Movies
Pennywise, His Defeat, and The CGI of the Stephen King ‘It: Chapter’ Movies
Whenever the announcement of a classic horror movie remake is made, there is an audible gasp happening in comment sections across the Internet as fans of the original movie collectively clutch their pearls. On the one hand, reservations about remakes are often justified. As horror fans, we’ve seen studio after studio try to make profits by remaking original horror ideas with lackluster effort.
These films insult the original piece, as they’ve skirted through the original’s blood, sweat, and tears to give us a film that feels manufactured.
On the other hand, lives a difficult truth. Remakes modernize horror movies, making them much more palatable to younger audiences. There’s something inside of the grain of old horror movies that causes an immediate disconnect to today’s viewers. So, the truth is, if we love these icons and genuinely wish to keep them alive, we must love the reignitions of their spirit. I often have to remind myself of this when it comes to the Andy Muschietti It movies.
Is the It Remake a Good Movie?
Of all the horror movie remakes to be announced, none caused the visceral reaction so much as the one brought about by the remake of Stephen King’s It. Even my sweet love A Nightmare on Elm Street didn’t have the Internet in as entirely of an uproar when its remake was released.
The film’s announcement went into immediate competition with the It made-for-TV miniseries released in 1990. The film is a beloved viewing staple, with It being the first horror movie many ever saw – not to mention that it is one of Stephen King’s most iconic, chunky stories.
Andy Muschietti had extraordinarily large, clown-sized shoes to fill when approaching this Stephen King adaptation. It’s worth noting that he also had the added difficulty of dealing with the World Clown Association, as they’ve been working diligently to de-monsterize clowns in the mainstream. These films, coupled with the 2016 clown sightings, have given them rugged terrain to tread. And I’m sure John Wayne Gacy’s entire existence created an uphill battle from the start, but I digress.
I tend to have mixed feelings about the It movies. So, it’s time to lay it out: the good, the bad, and the ugly, and see where the movie truly lies in my horror fan heart. Are the It movies good?
Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise
Pennywise is the most easily recognizable thing about It movies, remake or not, so his presentation is essential. Tim Curry is a god amongst men, and finding someone who could deliver us Pennywise anew could not have been easy. Yet, Andy Muschietti achieved the impossible. If you were ever going to find someone to follow Tim Curry to play Pennywise, Bill Skarsgard was it. He is one of the best things about this movie, as he delivered the role masterfully. He’s changed who I picture when someone says “Pennywise,” and for that, he receives all the kudos he is due. If only the CGI had been able to follow suit.
The CGI in the It Movies
The CGI in the It: Chapter movies left a lot to be desired – the scene with the CGI old woman being the largest offender. Her cartoonish face immediately saps all the magic from that moment. Someone alert the toons of Toon Town, as it appears Judge Doom is back with his vat of Dip.
Instead of this grotesque CGI, the better choice would have been to use some old-fashioned practical effects. The choice not to go the more complicated route exemplifies the sin of skirting blood, sweat, and tears that I referenced earlier. It’s understandable in many circumstances, as special effects makeup is hell on the performers, but it’s still getting you docked several points in this case.
I could go on, but I have bigger fish to fry here.
How Pennywise Was Defeated in It: Chapter Two
So far, we’ve talked about the good and the ugly. Now it’s time for the bad. I can think of no other word to describe the ending we received in It: Chapter Two.
Look, I’m a big Nightmare on Elm Street fan. I am no stranger to the cheesy concept of “removing your fear removes its power of you” as being the way to defeat the seemingly invulnerable bad guy. (Although that didn’t *technically* beat Freddy in NOES, I’m reverting my ADHD brain back to the point.)
Of all the ways to defeat Pennywise, having the adults essentially stand in a circle, taking turns in telling Pennywise he’s a loser, causing him to morph into a blubbering mess, was at the bottom of my list.
In the book, the adult Losers defeat Pennywise by crushing his heart inside his body. In It: Chapter Two, they defeat Pennywise by crushing his proverbial heart, and I cannot pretend this is okay.
