Alien at the Movies

It's "Stand By Me" meets "Goonies" meets "The Sandlot" with a supernatural coulrophobic (fear of clowns) twist as issues of bullying, loss, guilt, & friendship are explored. More than just another horror flick, this coming of age tale is set in the small town of Derry, Maine, mostly during the summer of 1989. Seven misfit kids come together as they investigate a sudden rash of missing children & the town's possible curse. This excellent film will trigger some of those common childhood memories & fears we may have grown up with. These child actors all give fabulous performances. The film is more eerie & unsettling than actually terrifyingly scary but with a bit of gore & the expected jump scares. Some of the horror doesn't even come from the mysterious Pennywise clown. Dark basements, dank sewers, & creepy old houses are just some of the scary setting provided to keep audiences on edge. Of course, Pennywise is not a character you would want to meet under any circumstance. Experiencing this film in a RPX theater will send a extra low bass rumble through your body to intensify those special moments. By the end, one must wonder how soon will this evil resurface for Chapter II; hopefully in less than that 27 year cycle.

Alien gives it 3½ "facing your fears" stars out of 4.