Young stars of "It" have a message for parents... and clowns

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A scary new movie based on Stephen King's best-selling novel "It" hits the big screen this weekend, but the film's stars aren't even old enough to see it without a parent or guardian.

"It" tells the story of a group of bullied kids who join together to fight a monster who's terrorizing their town. This monster takes the form of a clown and his target is children.

"I respect all clowns," said actor Finn Wolfhard. "Clowns: if you're watching this, I know you might be unhappy with everything. You know, we might be putting out a bad name for you. But we respect you. This is just make-believe. We all respect you. We all respect your job, and I'm sorry."

"Don't take it personally is what we're saying," added co-star Wyatt Oleff.

"It" is rated "R" for its violence, horror, bloody images and language. So, by the standards set by the motion picture association of America, the young stars can't see it unless a grown-up takes them. Despite the rating, they are trying to convince parents "It" has redeeming qualities.

"I'm about to put on my marketing skills," said actor Chosen Jacobs. "Okay, all parents who are questioning if they should let their kids watch this film. I want you to know this film has many life lessons that will make your kids successful in life. It teaches equality. It teaches friendship. It teaches hard work. We work hard in order to be able to defeat this monster."

"It's not just a horror movie, you know?" said actor Jack Dylan Grazer. "It's got heart. It's got, like, a 'Stand by Me' element. And, you know, it's really moving."

"It" is in theaters Sept. 8.