Two days ago, I would not have imagined writing this blog. I write this tonight as a courtesy to parents and guardians out there who are concerned about the types of movies their children are watching. I want to warn you about the one movie you should NOT take your children to see.
If you’re a new reader, let me preface this by saying I am normally very liberal when it comes to movies. I have high respect for the arts and balk at censorship or anyone trying to put parameters on what an artist can or can’t do with his freedom of speech and creativity.
The One Movie NOT to Take Your Children to See
The movie NOT to take your children to see is the 2017 remake of Stephen King’s IT.
It: A NovelShop on Amazon
Stephen King, IT!Shop on Amazon
Yes, the film broke box office records over the weekend.
Yes, the film currently holds a staggering 86% approval rating from critics and 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
I apparently watched something completely different than the rest of America.
I bristled at the laughter that greeted this film from the packed audience. I left discouraged, angry and disgusted. Expressing my emotion, I returned home and posted the following on my Jeff Marshall, Movie Blogger Facebook page:
Parents and Guardians – I want to share with you my feelings having just returned from a viewing of the new movie IT. I have never had such an overwhelming reaction to a movie in my life. It is reprehensible, beyond disturbing, and I strongly encourage you not to let anyone under age see this. Without going into too much detail, the film features such adult themes as child abuse, incest, and Munchausen syndrome. A young pre-teen character uses horrible language throughout. The kids are subjected to all kinds of horrible and painful abuse. I left upset and disgusted. I know the reviews have been very good, and it’s a very popular film, but please think twice before taking anyone young or impressionable. Keep in mind, this is coming from someone who is very liberal when it comes to movies and their content, but I was horrified.
As I write this blog, the above post has reached over 40,000 people and has had over 250 shares. Nothing I have ever published has even comes close to this amount. Nothing I have ever published has been so divisive. Many have thanked me for warning them. Others have called me names I choose not to repeat and have told me I need to mind my own business.
I’ve spent the last 24 hours trying to figure out why my reaction to this movie was so visceral.
Why am I so disturbed by a movie about a killer clown? I didn’t have this reaction to the recently released ANNABELLE: CREATION or the CHILD’S PLAY films, all of which centered around killer dolls. Children’s toys and playthings have been used for decades as catalysts for horror films. Why exactly did this one offend me so deeply that I felt the need to warn parents immediately?
I am an avid AMERICAN HORROR STORY fan. I consider SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and the original HALLOWEEN among my top films of all time. I have argued the rights of artists like Martin Scorsese and THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. I find the thought of censorship revolting and often find myself in the minority who have stood up for certain projects and filmmakers. My editor can attest to this fact.
I saw my first R-rated movie when I was 10. But that film was SILKWOOD, the Meryl Streep movie about the nuclear power plant whistle blower. (I was admittedly not your average 10 year old.) My parents had already sensed my maturity and passion for film, so they allowed it.
I know for a fact that my 9 year old nephew really wanted to see this film. I went with my 21 year old niece, and as much as I would have loved for him to tag along, my gut was telling me NO. I was wise to heed those feelings.
Stephen King’s IT, 2017: What You Need to Know
Note: From this point on, there will be spoilers. I hate to do it, but I can’t defend my stance without going into detail.
If you choose not to read further, I beg you to watch the film yourself first before allowing any minors to see it. For the rest of you, I shall continue.
In the prologue of this movie, we see a little boy get his arm bitten off by a clown and dragged into the sewers.
Later in the movie, we witness an overweight boy get his stomach carved up with a knife, a teenager slash his father’s throat, a young girl fend off the sexual advances of her own father, and a young African American boy attacked by racist hoodlums.
My fear is that some parents and guardians are not aware of the deeply dark content of this film. They will see advertisements of the scary clown and think it will be nothing more than a simple scary clown movie. Maybe something like POLTERGEIST, an admittedly scary and somewhat disturbing film that feels like POLLYANNA compared to this.
In this particular circumstance, I’m not able to distance my feelings for my nephew and my feelings for the film. That has never happened before, although I came close in my distaste for the recent DEADPOOL movie. My mind immediately entertains the thought of young people seeing this, not horrified by the titular clown but horrified by the actions of the people who surround it. That makes my heart hurt.
Let me state categorically that I am not judging or condemning any adults that like this film. I am second to none in my admiration of artistic films geared toward adult audiences that may contain elements that aren’t suitable to younger viewers.
My intent with this blog, once again, is to warn those with children who want to see this movie that it’s much more than just a scary clown movie. If you opt to let your minor children see it, be prepared to answer a lot of questions and possibly be up late at night comforting those who have suffered nightmares. Yes, I think it’s that disturbing.
Incidentally, here are a few Stephen King films that I think work BETTER than IT.
I welcome discussion below, as there’s lot that can be gleaned from your comments and opinions. Please keep them civil and respectful.
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Thank you. I appreciate you writing this.
I left a comment the other day…before seeing the movie. I took my 13 year old. Honestly, this movie was less disturbing than the the Marvel movie Deadpool, that my kids were NOT allowed to see. She and I had a discussion about it prior to viewing and the scene with the dad wasn’t what people are hyping it up to be, it was a actually a scene of empowerment when this abused child said “no more”. This was a plain old horror movie with kids talking like kids talk when their parents aren’t around. I’ve heard my angelic son say a word or two when he and his friends didn’t know I was listening. So my opinion is…decide what’s best for your family.
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Jeez no wonder your kids are all on pills for anxiety and depression by the time they’re 15. No wonder they can’t maintain relationships and are victims to all manner or phobias and obsessive compulsions. You people do absolutely nothing to protect them from horror and fear. Be responsible. Gibe your kids a childhood: they have fifty years plus to be jaded, terrified, desensitized, brutalized, and bored.
I cannot who’s more stupid and irresponsible: the reviewer or the people who would consider letting anybody under the age of 14 see a film like this. R means adult. It means foul language, violence, sexual situations, horror, drug-use. If you think your child (under 12) is ready to view foul language, violence, sexual situations, horror, drug-use then you suck as a caregiver and are a failure as a responsible adult.
Who needs to be told this. Only morons who should have been sterilized before they procreated.
Did it ever occur to you guys that typically by age 12, if your child has access to the internet in ANY way, they will most probably be exposed to swearing, pornography, and violent or even gruesome images? Exploring dark or unpleasant parts of life is an important step to becoming a mature adult. It’s not good to never feel scared, or unpleasant or angry at something. If you take your kids to this movie and they’re disturbed by the racial violence, GOOD. They should be disturbed, maybe they’ll do something about it. Maybe it’ll make the issue real to them when it’s not a page in a history book but something happening to a character they like. If your children are exploring things that are new or uncomfortable for them or you, it’s almost always a good thing. It’s important to shed light on certain aspects of their exploration, no matter how embarrassing it might be. The safe sex talk is important and so is explaining that pornography and sex in film is often hyper-stylized and NOT realistic. It’s important to impart empathy on your children, but children can’t be empathetic when they’re shielded from anything that is mean or grotesque or wrong. They have nothing to be empathetic about!
