The creepy clown that is on every horror-loving mind has finally made its way back onto the big screen in the hit movie IT: Chapter One. Originally released in movie format in 1990 as a miniseries, the story follows the self-proclaimed loser club: eight middle schoolers who are all tormented by the local bully…and the occasional terrifying clown. Before the megahit came to theaters, the story laid in the pages of the Stephen King beloved novel. Coming in at an astounding 1,138 pages, the book follows a slightly different structure than in the movie in the chronology of events. The film has already made almost $180 million, and people are still pouring into theaters.

  Opening with a scene between Bill and his brother, Georgie, the movie moves into jumpscares and dark basements within the first ten minutes of the film. In almost no time at all, you see the famed Pennywise, a deranged clown hiding in a sewer, for the first time. While in traditional horror films physically seeing the monster is saved until the climax, IT instead intensifies Pennywise to adapt to his surroundings in a new and terrifying way throughout the film. The movie makes a special effort to balance jumpscares with deeply terrifying images and ideas that will have you running by your local abandoned house faster than usual for months.

  It comes as no surprise that IT is terrifying, but what did come as a surprise was the light-hearted and comedic elements that really make this movie stand out. Each member of the loser club has a unique background and characterization that allow them to seem more realistic and lovable. No two characters better exemplified this than Richie, played by Finn Wolfhard of the acclaimed series Stranger Things, and Eddie, played by rookie Jack Dylan Grazer. Many of the jokes and storyline revolve around Eddie and his mom’s relationship, and how that contributed to his obsession with germs. Richie is a vulgar middle schooler who is best friends with the protagonist, Bill; their relationship is both hysterical and sentimental, which makes the choices and final moments of the movie that much more impactful and enjoyable to watch. Senior Alexandra Butler commented, “I liked IT because the kids were hilarious and phenomenal actors! I loved how their bond in the group grew stronger, even in the midst of a scary clown nightmare.”

 Overall, the movie brought the book to life in an artistic, realistic, and especially scary way. Stephen King is also pleased with the movie, saying in a short video at the beginning of the film how proud he is of the actors, director, and crew that helped make the movie a success, and that he hopes the audience will enjoy it. There is no doubt the movie will continue to bring in the big bucks in the coming weeks, so do not forget to go get you scare on and see it before IT disappears for another 27 years…or until the sequel comes out.