from the town—6 times the national average.

As they dig deeper and deeper into the investigation, strange happenings begin to occur to each member of the Losers Club (for example, Eddie is chased by a disfigured, undead leper at an abandoned house). The Losers realize, however, that all of the strange happenings have one thing in common… all of them end with a visit by an demonic being who calls himself Pennywise the Dancing Clown. With supernatural powers, he feeds off fear and eats kids. They soon discover the clown is the cause of all the missing children. It’s up to the Losers to find Pennywise, kill him, and rescue any missing kids that remain—without any help from adults. Easy right?

2017 has been, overall, a relatively strong year for horror films (of course, there are some exceptions, such as “The Bye, Bye Man,” and “The Rings”). Films such as “Get Out,” “It Comes at Night” and “Annabelle: Creation” have revitalized, in my opinion, what seemed to be a film genre that had become stale and predictable.

So you’re probably asking yourself at this moment, “Where does the movie ‘It’ stand?” Before I answer that question, I aknowledge that my review of this film is based on never having been exposed to the original television mini-series (starring Tim Curry) nor Stephen King’s novel.

“It” has received a lot of hype and praise, being hailed as one of the greatest horror movies of 2017. Personally, I don’t feel this film deserves praise. Yes, there are moments of terror (and, trust me, there were moments where I did jump out of my seat), but many of these are fueled through means of CGI, and these moments don’t occur often enough in the film (some of them were what I would call “gross-out” moments). I understand the director’s intention not to throw scares in for the sake of scaring, but, as I watched, I didn’t find myself having enough time for a scare buildup to occur.

What this film does have going for it, however, is powerful performances by all of its leads. The members of the Losers Club provide us with enough of an understanding and reminder of what many of us faced in our homes and in our schools, and that those worlds would often intertwine with each other. The overall pacing is relatively strong, and the plot is easy to follow.

Content of concern

Violence: This film’s violence is extreme and bloody. One of the bullies is seen bloodily murdering his sleeping father with a switchblade. Another father viciously attacks his young daughter, and she kills him, in self-defense. We learn that he has sexually abused her. A little boy’s arm is bitten off by the clown; the boy attempts to crawl away with his remaining arm and is viciously dragged into the sewers (we see blood in the water).

Having reach puberty, a young girl who has just bought her first box of tampons goes into her bathroom and ends up almost drowning in blood. In this creepy metaphor, she is suddenly grabbed by the arms and neck by a hair-like substance that pulls her toward the sink drain—which suddenly gushes out enormous quantities of blood, ultimately covering her and the entire bathroom. A sheep is shot and killed off screen. A bully is seen kicking and bloodily beating members of the Losers club. The bully uses his knife to begin carving his name into Ben’s stomach. One bully uses an aerosol can and a lighter to create a flamethrower to threaten the kids. Kids fight by throwing rocks into each other’s heads. The children are attacked multiple times by the brutal demonic clown. And the list goes on.

Suggestive Sexual Content/Sexual Dialog: There is much suggestive sexual content and dialog in this film. There are conversations about circumcision and young Beverly’s sexual history. One character is told to go “blow his dad.” Ben is nicknamed “t*ts” because of his obesity. Beverly’s father makes sexual advances toward her, and it is incredibly disturbing to watch. There are also some conversations about male and female anatomy. Young Beverly is in a bra and panties, and the boys are in their underwear when they go cliff jumping together into a lake; the boys later stare at her sunbathing. There is a joke made about virginity.

Profanity: J*sus (2), “Oh my J*sus” (1), h*ll (3), d*mn (1), OMG (2), God (1), Swear to G*d (1)

Vulgarity: f-words (40+), including “J*sus f*ck,” “Get the f*ck out of…” “Move your f*cking ass,” “Oh f*ck,” “Why don’t you shut the f*ck up?” “What the f*ck is that?” “F*ck you,” “A f*cking asthma attack,” “If you say it’s ____ one more f*cking time…” “Where the f*ck did she go?” “Where the f*ck are you?” “Do not f*cking touch me,” “Motherf*cker,” “I f*cking told you,” “A f*cking crack-head house.”

Crudity and vulgarity goes on… “sh*tty,” “P*ss and sh*t,” “Holy sh*t,” “Oh sh*t,” “Dip-sh*t,” “Bullsh*t,” “You little slut,” “Tickle your pickle,” “Better than spending time in your mother,” “Where are you off to, t*ts?” “I hear you, t*ts,” “…list longer than my wang,” “She’ll do you,” “Go blow your dad, you mullet-wearing a**hole,” “You and your f***ot friends,” “It doesn’t smell like c*ca to me,” “Creepy a** house,” and what sounded like “He’s bleeding hamburger helper,” and much more.

Most of these foul words spew from the mouths of children. (What kind of protection and guidance are the minds of these child actors receiving from their employers and parents?!)

Morals

One of the central themes of the film is the issue of fear. But the movie offers no God, angel or even parents to protect the children, or us. Stephen King gives you demons, but no salvation in Jesus. Somehow, when the Losers are confronted with “fight or flight” situations, they choose to fight—facing their fear—with violence. Where does their courage come from? One can only guess, for there is no indication that they have any faith or belief in God.

We, as Christians, put our faith in our Creator, and our courage and our strength come from Him. I can personally attest to this—without God—without COMPLETE faith and total reliance on Him—you will not be able to accomplish even half of what He has in store for you.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. –Jeremiah 29:11

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:13-14

So remember, Christ is our Rock and our Redeemer. He will never forsake us nor abandon us, and with his strength we can accomplish more than we ever thought possible.

Closing Thoughts

It’s never a good sign when the audience doesn’t scream much during a horror film, and that is exactly what happened during what was an almost sold out showing this evening.

There is a LOT to be OFFENDED by in this film, and A LOT to be cautious about. There is absolutely no acceptable reason to take children to this film; definitely do not expose them to this. I definitely do not recommend this film for any adults or teens, let alone Christians.

And I don’t think I’ll look at clowns the same way ever again…

• Violence: Extreme
• Vulgarity/Profanity: Extreme
• Sex/Nudity: Heavy

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

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• Neutral
• Negative
• Young people
• Non-viewer comments

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in Christian Spotlight reviews are those of the reviewers themselves, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Christian Answers.