Look, I’m not saying to take your 5 year old to this move or your 7 year old or 10 or 12 or whatever, that’s your choice and I can’t tell you what to do. But really ask yourself, “Why am I so against my child seeing this piece of fiction?”. If you don’t think they’re emotionally mature enough to deal with the themes, then sure, I respect your decision. If you don’t want them “exposed” to cussing and ugliness, I guarantee y0u that your child has been exposed to prejudice, racism, cussing, homophobia, slurs, and the like by the time they’ve hit middle school. In addition, I know many kids who had strict parents, guess what? They became fantastic liars or they went absolutely insane when they went off to college and didn’t have to deal with the crazy restrictions anymore. If you think you’re saving your child from being “corrupted” you’re most-likely creating resentment and distrust in your tween or teen. Just saying
Your comments are very eloquent and well thought out. I don’t disagree with all, however I do with most of it. The biggest problem in the world today is that by over exposure kids are being taught general acceptance to everything. Instead of making an effort to keep the baby clean we throw the baby in dirty bath water and say, “well you’re gonna get dirty anyway so why try and stay clean.”
There is no standard of Right and Wrong anymore. Although it’s an unpopular mantra, yes there is black and white…good and evil.
I agree children need to be exposed to certain life situations, but not at the expense of damaging or scarring them all for the sake of “well it’s life and they need to learn sooner than later.” WHAT??
It’s called guidance; meaning YOU the parent guide them not throw them in the deep end and hope they don’t swallow too much water choke and die. Allowing to let a kid be exposed to such adult or serious issues is robbing them not only of their youth but their innocence. Don’t be so liberal in your nurturing that to become hands off and unaware of the damage that could be caused by over exposure.
Do you have children? I hope not. AYou sound like the type of individual who would say sex trafficking of children is OK as they have to learn about sex sometime, and oh that adults are definitely not to be trusted in this world
Im 52 yrs old. I was fairly sheltered as a child however we all know that at some point in life we are exposed to “cussing, drugs,sex, drinking and bullying”. But more times than not these situations cannot be avoided.
But to intentionally subject children further!? Stupid! Kids are vulnerable enough as it is! Trust me, they’ll get plenty of fear in life. They don’t need any added idiocy.
I was always careful about what my son was exposed to growing up. But we didn’t really watch a lot of tv, our house was filled with books of all kinds. However, in elementary school he would come home with questions that I had to look up because I hadn’t heard a particular phrase before and when I found out what these things meant, I was shocked. By fifth grade he would tell me about kids making out at school. Unfortunately we cannot keep them from being exposed to all the things we’d like, we can only teach them to think for themselves, to use logic and common sense and have some self respect and be there for them when those things don’t always work.
I thought “Rated R” was warning enough that a film isn’t for children? Was it because there’s a clown on it? If so, I have some news about the band Insane Clown Posse….
While I agree that this is not a film for children (so many films are not), I wonder at your intense reaction. Have you read the book? Nothing Stephen King writes is for children, though I started reading his work in junior high. Stephen King writes horror, but not just supernatural horror – he is a master at writing about the horror of the human psyche. I will not watch the movie myself, I’m not a fan of horror films and never a fan of movies based on books as so much is lost going from page to screen. However, the book (and I would assume the remake) is more about the darkness inside people, but also the light in some people as well. Stephen King tends to reveal the worst and the best about ourselves in his books and I think that most people have strong reactions because they very much want to deny that any other human being could have such darkness within them. And yet, turn on any news program and you will see that it is, indeed, true. I could certainly identify with Bev in the book as a pre-teen, and as one of the outsiders in school I saw the cruelty of other children clearly. You think It is dark? Take a look at a few of the tormentors in any school across the country and you will see where Stephen King may have found inspiration. All the people that can see a woman raped and beaten but take out their phones to record the event rather than call for help. See someone verbally attacking another for the color of their skin, sexual preference or religious affiliation and do nothing but turn their heads because it “doesn’t involve them”. Such pervasive darkness.
As I said, I agree with you that this is not a movie for an under age person, I wonder that your reaction is so strong and you were so disturbed simply because you recognized the darkness King plunges readers/viewers into is a darkness you have seen around you. Certainly I have. And I continue to read Stephen King because, as years have passed, his ability to so accurately illuminate the true human condition – both the good and the evil – has only grown. Take the book Under The Dome (no, didn’t watch the show), it was, at the heart of it, a deep and disturbing look at humanity. So many things were familiar, couldn’t we all pick out at least one person in the book that reminded us of someone we know or have met?
Those that condemn Stephen King and his books – which you did not – should wonder at their reasoning. Perhaps the truths at the heart of his books are too disturbing for anyone that chooses to wear rose colored glasses rather than take a stand against evil in whatever form it may take in the world around them.
I would hope a parent would be informed before they let their children watch any movie. This is not a new story…the book was published in 1986. Also the movie is rated R…it isn’t meant for children.
I don’t normally see horror movies and I have intention of seeing this one. I will not allow my teenagers to watch this movie or read the book. I appreciate your views, thank you for sharing.
I’m sorry,but have you ever read the book or see the original movie? It’s everything that was in the original. I’m sorry but there is a reason why we have ratings on movies. A pg-13 or R rated movie is not meant for young children. Now obviously it is up to the parents to take discretion when taking a child und r the age of 17. I can’t tell anyone what is disturbing or disgusting because different things make different people feel differently,but you’re acting like you just watched a guinea pig film. Next time do your research before you cry about a movie hurting your baby butterfly feelings
Obviously either you didn’t read the blog or fail at comprehension.
Agree 100%
At Khay, this “remake” of the book It, does not compare to the original movie based on the Stephen King novel. This one is more dark and more gory. The original left the details to the imagination of the viewer. There is nothing wrong with the author of this blog to express his concern, and opinion. There is never a wrong time to stand up for what is right, and that is what this author is doing. You should respect their opinion and not criticize. You have your opinion, and the writer has his.
Stephen king does not write children books. Very few if any of his books movies are for children they are all adult content. The movie followed the book very closely
Jeff, Thanks for taking a stand on this and publishing your warning. 30 years ago an “R” rated movie had a different tolerance level than it does today. We accept much more today as being ok. 30 years ago we didn’t have school shootings, crazy abductions and such. Thank you! As for those uncivil individuals who call you names and slander you. That just demonstrates their ignorance and iq. Maybe they saw a nasty movie at too young an age and that is the result.
