Why I prefer the new Pennywise.

I still love Tim Curry's portrayal, although you have to remember they were working to a limited budget for a family audience and no CGI and very little practical effects back then. I also think they simplified his actions, to make Pennywise seem human even though he isn't.

However, Skarsgard can go full alien-who-hasn't-quite-got-the-hang-of-human-behaviour, and his ability to independently move his eyes and his contortionist abilities really ups the creep factor, not to mention the extensive CGI available today.

I just like both interpretations, considering the limitations that both were made under.

I like both Pennywise versions but wish 2017 gave us more of the taunting/stalking of the kids.. The scene in the mini-series with IT popping up from the drain to scare Eddie was legit 100 times more traumatizing than those Neilbolt scenes.

Either way, I really loved the intro to this flick - Skarsgård nailed it!

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Skargard's version not human enough, "friendly" enough, too silly looking, etc... No surprise, many were bound to have their issues with a new and different take on Pennywise no matter what. Truthfully I can't say i necessarily expected to be frightened by Bill's Pennywise - horror movies, old or new, rarely scare me anymore - but based on the trailers and promos did I expect the actor to deliver a super creepy, strong and basically perfect performance? Absolutely. And unsurprisingly, I felt Bill's take on the character was second to none.

The only thing I would have asked from his version, is to see him taunting the kids some more before the big confrontation. Get some more dialogue in. That aside, in my eyes this Pennywise was the embodiment of a evil clown/supernatural being. His appearance/s, delivery, and insane body movements were staggering and as nightmarish as it gets. So overall, I do appreciate Curry and Skargard's performances equally, but as the OP suggested, the latter is arguably THE It.

One more thing. Although I am a fan of the miniseries, I agree that it doesn't hold up well. I admire the settings and can acknowledge its limitations, but all this chatter of it being so much scarier than the new one is... interesting. I do find the music and atmosphere of the miniseries creepy, along with Curry obviously, but apart from that, the majority of it does not scream terrifying compared to the new one. It's actually unintentionally funny at times. But, I guess Curry's Pennywise is all one needs to feel the chills.

I absolutely loved the new Pennywise. Just his make up and costume alone was amazing. I think he played the part just as well as Curry.