The Consensus
I want to dislike the Andy Muschietti It movies. I truly do. The CGI and the ending always at once suck the magic out of the horror for me, and each time I’m disappointed when they pop up. However, Bill Skarsgard’s performance as Pennywise makes me inclined to look the other way at the negativity. Don’t get me wrong, we got terrific performances from everyone involved. However, the star of the show is, has been, and always will be Pennywise, and the fact that he was represented so excellently is a huge tip in the film’s favor. After all, one of the most beautiful things we received from the remake of the It movies is the lasting impact Pennywise gets to make now. Whole new generations are growing up terrified of sewers and red balloons; that would not be so if it weren’t for these movies and the performances being so expertly done. All in all, the It movies helped mold a new generation of horror fans, and it will always hold a special place in my heart for that.
Do you wildly disagree? Yell at us about it over on the Horror Press Instagram. Our Editor-In-Chief, James-Michael Fleites, will receive your DMs of rage, not me, but I am sure he’ll happily pass the message along so long as you remember to follow while you’re there.
Movies
8 Horror Movies That Are Red Flags When Dating Men
‘Tis February, and because of 2025’s Heart Eyes, we now celebrate Valentine’s Day. While many outlets are going to list romantic horror movies as the ultimate horror couples, we’re doing something different at Horror Press. We’re highlighting horror movie red flags. That way, you don’t waste your time this Hallmark season with duds who watch crap. These movies are grounds for automatic swipes to the left and leaving messages on read. Read this list to see the ultimate film filter to help you focus on more sustainable hookups, dates, and cuffing season partners.
8 Horror Movies That Are Dating Red Flags
A Serbian Film (2010)
An old pornstar agrees to do an art film only to discover it’s a snuff film. A Serbian Film is possibly the reddest of the red flags. The pedophilia and necrophilia make it a hard watch, so anyone who revisits it often should probably raise all your alarms. We try not to judge people, but this is definitely a title that will get you some bombastic side eye if you try to bring it to movie night. Would definitely not recommend spending the night after being shown this hellish title.
Any Eli Roth Movie
They’re all the same, and that’s why Eli Roth movies are the free space on this red flag bingo board. Whether it’s taking place in a cabin, a hostel, or during Thanksgiving, there is something inherently gross about a Roth film. I need a shower whenever some guy tries to convince me Roth has made any movies of note. Only people who want to be ghosted are suggesting these movies, and you should respect their wishes this February.
Alone in the Dark (2005)
A paranormal investigator looks into mysterious events that connect to his past. There is nothing nice to say about this Uwe Boll movie. It’s actually one of the few movies where I can’t even count on the design team when searching for compliments. While Christian Slater, Tara Reid, and Stephen Dorff have the misfortune of being the faces we associate with this shit fest, I’m not even letting the colorist and craft service off for their parts in this dud. When we talk about how we all love an occasional bad movie, no one means this one. This makes Alone in the Dark a red flag and alerts you that someone might not have taste.
Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025)
A 1988 prom queen race turns deadly when a killer begins slaying the candidates. Fear Street: Prom Queen is another huge red flag because it has no redeeming qualities. People who like this movie are being contrarians and should immediately lose the right to recommend movies. From the lack of energy to the unserious kills, there is no reason to swipe right on anyone pretending this movie is good. Save yourself some time and probably more ridiculously bad watches and shut it down immediately.
I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)
When a Fourth of July Prank goes wrong, someone dies, and their friend circle finds themselves stalked by a mysterious figure. No matter what we think of any other installment/iteration of this story, this one is the worst. This is not my franchise, but this steep decline in quality is not like the others. Anyone who likes this movie is a walking red flag and possibly the most chaotic individual you have ever met.
Men (2022)
A woman heads to the English countryside to work through trauma and discovers more horrors are awaiting her. Men should have been my last straw with Alex Garland. However, I am a damn fool and suffered through Civil War, too. Which is why I can confidently say most Garland films are a red flag for me, but Men specifically underscores all of my problems with his work. If someone likes this movie, I will need them to explain it to me like I am five years old.
Skinamarink (2022)
Two kids wake up in the middle of the night and find that all of their doors and windows are gone. Skinamarink is the embodiment of “Girl, What?” The grainy footage gives many people headaches, and too much time is dedicated to the ceiling. Listening to people suggest watching it in closets, under blankets, with headphones to fully “get it” is weird and extremely unsexy. Which is why the movie and the people forcing the mood onto it are all red flags. I don’t want to kink shame but if someone is that into ceilings then maybe we’re not a good match.