Actually,look at older movies compared to today’s movies. Today any type of nudity at all would automatically get the movie a r rating. Watch pretty in Pink,10 mins into the film there are more than one girls naked breasts.im not talking a quick flash,full on nudity. In today’s films you’re allowed one f bomb,any more than that automatically gets it a r rating. They have gotten stricter than they were 25 years ago. It’s up to you to raise and actually be a parent to your kids. As for s hook shootings and violence,compare violent crimes today to those of 25 years ago. Crime has significantly dropped,it’s just that with social media and the internet,the crimes that are committed are more easily accessed
And how old are you?
Yes, we did have school shootings 30 years ago. Learn your history. http://www.k12academics.com/school-shootings/history-school-shootings-united-states
At one time in my teens & 20’s I was an avid reader of Stephen King books. Then he released “IT”. I haven’t seen the movie (and won’t) but I applaud your review for parents of children under 18 that are asking to see this. I remember being so completely disgusted by the book and that was 30+ years ago now that I read it and I was a much more liberal minded person at that time. The book was highly disturbing so I cannot imagine seeing those images come to life on the big screen. I cannot imagine taking a young person to see this movie. My 24 yr old daughter & her 26 yr old husband went to see it Friday night. Based on their reviews I feel sure this warning to parents is spot on! I read a lot of Stephen King books and a lot of “horror” stories in my younger days but this book caused me to pull back from that. I had nightmares over this book and it is the only one I can safely say still to this day I remember passages from and the imagery it created for me. Thank you for your review and I hope parents heed the warning.
I think you might be a moron. There’s a reason it’s rated R: Of course you shouldn’t take kids to see it. Idiot.
You know, Jay, I’ve had comments like yours all week, some much worse, and I’m still standing. I’d love to discuss this civilly and maturely, but obviously that’s not going to happen. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
The way I understand his post to say is that, of course, it’s a rated R movie and THAT right there should be enough for parents to not let their children watch it. But, there are cases that parents (like the one who was standing in front of him at the movie theatre trying to buy tickets for the 2 twelve year olds) will still consider letting their children see the movie knowing it’s a rated R movie. I took this post as a ‘reconsideration’ if you plan to let your minor see the movie. I’m not sure why the name calling has to be involved.
Many parents and siblings take younger kids to see rated R movies. The wrong are the people that work at the theaters that allow a child to enter a rated R movie with an older adult. But we live in a free country where it is permitted.
All kinds of people are allowing their kids to see R rated movies. Regardless of the rating, kids will see these movies. I have heard that on opening weekend, it was mostly kids in our theaters…middle and high-schoolers. And also, parents drag their kids with them to the theater because they want to see a movie and don’t have a sitter or they don’t think a movie is as scary or inappropriate as it really is. Yes, it is rated R…does not mean people pay attention or do their research as to why.
I appreciate the warning on this one. And I also appreciated someone warning me about Deadpool. I am now in the habit of consulting commonsensemedia.com pretty regularly for stuff like this, as well as video games.
Jay, if we lived in a perfect world where parents always made decisions that were in their children’s best interest, your dismissive and disrespectful post would hold water. That’s not the world we live in, though.
My wife and I went to see this movie and were flabbergasted before we ever walked into the theater because of the number of parents standing in line with small children. Now, the unfortunate thing is that parents who make those kind of decisions are likely those who also won’t read this blog and that’s a shame.
Jeff, thanks for writing it. Hopefully it will reach some of those who really need to read it and change some minds.
Jay are you seriously that blind, to believe just because something’s rated R that parents won’t take there children to see it! Take off your blinders and remember just because you may not or someone else may not, doesn’t mean EVERYONE thinks like that. Remember that and then Remember it’s not NICE to be rude just because you disagree!
I really appreciate your review. Sometimes being a parent is hard and it’s nice when people help out! I was about to take my 13 year old son to the movie with his friends but when I told them about the review it was almost relief for all of them when I said that they needed to find another movie. I’m totally ok with people taking their kids. Parents can do what they want! Thank you Jeff Marshall for your honest opinion!
I am a parent to an almost 14 year old boy who wants to see this IT movie I personally do not want to see the movie. Here’s my opinion if you know your child’s maturity level then by all means see it or don’t see it. It’s a parents call. Appreciate the person putting out there for parents to think about it FIRST.
Your view is appreciated here. As for the people who have taken the liberty of free speech they can suck it up because you are entitled as well to say what your thoughts are!
for me…if you struggle to communicate with your children about adult language and adult topics/ situations- then it is YOUR FAULT and not an authors or film makers. This whole concept of guarding your children from EVERYTHING is so weak here in the U.S.A, no wonder we are faltering as a society. Get a grip, live a little, catch on with the rest of the revolving planet of forward progress.
It’s one thing to have open conversation with your children about adult topics. It’s an entirely different thing to put vile and disturbingly horrific images into the mind of a child. Today’s troubled youth already display an alarming disregard for life and moral decency. Why fill a child’s mind with such things and title it “entertainment”???
Really? The youth today that are constantly berated for being too sensitive of other’s feelings are also somehow morally vacant? People don’t change, we just live in an age where the football coach has a harder time covering up that the QB raped some poor girl or beat the shit out of a gay kid.
Rated R for a reason. If an adult (and I use the term loosely) brings an underage child to see this, they are in need of an emergency evaluation to see if they are even qualified to raise children.
Don’t bash or ban the movie. Ban dumb adults from having custody of impressionable minors.
Adult themes in a movie made for adults making it not suitable for young kidsskould be as obvious as not putting your hand in a running garbage disposal. If you need someone to tell you that this movie isn’t for kids then you probably shouldn’t be a parent. Then again they do require a warning on garbage disposal for some people.
I have been a HUGE fan of Stephen King since I was a kid myself growing up and have read many of, but not all, his books. As much of a fan I am, though, I would never even dream of taking my 10 year old daughter to see this film. Even if I had never read it or seen the previous version….or even seen the rating on it…. one look at Pennywise in the previews or heck, the previews alone….would tell me enough. It’s not appropriate for children, I don’t care how “mature” you think they are. The question is, though, what age is considered to still be a child anymore? The fact that these kids are cussing left and right wasn’t what bothered me about the movie at all….that’s a fact that happens in every day life for some people… The whole movie, being a Stephen King film, is wrought with disturbing ideas and scenes. My advice? If things like this offend you, don’t go see a Stephen King film. Because sadly, incest and racism and bullying are what’s out there in the real, sad, world. Turning a blind eye to it won’t make it go away or not happen.
It is true that incest, racism, bullying and all sorts of horrific behavior is very real in real life. Do you think that a fictional, murderous clown is a platform for positive reform on these matters? For you to say that it happens in real life and so we should let it be addressed by a clown, is a little concerning. Yes, horrible behavior happens. Yes, it needs to be confronted and talked about and action needs to occur. But to say that this movie will be a catalyst for people to reconsider their behavior? Come on. Surely, you don’t actually believe that line of thought. To say that not letting a child see this fictitious depiction of those behaviors is “turning a blind eye” to their occurrence is a completely illogical argument.
