It
The two-part TV movie from 1990, based upon the Stephen King novel of the same name and no doubt responsible for inspiring an entire generation of coulrophobes. I watched both parts over the weekend for the very first time, not entirely certain what to expect, and found that it was actually really good, although it must be said that the two halves themselves are not equals - the first is definitely a heck of a lot stronger than the second, which kind of falters.
The former is brilliantly taut - aided by the input of a surprisingly strong ensemble of child actors, including a young Seth Green, (and all those "special appearances" from Tim Curry, of course) it sets the scenario and builds up the tension supremely well, cumulating in a truly chilling and unexpected climax which instantly has you wanting more. The second...well, it's entertaining enough and certainly has its moments. Problem is that it never really lives up to the high expectations set by its predocessor (that, and that it contains quite possibily the most annoying cliche you could find in a horror movie, but I'm willing to let that slide). I've never actually read the original Stephen King novel, so excuse my inability to compare, but I found the climax to be a bit disappointing:
Spoiler Below In that Pennywise is SO much scarier as a clown than he is as a spider...once you've twigged that that horrible clown is not, in fact, his true form, you spend ages wondering what shape on earth could possibly be more formidable, and when it finally comes your reaction is inevitably, "Oh...is that it?"
Well, as with every good horror movie, the true delectability is to be found in the anticipation, and even if that anticipation finally falls short of any particularly satisfying fulfillment, the build-up is just too much fun to be missed. Recommended to all, except for the most emotionally fragile of coulrophobes. Oh, and folks who
really love clowns. If you do, then I have a feeling that Pennywise here could seriously ruin your fun.