Red Christmas (2016)
A family Christmas Eve gathering is interrupted by a killer seeking revenge. I cannot think of a bigger red flag than an anti-choice Christmas movie. I like my horror to be on the correct side of feminism, and this mess feels gross from a distance. That’s why this Dee Wallace title is a huge red flag and a festive horror mood killer. I know people like to talk about the great kills in this movie, but I insist on not hooking up with guys who like this one. If for no other reason, it probably tells you where they land on Roe v. Wade and we do not have time for that.
So these are some horror red flags from our team to your group chats. Now you can’t say no one warned you about the Eli Roth filmbros, or A Serbian Film fanatics.
Happy hookups and potential dating now that you know what to be on the lookout for! Never forget that it’s okay to swipe left, force close the app, and watch better horror movies than the ones listed above.
Movies
The Best Horror You Can Stream on Netflix in February
It’s still too cold to seriously consider going outside, so I am still in my couch potato era. Cozy, comfort, and Netflix are the three words people will hear me chanting under my breath this month. I also recently finished a group rewatch of Slasher: Solstice and have been looking at the other TV shows currently living on Netflix. Which is why I am looking for the warmth of my next quick binge. That’s right! I’m here with a few shows that could be taken down in one frosty February weekend. Most of them have been on my radar forever, and one of them I want to revisit because it screams lazy Stephen King Sunday. However, what I find most appealing about each of them is that I am guaranteed to lose at least a whole day if it’s a match made in hell.
Without further ado, here are the five titles I have my evil eye on this month. Check out my five Netflix picks for this February below! Happy binging to all my fellow couch potatoes!
The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month
Archive 81 (2022)
An archivist finds himself reconstructing the work of a filmmaker and her investigation into a dangerous cult. I missed Archive 81, but have only heard good things about it. Which is why it’s weird it was cancelled after only one season, consisting of eight episodes. The popular show was created by Rebecca Sonnenshine and starred talent like Mamoudou Athie and Matt McGorry. So, I’m long overdue for this Netflix watch and am excited to finally see what all of the fuss is about.
Castle Rock (2018 – 2019)
A series set in the town of Castle Rock and inhabited by characters from some of Stephen King’s most infamous works. This is the only show on this streaming guide that I have already seen. However, it’s very cozy, and I want to go back in. While this divisive series wasn’t for everyone, it scratched my King itch better than most of his adaptations. Also, this cast was ridiculously stacked. Where else can you see André Holland, Melanie Lynskey, Bill Skarsgård, Jane Levy, Sissy Spacek, and Lizzy Caplan all play together? I will definitely be revisiting these twenty episodes that make up these two seasons of what the fuckery.
NOS4A2 (2019-2020)
An immortal who feeds on children is threatened by a young woman with a mysterious gift. This show has circled my list forever, and it’s high time I cross it off my list. I also need to know what Zachary Quinto and Ebon Moss-Bachrach were doing during this era of genre TV for research. I’m ready to run through these twenty episodes and report back on my findings. More importantly, I love to see a show with big “fuck them kids” energy. So, fingers crossed, he eats a few kids to keep me leaned in. I need this to be good for so many reasons.
Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)
A mob family in 1900s England sews razor blades in their caps and causes a ruckus. I am so ready to find out how this alleged crime drama collected so many horror fans. Is it just because it stars Cillian Murphy? Or is it very bloody and violent due to the razor blades being a key factor? Whatever the case, I’m excited to see all six seasons on Netflix. I plan to take these thirty-six episodes down like it is my job. I also cannot get over how lucky I have been to avoid all spoilers for the show, and I need to jump on it before someone ruins it for me already.
Reality Z (2020)
When a zombie apocalypse breaks out, a TV studio becomes a shelter for a small band of survivors in Rio de Janeiro. Because of the pandemic, I missed this Brazilian horror show. However, this seems like the kind of international gory zombie situation that I would like to make my new personality. I’m looking forward to seeing if these 10 episodes are one of the few reasons to keep talking to Netflix this year. Fingers crossed it is a scary good time, because we deserve some scares this February.
So, that’s where you can find me this February. Under a weighted blanket, in front of a TV, and eagerly taking advantage of the shows Netflix has collected. Let me know if any of these titles on my list will be your excuse to stay in this winter, too. Although, I am sure many of you will be revisiting your favorite Mike Flanagan Netflix Originals. Meanwhile, I am trying to get into some new (to me) stuff because the winter of our discontent is upon us. I plan to beat the winter of our discontent by being unreasonably comfortable and drowning in genre shows. I advise you to do the same because the weather outside is frightful and we have no place to go.