I’m all for the freedom for an adult to get entertainment however they choose (with a few illegal exceptions that are actually themes in the movie). The bloggist did not say that adults should not see the movie. Anyone who comments along those lines didn’t actually read and/or comprehend his words.
So is your argument that fiction doesn’t hold cultural importance? Is it not clear that pennywise the clown is an allegory for the ugliness that permeates adulthood and how we consume our children with all of that vileness and anger until they’re just like us? Dark and confused and participating in deeply held prejudice and hate. I’m not saying you have to take your child to see this movie, that’s for every parent to decide. What I will say, is that I appreciated my parents faith in me as a 13-14 year old and beyond as a budding adult. They allowed me to explore all the media that I desired and we had constructive conversations about a wide variety of topics through that lens. I saw Taxi Driver, Pulp Fiction, Under the Skin, read Watchmen, Catcher in the Rye, etc and I didn’t turn out to be some deviant. I’ve been with the same girl since sophomore year of highschool, I attend a prestigious university, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I’ve never committed a crime and I want to be clear that I don’t personally think this makes me better than anyone. However, it’s clear that many people on this board are concerned about horror movies turning their children in to some kind of a fuck-up. People don’t shoot up schools because of horror films, or violent video games, or because they read a book. They do it because they’re mentally ill and, more often than not, because of their shitty parents.
First time visitor, and I appreciate the honesty of the blogger. When a blogger headlines an article with “the one movie you must not take your children to see” it’s a foregone conclusion that they are sharing their opinion. It’s not even close to “audacious” for someone to tell me not to take my kids to see it. If Chrissy R wants to take her three kids to rated R movies because she feels they are ready for it, good for her. Many parents have little restrictions when it comes to movie choices. You can’t be so nonchalant about what the kids are exposed to. Today more than ever, kids (and adults) are bombarded with the perpetuation of sex, violence, cursing, and God knows what else, more than any other time in our history. A guy could get beat up in broad daylight while the onlookers film it with their iphones instead of helping or calling 911.
A sure sign of becoming desensitized to violence and acts of cruelty is to be indifferent toward it. When a bimbo gets eaten by a giant “Dino-gator” on a SyFy channel original movie, laughing at the bad special effects, terrible dialogue, predictable storyline and amateur acting is one thing. Laughing or chanting in the back seat of a car after a disturbing movie doesn’t necessarily mean your kids are more sophisticated for their age and can handle the subject matter. Just as you think you know what’s best for your kids, so do the rest of us parents as we hope to make the best decisions.
“Audacious” is insulting someone because of their opinion. I’m not even sure what you mean by “fake” parents, but I’m wondering who you consider “real” parents. I don’t think anyone who reads this blog is going to ban horror movies forever or start burning Stephen King books anytime soon.
Was getting ready to take my 16 and 17 year olds to see “It”. But definitely won’t now. Thank you so much!!!!!
I agree with you. I was more disturbed by the dad and the bullies than the clown. So much so, that I found myself feeling happy when Pennywise got one of the bullies in the tunnel and saw him more as a hero than a menace in that moment. I did not enjoy the movie. I personally found it more disturbing than scary.
It wasn’t even bad. You must live under a rock
I read the book at 19. That was enough for me. Scarred for life. I’m 49 now and when previews are on the tv I have to close my eyes, plug my ears and hum. Haha! Truth!
I remember as a child sneaking into rated R movies once they started. Even when my Parents refused to take me. My Cousin an I snuck in to ” Nightmare on Elmstreet ” at age 10 !!! I didn’t sleep for a week !! After that I was done with scary movies …
As far as people thinking parents do not take their children to see rated R movies …. think again !!! They take them to see what ever movies they want and half the time they have no clue what the movies are about. The Movie Review is helpful to those parents and it was suggested to to be helpful no to give parenting advice. Although, those who take children to these movies may need it.
I’m glad I stumbled across a friend on Facebook that shared your review/warning! No way would I let my 11yr and 9yr old see this now even though we just allowed them to watch the original on tv. Thank you for the heads up…
Okay. I am a parent. I am a parent who shelters her kids, perhaps more than I should. My kids are 13, 11, & 8. I was 10 when the original “It” series premiered. Now, I am mindful that it was public television, and therefore scaled back a little for content. However, I have always, always, always had access to Stephen King books in my life. Even as a kid I knew most of his books were horror. I was 14 before I read the Green Mile. Mild in comparison, I know. I also read Gerald’s Game, Rose Madder, Deloris Claiborne, Christine (which I was named after) and several short stories. Then I got into the real stuff, and FINALLY read IT (all before I was 16) as well as hundreds of other books.
But I digress. I was 10. The first time I saw IT. And it has been one of MY FAVORITE HORROR STORIES all of my life. I am also an educated adult. And I took my educated self and ALL 3 of my children to see the movie with us. See, the problem with parenting today is that too many people are worried about what other people (who have absolutely zero bearing on their lives) will think about their parenting skills. I have no such worry, and so we went.
Wanna know what happened afterward? All 3 kids chanted “You’ll Float Too” in the backseat of the car on the way home. And then we all giggled at each other for the moments that made us jump; and even made me scream.
See, I feel that if you understand where your child is maturity-wise, the decision should be left up to the parent. Because, well, that’s who made the kid, really. I am personally offended that ANYONE would tell ANY parent what to do or not do. However, Ryan Reynolds did tickle my funny bone with his warnings. But guess what? My kids have seen that too. Because as a parent, I was smart enough to make sure that they know that video games/movies/television is fake. EVEN THE REALITY STUFF. Even the reality stuff, you say? YASSS. EVEN THAT!
Do I feel ashamed that I let my kids watch this movie because I read your post? BWAHAHAHAHAH! Nope! But I feel embarrassed for you, and for the other “fake” parent’s in this group that raise their children according to people like you who never thought to pick up the book in the OVER 30 YEARS ITS BEEN PUBLISHED and THE OVER 25 YEARS SINCE THE MINI-SERIES premiered. Maybe you should have read more as a child instead of going to see a *GASP* R Rated film?!!!
It’s okay that your parents ignored the RATED R warning for “Silkwood” (Which is a great classic that I watched when I was about 7 years old) but you have the audacity to publish this piece of trash? Please. Obviously, the majority of the population disagrees with you and the REAL critics are who I will continue get my movie going advice from.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to achieve a homework assignment, as I am in my senior year of college for Public Relations.
Please have someone else rate the next Horror flick.
You seem overly defensive for someone so confident that you made a good choice…
I’m more upset that anyone has the audacity to tell, not JUST other people, but total strangers what they should or should not do.
