Stephen King was at his best when he wrote It which was published back in 1986. This was King’s 22nd novel published, and still ranks up there today as one of his very best literary works. In 1990 a miniseries hit the airwaves and served its purpose. Audiences embraced made-for-tv scarefest with both hands, something that is definitely not a given when discussing the celebrated author’s track record. Coulrophobia, or the irrational fear of clowns as it’s called, was alive a well for all to experience. Thirty-plus years later, this particular phobia is coming full force ahead to strike fear into another generation. Is It going to be the stuff nightmares are made of or will the hopeful masses have their balloons popped before they can even enjoy them?

During the summer of 1989, a group of kids have their lives changed forever after sharing experiences that are hard to talk about and even harder to believe. The early years of adolescence can be a great experience for most but a downright miserable experience for others. It focuses on the latter as a group of kids come face to face with pure evil. While these kids try to navigate a town of bullies and other natural challenges, the supernatural is what these seven youths should be most concerned about. There is a deadly town secret that no one is talking about. The unfortunate souls will have displeasure of meeting this pure evil, a.k.a. Pennywise, up close and very personal.

There’s no disputing the fact that Stephen King knows terror. He has a gift for the macabre that just leaps off of the pages and chills readers to the bone. The unfortunate disconnect occurs when his works are adapted into film. Director Andy Muschietti (Mama (2013)) and his team of talented writers (Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga, Gary Dauberman) do quite the job in getting this one ready for the big stage. There are high expectations and lots of positive buzz surrounding the latest horror hopeful.

It delivers in a big way. From the opening moments of the movie, audiences are jolted out of their normal comfort zones, and fully grabbing their attention with both hands. The story unfolds in an intoxicating way leaving one with an almost unnatural craving for more. Just like with any good thrill ride, this attraction mixes up the pace and the tone keeping viewers off balance while peppering them with different emotions. Laughter plays a much larger part than many would likely anticipate. The young actors nailed their performances from the perspective of buying into what your seeing. Like it or not, kids can have a “not so nice” side to them, even the perfect little angels. You get a heavy dose kids being kids. The language is strong at times and content can be very mature. This adds to the authenticity of the overall experience.

In the area of casting, It absolutely nails it. These young adults are the focal point of the entire story so they’re going to have to do some heavy lifting. Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer and Wyatt Oleff appear to be the next generation of up-and-comers here. While you may recognize one or two of them from various shows, it’s Jaeden Lieberher that seems to keep raising an eyebrow. His portrayals in The Book of Henry (2017), Midnight Special (2016) and St. Vincent (2014) have granted him quite the resume. This latest role only solidifies his future stardom. Finn Wolfhard has a prominent co-starring role in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things add him to the list of young phenoms. Probably the most entertaining individual of “The Losers Club” is Wyatt Oleff (who, oh by the way, plays a young Quill in Marvel’s “Guardians” movies). Oleff’s character, Stanley, has the mouth of a sailor is truly laugh out loud funny throughout.

The crown jewel of evil of It is Pennywise, a creepy as F@#K demented clown played, quite masterfully, by Bill Skarsgård. However the casting led to him was divine intervention because he was born to play the part. From the way he talks to the way he stares to the way he laughs, Skarsgård commands full attention when it’s his turn to play. I don’t mind clowns and this guy has given me pause! If disturbing is an art, then he is Pablo Picasso because his work is a straight up masterpiece.

So, even though It features children, this is NOT a movie that you’ll want to take your younger kids to see. Aside from the gratuitous violence and strong language, the subject matter is of a very mature nature. Remember that. Muschietti doesn’t shy away from the tough topics that are laid out in the novel. The only real gripe that I have with this movie is the runtime. Even though there was a massive amount of information to be laid out, it felt long. Definitely not a deal breaker though. Every other studio should take note right now, this is how you make a quality horror film. Please do go see It in theaters and solace in the fact that this is only the beginning.