This ambitious ratings success based on what many considered to be Stephen King's scariest novel led to many other mini-series based on his work.

Some childhood friends are called back to their small hometown as adults to fight an evil shape-shifting, child abducting clown called Pennywise (a menacing Tim Curry) who they defeated years back. But this time the evil clown is ready for them.

This decent telefilm has a cast filled with sitcom faces (John Ritter, Tim Reid, Harry Anderson, etc.) and has above average character development and a mid-section showdown that sports good effects (even if it stumbles a bit).

There's a lot to like here including the balloon of blood moment, subtle imagery that doesn't step over its TV limits and okay acting; but in the second half which concentrates on the adults it's weaker (as is the acting) and ends with a silly and unconvincing finale (that has a sloppy "revealing" of Pennywise's true identity). So it's a mixed bag for sure, but it's not overly bad.

Aired in two parts.

Directed By: Tommy Lee Wallace.
Written By: Lawrence D. Cohen, Tommy Lee Wallace.

Starring: Harry Anderson, Dennis Christopher, John Ritter, Annette O'Toole.