I’m also disturbed by the fact that a person who reviews movies for a living wouldn’t do research BEFORE seeing the film. It’s not like there wasn’t an opportunity… in his entire life…
Say, if he HAD read the book or had seen the previous version and THEN thought the new version was more extreme than it should have been, I might have had a less scathing attitude and just chalked it up to opinion.
I guess I figured people in an industry who profess to have been an especially “gifted cinema loving child” would have been aware of both the book and previous “cinematic” debut BEFORE going to professionally view a movie and then very loudly cry about it.
I took my kids because I knew the worst of the movie would be the language. I did my homework first.
Hmm. Figure that.
Also one would think that someone who watched Child’s Play and adoressssss Halloween so much, would have stumbled across IT at some point… hmmm
If it wasn’t so pathetic, I might think that this was posted because someone needed some clicks rather than as the result of “moral need” to warn parents off.
Methinks there’s a lot of protesting going on here. Defensive much?
If you think the worst of the movie is the language…did I just read that a dad makes sexual advances toward his own daughter?
Implied but never spoken and never outright. The two scenes are… uncomfortable because as an adult you know the behavior is weird. But it’s left to the viewer’s imagination.
After the part where you stated you were named Christine for a Steven King character I knew you were a whack job. Nice parents and great parenting. Im sure they’ll turn out just fine…. lol
Watch out now!! Your ignorance is showing.
Just saying.
There’s a reason movies are rated, but I’m sure you don’t care. It sounds like you really don’t care about much. There is a way to respectfully disagree with someone, and your response clearly did not demonstrate that. It kind of makes me wonder what your assignment was.
Anyway, our children are not mentally equipped to process the adult topics in many R rated films. Why rush it? Ultimately it is our choice as parents, and if you’re comfortable exposing your 8 year old to those kinds of experiences, that’s your choice. To each their own. But, as an educated adult you’re making a sweeping generalization by saying “obviously the majority of the population disagrees…” and that’s the only reason I even wasted my time responding.
I disagree with you’re opinion – and guess what? That’s ok. In the meantime, I will actually shelter my kids and let them keep their innocence as long as possible. I’d like to give my 8 year old a few more years before he has to deal with adult things.
Being disturbed is worse than being scared . Why would anyone want to take a child to see something like this ?
@ChrissyR “I’m more upset that anyone has the audacity to tell, not JUST other people, but total strangers what they should or should not do.” … you mean, just like this movie blogger does??
My thoughts too. If you’re so sure of something, you really shouldn’t feel the need to slam others.
Yes i totally agree!
The review itself was interesting, and the comments even more so.
I didn’t see this movie, or read the book. I was an avid Stephen King reader in high school, my first of his books being Desperation. I know myself and what I can and cannot handle, so I chose to decline an invite to see this.
However, several parent friends of mine have asked the opinions of others if the film was suitable for their 13, 14 year old kinds. I taught their babies in middle school, you see. I linked my friend Tammy to this review, thinking a difference of opinion might help her in making a decision, since she asked for someone’s thoughts.
The two major things I want us all to consider are 1) parenting and 2) what middle schoolers are actually already exposed to. A child belongs to their parent, and while some get offended by being told what to do, others try to warn because they know there are certain parents that will not care or choose what is appropriate for that child and their age group. I think Jeff is just trying to warn those that we’re seeking out advice on the film. Maybe he had some strong word choices. Maybe you disagree with him. But this is his space to share it, and some people have found another’s opinion to be helpful. That’s all.
Second — those of you who have reacted strongly and saying parents are disturbed because they are exposing their kids to these sorts of themes this young, maybe you too should reconsider your thoughts. I taught middle school and coached in a very wealthy, pre-dominantly white suburban neighborhood in Georgia. I was also a mentor and a make shift social worker (I had two separate positions in the school). I can assure you, your child does not need Pennywise to possibly introduce them to ideas of rape, racism, incest, or bullying. They can be introduced to all those things through school, or having good friends that have gone through those experiences who confide in others about it.
I don’t think sheltering or exposing are necessarily the key points of what parents should be doing with their kids. I just think we all need to be conscientious of what our children go through, and educate them as well as yourself. I also think we all need to be a bit less judgmental of how children are being raised by their parents, at least in a space like this, where the parents actually care. There are several babies your children’s age who go home to seven or more siblings and a momma that doesn’t give two flying shits about any of them. Love your kids and raise them how YOU want to, and try not to crawl all over someone just because it isn’t how you would do things. We are all different here, and that’s our power!
And PS, the spelling errors suck and I can’t edit my comment. ???? I promise I’m kind of smart, LOL! I just stink at typing on iPhones.
Thank you for your review! I thought it was going to be exactly like the original, just scarier. I definitely would not let my kids watch it either way, but now I know for sure I don’t want to see it either!
He was giving his opinion, and it was a suggestion not to take children to see it. There is a huge difference between a horror movie and one that is just plain disturbing. He never said anyone was a bad parent for allowing their kids to see it.
You win the internet today! Excellent response.
I hope you’ve read the Bible with as much enthusiasm as you’ve read all the other books. Discernment is something a parent needs to use. Young minds are very impressionable. I would be concerned that children were chanting…most un-nerving!!! The movies, music, commercials, and news are all using mass hypnosis and I for one would shelter my child from anything as evil and demonic as they movie IT.
I don’t think attacking each other (as parents) is any better than taking our children or NOT taking our children to an R rated movie. I was doing research on this movie in an effort to make a better “educated” decision on whether or not to take my 16 year old to see “It”. I’m more “disturbed” by the bickering and attacks on others views than I think I would be of fictional movie! Really? Why can’t we, as adults and PARENTS, not allow a difference of opinion? I very much appreciate(d) the author’s candid review of this movie. I also appreciate(d) the details he shared that brought him to his conclusion. That’s exactly what I needed to have dissected in order to make my on decision. I think we all know our children. I think we all have very DIFFERENT children. And if you’ve raised your child(ren) a certain way from the beginning of their lives to now then you, as their parent, know what your child can and cannot handle.
I saw this original movie as a child like many of you have stated. However, I think we can all agree that movies today are not what they were when we were children. Articism seems, more often than not, replaced with gratuitous violence. Cinematography with gore. Storylines almost always now contain incest, rape, molestation, etc as if a good horror story can’t be written/made without it! Which is what led me to my research and to this most helpful post.
It is very obvious that everyone on here takes their responsibility as parents very seriously. I simply don’t understand why we have to be so intolerant of each other’s decisions/views? I read this post and then told myself…”don’t read any more”. I knew where it would lead. With bickering and tearing each other apart for the decisions we made/are going to make. I promise you this, I make mistakes EVERY DAY as a parent and I will continue to make them every day as long as I live. Parent or not. Taking or not taking my child to see this movie will be one of the least of which I will make. Of that I am sure.
