Watch This With Rick Ramos

Author: Rick Ramos, Ibrahim Chavez

Comedian Rick Ramos sits down and talks current theatrical releases and offers suggestions for additional movie watching choices. A film fans dream come true, WatchThis is about the art, beauty, and possibilities of cinema. Each week Ramos discusses the greatest films ever made (including those that you may have missed) as well as the artists that have created these films. He also goes further in discussing how much these films mean to him and how much they will - hopefully - mean to you. Enjoy!
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Language: en

Genres: Film History, Film Reviews, TV & Film

Contact email: Get it

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#626 - IT (1989/2017/2019): Stephen King's Childhood Trauma Horror - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Friday, 30 October, 2026

Tommy Lee Wallace's It (1989) Andy Muschietti's It (2017)/It Chapter Two (2019) This year Halloween fell on a weekend and WatchThis fans can rejoice as we drop a Horror-inspired episode for this Season of the Witch. In 1989, ABC adapted Stephen King's bestseller, It, for the small screen. Featuring an all-star cast of television notables (Richard Thomas, Richard Masur, Tim Reid, John Ritter, Annette O'Toole, and Harry Anderson) as a group of adults remembering and battling a literal demon of their past (an always brilliant Tim Curry as the murderous demon clown, Pennywise) Tommy Lee Wallace's It would capture audiences fear muscle and remain a powerful memory for the next three and a half decades. How good was the film, though? That is a question that we tackle this week and one which leads us into the big-screen remake from 2017 and 2019. This version of "The Losers Club" - including Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, and Bill Hader (among others) - battle Pennywise (this time portrayed by Bill Skarsgård) in a film that tackles abuse, childhood trauma, adolescent sexuality, bullying, and - of course - fear of clowns. Both films are bathed in nostalgia, unresolved issues, and a palpable pop culture legacy and - although - there is a great deal to recommend in the remake, it still lacks considerably. Artistic miscalculation is the drive of our conversation. Take a listen to see if our arguments and interpretations stir any emotions in you. It's a fun talk and you don't want to miss out. As always, we can be reached at gondoramos@yahoo.com - Our Continued Love & Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/watchrickramos - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.