Stephen King's It 1990

It

Critics Consensus

Though hampered by an uneven second half, It supplies a wealth of funhouse thrills and an idelible turn from Tim Curry as Pennywise.

67%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 24

63%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 198,509

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It Photos

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Movie Info

In 1960, seven preteen outcasts fight an evil demon that poses as a child-killing clown. Thirty years later, they reunite to stop the demon once and for all when it returns to their hometown.
  • Rating:
    TV14
  • Genre:
    horror, drama, fantasy, mystery and thriller
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Tommy Lee Wallace
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Lorimar Productions

Cast & Crew

Harry Anderson
Richie Tozier
Dennis Christopher
Eddie Kaspbrak
Richard Masur
Stanley Uris
Annette O'Toole
Beverly Marsh
Tim Reid
Mike Hanlon
John Ritter
Ben Hanscom
Richard Thomas
Bill Denbrough
Tim Curry
Pennywise
Tommy Lee Wallace
Director
Lawrence D. Cohen
Writer
Tommy Lee Wallace
Writer
Allen S. Epstein
Executive Producer
Jim Green
Executive Producer
Richard Bellis
Original Music
Richard Leiterman
Cinematographer
Stephen King
Writer (Novel)
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Critic Reviews for Stephen King's It

All Critics (24) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (16) | Rotten (8)

  • The result, featuring a strong cast, is far better than any adaptation so far of a King book.

    January 16, 2020 | Full Review…

    John J. O'Connor

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • There is something very poignant and warming about these kids, branded as losers, closely bonding and banding together in "It" to battle not only the town bullies, but also the demonic Pennywise.

    January 16, 2020 | Full Review…

    Howard Rosenberg

    Los Angeles Times
    Top Critic

  • The four-hour package makes an eerie supernatural tale, spiced with substantial good-versus-evil subtext and musings on the power of friendship.

    January 16, 2020 | Full Review…

    Rick Kogan

    Chicago Tribune
    Top Critic

  • It is a fun house of supernatural horror, with copious blood but little violence. It's creepy, but just too darn corny at times to be the stuff of nightmares or paranoia - unless you happen to be a child.

    January 16, 2020 | Full Review…

    Greg Dawson

    Orlando Sentinel
    Top Critic

  • In addition to It's slow pace, I found the ending a big letdown.

    October 8, 2018 | Rating: B- | Full Review…

    Ken Tucker

    Entertainment Weekly
    Top Critic

  • A horror sci-fi miniseries these days is as rare as moon rocks, as far and few between as known inhabited planets. And make no mistake, It is a humdinger, one big kicky ride thanks to the charismatic acting of Curry as savage, sneering malevolence.

    March 13, 2009 | Full Review…

    Miles Beller

    Hollywood Reporter
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (24)

Audience Reviews for Stephen King's It

  • Sep 10, 2017
    Seeing as this was originally released as a two part TV film it only feels right review them separate then star rate it the average score, I have never read the book either but have read through a few chapters before, Part one was pretty good I suppose in its own way, I enjoyed the story and the characters but the acting was pretty awful and it was full of stereotype supporting cast like bullies who act and look like Grease rejects and for some reason they go beyond bullying and try to murder people and to be honest they didn't help the film one bit, There are no scares to be had at all, Not even jump scares but Tim Curry as Pennywise was good but underused, The film gets predictable and bland near the end and I was left pretty disappointed, Let's just thank god they didn't do the whole child sex orgy scene, Part one gets 3 stars. Part two felt very uneven at times as in we have the main plot come to life where all the Losers Club has grown up and they meet up 30 years to take down Pennywise once and for all, So I expected it to be darker but when we have a scene with Pennywise trying to put the fear back in the cast we have the next scene that had a light tone where they act like nothing happened and get drunk and eat at restaurants, The acting was just as bad, I liked the way the story continued but its execution was poor, The ending was dull and yet again there was no scares at all, Rated on its own it gets 2 Stars so the average in 2 and a half stars, Which is a shame as I heard nothing but horror stories from people who said this film was scary as hell, What a letdown is what I'll be saying if they ask me.
    Jamie C Super Reviewer
  • Mar 14, 2015
    I was thoroughly underwhelmed. The fault may lie with me somewhat there, as I read the book first and had a certain level of expectation which I know never to do. But the rest of the responsibility I level straight at Tommy Lee Wallace and his film, which is just not that great. It does however, feature an astounding performance from the peerless Tim Curry as the pieces titular villain.
    Gimly M Super Reviewer
  • Jun 09, 2014
    one word review: shIT
    Hayden B Super Reviewer
  • Oct 31, 2012
    It is a terrifying tale of horror from bestselling author Stephen King. When the small town of Derry experiences a rash of killings, a group of childhood friends must return after nearly 30 years in order to face an ancient evil. The casting is pretty good, and includes Harry Anderson, Annette O'Toole, John Ritter, and Tim Curry; who all deliver great performances. However, it's Curry's charismatic and frightening depiction of Pennywise that makes this film so powerful and terrifying. Additionally, the storytelling is well done; crafting a number of intense and horrific scenes. Haunting and chilling, It is a nightmare brought to life.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
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