To the author of this post, I thank you. Again, I appreciate your honesty and your detail. You gave me just enough information to make an informed decision. This information coupled with knowing my own child has brought me to my own conclusion. You rock!
Jenn
It was a suggestion and his opinion of what he saw period not telling you what to do. He even said don’t read if you don’t want to!!! Don’t read it if you see it goes against how you feel. I think you just wanna pick a fight and feel cool that you let your kids see it.
Excellent comment! I agree 100%.
I have to all though, what is the attraction, even for adults, to watch a movie that shows children being abused and murdered? True, it’s real life stuff but that area of real life SUCKS! Why would you pay to watch it on the big screen? I’m sorry, but my brain is telling me there is something wrong with your brain if you think this kind of flick is great to watch!
AMEN!! Thank you….
Yip!! Agree ????
Agree!
These things are implied not actually shown. Most kids probably would never pick up on it. And the first one was so much scarier. I think I laughed more than I jumped.
There is more to the move then just children being murdered, that is more a mechanism to move the plot forward. Them movie is more about friendship and how when we stick together and face our fears we are stronger. Also this is only the first part of the movie to establish why these children have such a strong bond in the first place, and why they would drop everything and return to their childhood hometown.
THANK YOU. it took awhile for me to find someone who found the good among the bad and evil of this movie. These kids come together because they have all faced adversity on some level. They formed a bond a “I have your back” bond. It somewhat reminded me of the kids in Stranger Things. I won’t comment on all the other opinions on this post (and there are many!) because sometimes you just need to move along.
The last couple days have been really rough for me. I wasn’t planning to respond to certain comments that I don’t feel justify a response, but I’m going to say a few words just so I can find a little peace. The last 48 hours I’ve been called every name under the book, been belittled and mocked, and all because I felt a need to warn parents about the content of a movie that might be too disturbing for children who may want to see the “scary clown movie”. Those of you who don’t believe people bring children to R-rated movies need a serious wake up call. The whole point of my blog and original Facebook post was to warn parents – the fact that I didn’t like the movie is irrelevant. If I loved it, I would have given the same caution. I have seen the HOSTEL movies and the SAW movies and the HALLOWEEN movies – this one was more disturbing. It’s a personal thing. I don’t like seeing children in danger. I don’t like watching a young boy get his stomach carved by a knife. I don’t like seeing a little girl fighting off advances from her father. This stuff happens in real life, true, but I feel using it in this genre of film is exploitative. That is my OPINION. If you disagree, that’s fine. If you liked the movie, that’s wonderful. Millions of people are loving it. But because you disagree with me doesn’t give you the right to hurl insults and refer to me as an “idiot”. Have we regressed that far as a society where we can’t tolerate an opinion different than ours? In the end, you can call me every name under the book, I seriously doubt anything I say is going to change your opinion of me. I’m glad that I stood up and said something, I’m glad that some parents have responded and thanked me for the warning, unaware of the content of the film. I am a serious movie fan, been so for over 30 years, and my comments are not in an effort to have the film banned or tell anyone that they are wrong to like it. I felt a moral and Christian obligation to let people know how I felt. If you don’t care, that’s fine. But in defense of people in the future who may disagree with you, let’s do our best to remain civil and respectful of one another.
I appreciate your review. A lot of people who commented may not realize that you are not only warning us parents about the inappropriate content for kids but teenagers as well. As a high school teacher, I would say that 70% of my students saw the movie over the weekend. Even at that age, I personally would not want my child to see the movie. Thanks for a great review!
I never respond to giant public texts but this time felt I had to. I am older and the TRAILER freaks me out. No desire ever to see it…. I appreciate your insight and phooey to the naysayers. And it brings up the pervasive problem in our modern culture and the lack of restraint with boundaries for our children. They need adults to tell them when movies are not suitable.
When I was 12, Bonnie and Clyde came out. Gives my age away! Everyone wanted to see it. My mother said absolutely not and I did not see it. I was glad she knew better. I would not have liked it.
stay strong. You are in the right. Children need to stay children as long as possible. Sounds like movies like this will rob their sweet souls.
I had no intention of seeing this movie but reading this I felt relief …relief that someone would speak out against what has the masses entangled in its gravitational pull. Your desire to warn others, help, and protect children is admirable. Thank you for your courage and your voice.
I appreciate your review. I have a 14 year old son begging to see this movie. He enjoyed the original version, I did too. But something about this new version was giving me great apprehension in letting me see it. His 20 year old brother saw it and advised against it, I believe parents should raise their children as they see fit. I don’t have to like it or agree with it but to each his own. However, in this case I hope more parents heed your warning and keep their under age children at home. It’s hard to step out and say something that goes against the norm, KUDOS to you for standing up for what you believe in. You saved one 14 year old boy from seeing a movie he doesn’t need to see yet. Thank you.
Amen, same with me here. I count on people with a moral compass to help guide me regarding what I let my kids see. This is not a movie I would see in a hundred years, I have never liked horror. But I know that many appreciate it and can see it without issue, and my youngest likes scarier stuff than I do. So to be able to read from someone who describes herself as liberal when it comes to movies, I appreciate the warning and feel comfortable saying nope, not at this time. Thank you!!
Thank you SO MUCH for putting yourself in the crosshairs for helping us parents make more informed decisions regarding our children and protecting their developing hearts and minds. It is very sad that people feel the need to hide behind their digital anonymity to lash out at you for no reason and I am so sorry for that — but I, for one am VERY grateful to you. Thank you.
Thank you for being honest and articulate and taking a risk. I can’t even handle horror films in my 40’s, so this was always a no-go for the entire family. But I have no judgement for those who enjoy the genre, and my 14yo is a big fan of horror. Your thoughtful input will help as I continue the dialogue with my child about using discernment with entertainment choices in general, whether or not that includes this film (many years from now!).
I for one appreciate your input. By no means we’re you telling people what to do or not do. You were just putting out a warning to go see the movie before taking your young impressionable kids. When I watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a child and the scary man with the top hat with the cage made the statement that he knew there were children around because he could smell them, I had to turn to my father and ask him if that was true. He was so creepy looking to me.
I also agree that I hate to see children in danger, killed, or abused. I remember one movie (don’t remember the name) where the little boy kept telling his dad that there was a man in his closet and the dad didn’t believe him. Then the next scene, the man in the closet opened the door of the closet and looked out. I think it was one of the Saw movies. Anyway, tell all the snowflakes who get offended by everything to go fly a kite on a rainy day. (not exactly what I wanted to say, but I’m sure you get the point)
It is quite interesting how some people cry out for the first amendment when they want to promote violence. I thank you for being strong and considerate of children. You made it clear if adults wanted to see the movie more power to them. Just like it is all our responsibility to warn if a neighbor is a sexual predator and or help protect ALL children I believe that is all you were trying to do because I truly believe and supportive 1at amendment. Freedom is the responsibility to do the right thing while having the right to do so IS NOT FREE thank you for the warning.
