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It (1990)
Elements of a Modern Classic
I first saw "It" when it aired on television in the summer of 1991. I was just 6 years old then, and attending summer camp. Needless to say, the film scared me badly, and it was the talk of the camp the next day among my fellow peers (it seemed everyone, from campers to counselors saw "It" that night). Since that first viewing, "It" captured me with it's humanity and horror, and I attempted many times to see the film again. Finally, a few years later, I rented a copy of "It" from a video store in the Hamptons, and it didn't cease to amaze me...Until now.
I am 14 years old, and my tastes have greatly matured. As it was 5 years since I saw "It," and due to the fact that I was reading the novel by Stephen King, I decided to rent it once more. I was disgusted. I now realize what a terrible film "It" really is. The first scene, of Georgie being killed by Pennywise was truly laughable, although I did think that the simple camera work captured the horror of a clown standing and talking to a little boy beneath a sewer. Just writing this sentence makes me shiver.
The book is wonderful, one of my favorite. It is a true horror masterpiece, and it won't be forgotten for a long time. This is due to a number of reasons. Basically, it is because, as a great author once said, it included "universal truths." These are themes that people, collectively, can relate to: love, pride, fear, etc. The book is a classic example of a genius at work. It perfectly captures the essense of many things: children, the 50's (to bad I wasn't alive to experience that decade), Small towns, fear, and ultimately capturing and 'facing' your fears. King was able to, within 1,000 pages, articulate to you, the reader, who these children were, and who they grew up to be. You don't feel the essence of the children, you FEEL the children themselves, as if they were real characters.
"It" is also a very philosophical book. I don't know if King consiously intended to write a book with philosophical themes, but it is. In the end, I believe, it all comes down to the universal truths. These thruths are the collective soul of the universe, the consiousness of OUR universe, and it is what makes art indurable. It is these thruths that decide which pieces of art will be taken in and forgotten, and which will stand the test of time.
This book will undoubtedly stand the test of time, more then any other King novel I have read so far. The novel was also penetrated you psychologically. That is not an easy feat for an author to do. I am not easily scared, but "It" invaded my senses and put them into over-drive. I was S-C-A-R-E-D. Only "The Exorcist" managed to scare me during my older years as much, if not less. To be perfectly honest, when I was reading the "It" (FIRST INTERLUDE by Mike Hanlon, where the old man tells Mike of the voice he hears under the sink) at 3 in the morning, I cried. I really cried. That is how powerful the book is. And let's not forget what IT really is: the psychic energy of a town with a terbulant past. IT is Derry's essence. IT IS Derry, an entity of collective evil rolled into one being, able to change forms, in order to manipulate and EAT it's citizens.
Well, the book goes beyond that: one step further. It is so powerful that when it is expressed in film format, no matter how terribly-done that film is, it will leave an effect on you. And that is why so many people cannot forget the film of "It." Because a man in Maine named Stephen King knows how to mess with your head...
Joey (1985)
The Worst Film
I know no other way of describing this painfully wretched film except by saying that it is one of the worst contributions to the world of movies that I have ever seen! Directed by German-born Roland Emmirich, who would later emerge to direct the big-budgeted blockbuster epics "Independence Day" and "Godzilla," this film makes up in bad acting what it lacks in creativity. Is this film supposed to be a horror film? All I saw was a lawsuit waiting to happen, since it showcases (or rather steals) the creativity and genius of such classics as "E.T.The Extra-terrestrial" and "Poltergeist." If you're looking for laid-back, horror film to enjoy with your friends on a casual Friday night, this isn't it! This is by far one of the most boring and stupendous pieces of work I have ever seen! It is deserving of 100 Razzi Awards! Before I start to puke, I must sign off and get this disgusting, no-good film out of my head. But before I do, I'd like to make a brief comment for the wonderful (yes, I'm being sarcastic!) Mr. Emmerich: 'Please, for the love of god! For the love of Hollywood! Spare us a sequel to "Godzilla!" I wouldn't know how to cope!'
Poltergeist (1982)
An astounding 114 minutes of entertainment!
Poltergeist is without a doubt one of the most astounding cinematic features of all time, both visually and conceptually. Brought to the screen by Steven Spielberg and horror veteran Tobe Hooper ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"), this classic ghost story will long be remembered in the film community for its unique and entertaining blend of humor, drama, and raw horror. It is a true masterpiece in its own right, and I urge all interested in the art of cinema to view it at least once. Though once the center of much controversy (many believe Spielberg to be the creative force behind it, as opposed to the credited Hooper) this film combines (at the time of 1982) state-of-the-art special FX from the wizardry of "Industrial Light And Magic," humor and warmth from producer Steven Spielberg, and pure terror from horror master Tobe Hooper.
The story concerns the Freeling family. Living in a tract home in the fictional California town of Cuesta Verde, the Freelings are a happy, close-knit family. But when they begin to experience psychic disturbances (furniture moving by themselves, forks bending mysteriously) their lives change forever. It appears that a group of ghosts called "poltergeists" have moved into their home, and although the poltergeists at first seem friendly, they soon become evil. 5 year old Carol Anne Freeling is abducted by the ghosts and taken to an other-worldly dimension, and the Freelings desperately hire 4 psychic investigators to exorcise the house of the evil spirits and bring back the innocent Carol Anne. When Carol Anne is finally rescued in a visually stunning sequence, the Freelings are ready to pack up their belongings and move out--but will the ghosts let them??
This film is a must-see for horror fans alike. It features wonderful editing by Michael Khan, beautiful acting, electric photography by Matthew Leonetti, and a breathtaking original score by Jerry Goldsmith (the classic sound track has evolved into an international hit).
More importantly, this film is a solid reminder of the fine acting talents of the late Heather O'Rookey and Dominique Dunne, who both died at an early age.
If you're looking for a genuinely "good" horror film that doesn't simply rely on gore and bloody make-up, than rent "Poltergeist"--you won't forget it!
10/10 **********