I'm not a big horror film fan, I'm afraid. I like suspense in films when it's well executed (which is rare in the post-Hitchcock era), but I'm not much for shock. It seems like most of the 'gotcha' moments in films anymore are the cinematic equivalent of getting poked in the ribs with a stick. They come out of nowhere, are executed artlessly and leave you feeling more irritated than exhilarated.

This is a thoughtful review, Sister Rose, but I'm afraid I'll have to take your word that there are worthwhile elements in "It." After a lifetime of movie-going, I just don't have the patience anymore to sit through a film and separate the wheat from the chaff -- especially when it's the kind of chaff that might keep me up at night.