Yip!! Agree ????
The only thing more misguided or unwarrented than your opinion (the purpose of the rating system is to do what you’re claiming to attempt with you’re review) is for people to try to verbally belittle you for an opinion. Couldn’t disagree with this blog more. But I don’t feel the need to harass over an opinion. However unnecessary it may be given the R rating and the advertised plot of the film.
You are probably thinking about this: The apostle Paul said, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8)
Your spirit was troubled and you felt the Holy Spirit pull you to warn the disturbing content of this film. It reached your soul on a level that was of the utmost disrespect and disregard for humanity.
Great response. I took the blog as what it was meant to be – a warning. For those obnoxious folks going on and on about “how dare someone tell me what to do and not to do with my kids”…get over yourselves. It was a review and warning. Go ahead and take your kids to see it – some parents like the additional feedback and that’s what this was.
For the record I read IT when I was in jr. high, and all those things in the movie that bothered the blogger – they bothered me then, even at that young of an age. It just felt wrong. Still loved the book and saw the original made-for-tv movie a few times. Definitely will NOT allow my 11-yr old to watch this one, though…
I appreciate your opinion, thank you, what this did is make me more aware I need to pay more attention to the movies I am letting my child watch, I truly had no idea until you gave your review for that thank you, I am sorry for the rude comments others have said
There will always be people who disagree with you, and sometimes you’ll touch a sensitive nerve and get an ugly response. But take comfort in knowing that some parents listened to your perspective and decided against showing an impressionable child a movie they were not equipped emotionally to see. Many of us heard the tone of your article and took it the way you meant it. Concern for children is never misplaced. Thank you.
Right on! I appreciate the warning
Well the book features a child gang bang, so the movie sounds tame in comparison. The movie sounds like it is being truer to the book than the original television version. This is a very dark book about child murders, why would you think it was anything else. I appreciate the review, but content comes as no surprise.
There are many people, such as myself, that have not read the book. Personally, I do not plan on reading it in the future. There is no way that I would know what to expect from the movie. Like he said, he is simple giving a warning to parents who don’t know the story line and monitor what their kids watch.
Kim McSwain:
I was scrolling through the comments waiting for anyone to point out that the elements described in the post reflected a PORTION of what was in the book. Anyone who has ever read the book “It” would hardly be surprised by the content of the movie, because I recall most of that stuff in the book, and worse. The book is very gruesome and in many places, very disturbing. Welcome to the reality of the world.
While Sara posted from her perspective, I am only stunned that people were unaware of some of the disturbing scenes in King’s books. It takes relatively little searching to find discussions of some of the worst stuff in King’s books, and some (SOME!!!, and only SOME) of the worse stuff is in this movie. Had all the worse stuff been in the movie, it is possible that the movie would have been so depressing that no one would have watched it.
Thank you for pointing out that the movie should come as no surprise for anyone who has actually read King’s books, or conducted some research into King’s books.
It should also be noted that there is a reason for R ratings, and it does not mean “record.”
The movie is rated R. Not for kids, obviously. Did you bother to research the book beforehand? It is a horror movie for adults. Always has been. You are such an idiot. Movies deal with all sorts of themes which is why we have a rating system. This was never a kids’ book or film, idiot.
He’s not an idiot! My 8 year old wants to see this movie!! HELL NO! I’m thankful he wrote about this! So take your opinion and shove it!
He is a movie critic! He goes to movies! He sees the number of kids that end up in the theaters watching movies they have no business watching! His blog at no points references his surprise that the movie was dark! His point was that as a family man he felt the need to warn parents that this more than just a “scary movie.” That you call him an idiot means that you completely missed the point.
BEST SAID!
I completely agree!! Best comment yet ???? It seems to me that most who are resorting to name calling and other insults are having guilty feelings about either already letting their kids watch it or planning to let them. Why else would anyone take the time to go on a huge rant in regards to someone else’s opinion of what they are doing in their own lives? In my experience, that behavior usually comes from a guilty conscience.
My cousin went last night and said there were many, many YOUNG children in the theater so obviously parents are ignoring the R rating and warnings about content. I love Stephen King and have read IT and many others, but why anyone would choose to fill their little kids’ minds with a story about child murders is beyond me…isn’t the world a scary enough place as it is? My 12 y/o son wanted to see it with a group of friends (and a parent) and I was the mean mom and said no. Sorry not sorry for wanting him to be a kid while he is still a kid! I appreciated the warning to parents from this blog and am almost as appalled at the name-calling he is receiving as I am about the number of parents taking their young kids to see this film!
Thank you for the opinion. I would probably have gone since my husband is a big fan of the original and we just watched it together. However, I won’t go now. I am a deeply flawed human, and I feel like I always have to include the “no judgement” disclosure. But, for self-preservation reasons, I purposefully avoid the content you described. My eyes and ears are the window to my heart and soul. I struggle enough with the state of the world, feelings of sadness, depression, and anxiety. Seeing those things depicted on a screen, and knowing there are countless children experiencing an every day life akin to the described actions, is more than I care to bear. I also appreciate that you emphasized your own personal movie likes. The fact that you have an open mind and were so affected you felt the need to share that publicly with others tells me all I need to know. Thanks again. My husband will also thank you, and will be glad to see the movie without me.
“The ONE movie you should not take your children to see”?
So we are to presume you take your children to R rated films regularly? The adults in the crowd already knew not to take kids to an R rated film.
Thank you!!
You’ve never been to an R-rated movie and seen children in the theater?!? Some parents need help doin “due diligence “. This guy is only trying to help, why so harsh a reaction?!?
Then you didn’t see all the little kids standing in front of our theater. There were all sizes.
TONS of kids in the theaters for tbis film dude!
Having read the book, I felt the movie was tame in comparison. Also having read the book I wouldn’t even consider my kids seeing It. Even the very tame made for TV version of the book has created a generation of people who are petrified of clowns.
The movie didn’t offend me because it has what real life has in it. Are there shape shifting aliens that eat people? No.
Are there parents who abuse their children, children who kill their parents, kids who are physically harmed or killed because of bullying, racism? Yes, I can see most of the events of It on the news or a crime documentary.
We are a desensitized people because we are exposed constantly to it. AHS Season 7 E1 “Watch it, it’s like medicine” in reference to the kid she’s babysitting watching a video on the dark web, being able to handle seeing people being killed.
I agree, parents use common sense and don’t take your kids. Is it worse than what we are exposed to everyday? No, I think it’s pretty similar.
Fantastic movie. But what kind of moron takes their kid to an R-rated movie? Are parents just stupid?
some parents. Yes.
