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It Chapter Two
(Warner Bros. Pictures/New Line Cinema)
By Lucas Allen
Just because summer’s over, doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of sequels coming our way. “It Chapter Two” continues the terror where 2017’s “Chapter One” left off.
Once again directed by Andy Muschetti, the classic Stephen King story gets an astounding update, furthering the horror than the 1990 television miniseries before it. It also furthers the emotional drama striking a chord with any adult who was a kid in the 80s or 90s.
The members of the Loser’s Club, 27 years after defeating Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard), have grown up and moved on. Bill (James McAvoy) is a successful author, but is frustrated with Hollywood adaptations. Richie (Bill Hader) is a stand-up comedian, while Eddie (James Ransone)is a risk consultant and Ben (Jay Ryan) has lost weight living a bachelor life. Beverly (Jessica Chastain) finds herself in an abusive marriage, and Stanley (Andy Bean) is happily married. Mike (Isaiah Mustafa), remains in Derry, Maine, waiting for the day the demonic clown makes its return.
Once bodies start disappearing again, Mike calls up the other Losers to come back to Derry for one last fight. Only Bill, Beverly, Richie, Eddie and Ben return, but their happy reunion turns tragic when they find out that Stanley has committed suicide. The surviving six will have to band together to destroy Pennywise once and for all by performing an ancient ritual that requires them to find pieces of their childhood. This means going deeper into repressed memories, confronting their fears, and finally make their last stand.
At nearly three hours, the movie tries to cram as much stuff as possible for an epic experience. Most of the time it works, but some of it could’ve been edited down to keep the flow moving better and not test the audiences’ patience. Much like the miniseries, it goes back in forth in time with the main characters between as kids and as adults. The flashbacks are meant to expand a little more on what they experienced that summer from the previous film. It’s fine, but the amount of them feels more like padding.
In spite of that setback, the sequel manages to amp up the horror and suspense to the fullest. There are some jump scares, but they’re wisely kept to a minimum to let the tension build until the payoff. It’s all mixed with some hilarious moments mostly from the Richie character to help add levity though only a few moments seem unnecessary enough that could’ve ruined it. Unlike the 1990 miniseries, which cheapens out on its final climax, this one goes all out with more spectacular effects work and some intense emotional work created by the actors.
Skarsgard once again brings the best out of giving a terrifying performance as Pennywise thanks to the makeup work and the actor’s physicality. While it’s good to see the younger actors again, the older actors playing those characters all do a great job adding more personality and likability. McAvoy, Chastain and Hader each deliver strong performances to contrast with Skarsgard’s over-the-top manic persona. There are also some fun cameos that’ll surely leave you smiling.
It’s not as good as the first chapter, but “It Chapter Two” complements the previous film in a really good way. If you can get through the runtime, you’ll have a wholly great horror experience just in time for the Halloween season. So, grab your red balloons and take a trip back to Derry for more thrills and chills.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for disturbing violent content and bloody images throughout, pervasive language, and some crude sexual material)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
