The terrifying fear of circus clowns comes to life on the big screen in the new reimagining of the Stephen King novel “It.”

We can all agree that clowns have one of the most frightening personas, and the new film was sure to capitalize on our childhood fears. The biggest debut for a horror film was not only able to give good scares, but also had the ability to make the audience laugh throughout the entire film.

The ‘80s vibe peeks out from the colors and the cast’s attire. Plus, the love for the era is at an all time high right now thanks to the Netflix original series, “Stranger Things.” The film follows a similar formula that features characters coming together. Familiar, yes, but still entertaining.

The beginning of the movie shows the eerie parts of Derry, Maine, a small town caught in a rainstorm. Bill Denbrough (Jaeden Lieberher) and his brother Georgie (Jackson Robert Scott) are stuck indoors. Bill is currently ill and instructs Georgie to get wax, which is in their basement. The wax is needed to construct a stronger base that will create support for the paper-made boat.

Georgie, who fears the dark, goes down to the basement, and sees two lights that look like a creature. He shines his flashlight and realizes that it was simply two lightbulbs reflecting light, so heads back to his brothers room. Bill finishes the boat, and they both decide that Georgie should go outside and test her out. As he follows the boat down the street, Georgie gets knocked to the ground and the current takes the boat further away and down the sewer where Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) is introduced.

And the madness begins.

Skarsgård gives off the exact personality a kid-eating clown would have if you were to meet one. The fiery red hair and painted-white face was definitely able to leave an unsettling image in your mind even after walking out of the theater. His high pitched laugh and bloody-red smile led us to believe there would be no stopping him.

Since the inception of the first images of the new Pennywise, audiences wondered if Skarsgård’s portrayal of the killer clown could merit that of Tim Curry’s iconic role. Fortunately, Skarsgård hit all the right notes and then some.

The rest of the cast selected were also perfect for the film. Leiberher did a phenomenal job at portraying the “leader of the pack” among his friends and a big brother who never gave up the hope of finding his missing little brother.

As previously mentioned, director Andy Muschietti was able to reveal humor in the film. The friend-bonding parts of the movie definitely carried the film and really caught our attention. We were able to understand the bond between characters and fell in love with their humor and their desire to enjoy summer until a terrifying clown wakes from his slumber to unleash fury.

The group of friends gathered together to try and stop the monstrosity that took the form of a clown, while being pitted to tackle their own fears head on. The bond “The Losers Club” share is highlighted by Richie (Finn Wolfhard). Several times he uses his wit to entertain the audience. Wolfhard, who was the star of “Stranger Things,” plays a character that shows his immaturity, but we love him for it. Also, he provides a sense of optimism along with comedic relief throughout the film. It is only when he is pitted directly against Pennywise, does his true character break out.

The blend of horror and comedy was able to come together and fit perfectly with this great plot. Not many films have the capability of mixing two different genres, but Muschietti did an exceptional job and showed off his true talent.

It seems as if our childhood nightmares were able to be seen through this new motion picture. “It” was one of the best horror/comedy films 2017 has seen.

4.5 out of 5 stars