Maybe I’m just a prude here, so forgive me…. but what parent in their right mind would take a child under the age of 17 to a movie like this in the first place?? I love horror movies.. but they are all about the gory, the visceral, the boundary pushing… I’m thinking about Saw, the Ring, the Exorcism of Emily Rose… these movies should not be viewed by young minds. I broke my kiddos into scary movies with Alfred Hitchcock, getting into psychological thrillers around age 14. Until they have an idea of whether or not they can handle something like this, and REALLY know their own mind, it’s totally inappropriate. This seems like a no brained to me.
I read the book when I was in college. It disturbed me then. The miniseries was not as graphic or scary because it was on tv, not a movie. I will not see the new version. My 17 year old is reading the book, despite my saying I preferred he not read it. He wants to see the movie and I have told him that I prefer he not see it. I believe that we should be careful about we we consume as entertainment. We need to think about what we allow into our minds. Once it is there, it is there forever. It cannot be unseen, unread, unheard. I used to be a big Stephen King fan, but once I got more serious about my walk in Christ, I quit reading his books and got rid of them. I try to imagine if I would be comfortable if Christ was sitting right next to me watching something, or reading a book alongside me and it usually keeps me from questionable material.
Well said. You can’t unring the bell! Kids see too much on tv, they don’t need to see it on the big screen!
I was like you- big Stephen King fan once…read all the books and saw a couple of movies then in the middle of one of his books late one night I had cold chills and the strangest feeling come over me…and the very sudden realization that this crap is one of the ways Satan uses to draw us to him. I closed the book, threw it away and never looked back. No Christian could possibly read such and really like it without feeling that it is certainly not of God.
Love this – well said! I too have become less compelled to see scary movies over the years as a believer in Christ. Thank you Jesus!
I agree.
It grieves me to think all the mental trauma people and kids are willingly subjecting themselves to. Is it any wonder many are becoming less compassionate and less sympathetic when they are constantly beating their mind and emotions to a callous left with no feeling.
I disagree. The movie does tackle issues that were handled very differently in the ’80s. Bullying, racism, and other abuse. It led
To a discussion among those I saw if wirh as to how things are different now.
And as others said, it’s Rated R. So if you aren’t ready to have dialogue with your child about these issues, them don’t take them. No need to be so over the top and dramatic.
#1 Ratings are in place for a reason. This movie is rated R and in the genera of horror. That should be all that is necessary to “warn” anyone to either:
a. Not take a kid to it
Or
b. Preview it themselves.
If they don’t know that already a blog telling them the same thing will not likely help.
#2. I simply can’t wait to see this one. I hope the remake for this is done better than the remake for Poltergeist.
🙂
I just wondering did you ever watch the original or read the book? Most of what is being pointed out was in the original. It was more then hinted at but I sure less way graphic. Yet I would expect going into it that they would make this new IT movie more graphic and in your face cause that how horror movies are now a days. Forget suspense, forget hinting at something and making the viewer use their minds. That said I am not surprised in the least.
What I am surprised at is having to say to people to think twice before taking their kids to see a RATED R movie. It is rated R for a reason. If you have to tell an “adult” not to take their minor to see a rated R movie because if it’s content…. Well you are probably talking to the wall anyway.
I remember watching IT over the course of a couple days when it was adapted into a miniseries and shown on prime time TV… I was in third grade.
How does the new one compare? I won’t be seeing it now nor will my children, but my curiosity lies in the changes made to the story. How does the old film compare to the book and how does the new film compare to the old one and the book? I don’t remember any nightmares or being disturbed in third grade. I remember there was only one other kid who saw it and we thought we were cool. ????
I do not watch anything scary in nature, as I do believe very deeply in the angelic realm of things, both for God and for Satan. Demons do exist and there is a spiritural warfare for the lives and minds of people, young and old. To me the very idea of subjecting a young persons mind and emotions to these scary movies is awful. Kids minds do not deal with it and they can be scarred for life with nightmares and fears based on some childhood horror scene they saw…. we need to protect young and old minds alike. I feel sorry for the kids who’s parents watch this stuff and allow them to also.
I could not agree more with this comment!
Agree!!
Agreed! That’s the reason I stopped reading a Stephen King book years ago – after being a big fan – threw it a away and never looked back. While reading the book I was filled with such a strange feeling- I know Satan was trying to pull me into all that evil in those books and movies. Nothing he writes should be favored by those trying to have a walk with Christ.
I think what matters for me is not the fear factor or jump scares but more of the psychological impact or disturbing content. As a parent, who has a psychology background, I’ve always tried to gauge whether or not something is age appropriate based on social and brain development. I do not base what is ok for my kids on what an adult, fully formed, brain can handle. And if my child seems ready or mature enough for a certain topic, I still consider whether or not it is suited for their stage of development. I recently had a very visceral reaction, from a mental health standpoint, to the popular Netflix series Thirteen Reasons Why. The show covers some serious emotional and physical abuses, including a graphic suicide scene. Some would argue that high schoolers face these struggles personally or a friend does, therefore it is a part of life and ok for them to see, maybe even encouraged. I would argue that although these horrible things happen, let’s talk with our kids about what to do if it ever happens to them or a friend and leave the helping up to the trained professionals. Not the entertainment industry. And just because the abuses happen to a peer doesn’t mean we need to disturb other child brains with the details or topics. Again, let’s focus on teaching minors how to seek help from the professionals and how to care for their mental health. Kids, even high schoolers, are not miniature adults. The brain does not fully develop until the early 20s. Some topics are just too intense for the immature brain. Sometimes they’re even too disturbing for the adult one.
I totally hear what you are saying. We wrote several posts about the series 13 Reasons Why and I encourage you to check them out on our site. I found that series disturbing but at least thought provoking and I can understand some parents watching it with their teens, but I would caution that it’s disturbing. I haven’t seen IT but it sounds like it’s way over the top. I’m really surprised that some parents allow young children to see it.
Excellent comment! I agree 100%.
I have to all though, what is the attraction, even for adults, to watch a movie that shows children being abused and murdered? True, it’s real life stuff but that area of real life SUCKS! Why would you pay to watch it on the big screen? I’m sorry, but my brain is telling me there is something wrong with your brain if you think this kind of flick is great to watch!
I agree, Mindy! Thank you for bringing in the psychological facts and that children, while they may be mature, may still struggle with processing things due to the developmental stage they are in.
I taught middle school last year, and all of my soccer girls talked about this series. I STRUGGLED with my response from it. The only thing I could do was encourage them to remember that suicide was not a glorification, and that seeking help and being understood were much more logical initial options. ????
I am not a fan of the horror film genre and will not be going to see “It.” I wouldn’t read the book either, not a fan of scary horror things. I know many parents will take their children or allow their children to see this movie and I wish they wouldn’t. Things that people see stay in their minds. The types of imagies that are on this movie sound like nothing that should be in there. I appreciate your views and you sharing them, Jeff.