In the 2017 movie remake of the 1990 miniseries “IT” based off of the 1986 novel by Stephen King, a group of bullied kids band together to uncover the mystery of disappearing children in their town. When the cause is found to be a sinister demon in the form of a clown which they commonly refer to as “It,” played by Bill Skarsgård, their fight becomes one of survival. They discover the roots of the mystery run deeper than they ever expected when they unearth evidence that the clown reappears every 27 years, and they decide it is up to them to put a stop to it for good. “IT” is a movie that will leave you with laughter as well as chills for days to come.

Many horror movies have the tendency to overwhelm the audience with an unrelenting and badgering amount of jump scares to the point where they lose their effect, and any story the movie is trying to convey is lost. The act of watching it becomes exhausting at best. However “IT,” with it’s well dispersed humor and plot points, as well as the horror aspect, creates a movie that is enjoyable for the story as well as the thrill.  In many ways this makes the horror aspect of the film more effective, as the distraction of the humor prevents the audience from being fully on guard for the re-entry of the frightening parts of the movie. In addition to this, the story interweaved into the movie is worth a trip to the theater alone, as this is the element that really distinguishes “IT” from other horror movies. Instead of a seemingly hasty and thrown-together plot, “IT” presents a thoughtful and well-organized storyline with relatable characters and issues that are seen in everyday life. This adds an element to the movie that I believe is rarely captured in many main-stream horror movies today.

The original and attention-holding plot of the story is carried mainly by the incredible actors, most of whom are in their early teens. For being as young as they are, the main actors are the ones who really make the movie such a great success. Even when they’re having common  conversations, the scenes seem to be put together so naturally that the audience cannot but help to be drawn into the realism. Some of these actors include Finn Wolfhard, (best known as his role as Mike Wheeler in the hit Netflix show “Stranger Things”), Sophia Lillis, Jaeden Lieberher, Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff and Chosen Jacobs. Skarsgård also does a frankly astounding job at his role, acting out every scene with an intensity and vigor that gives the character of “It” a life of its own.

The wonderful and talented arrangement of actors starring in the film, as well as the unique storyline and balance of horror and humor make this movie one that is sure to be remembered for years to come. “IT” is something you don’t want to miss.