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Synopsis:
In the sleepy town of Derry, the evil clown Pennywise returns 27 years later to torment the grown-up members of the Losers’ Club, who have long since drifted apart from one another.
Make sure you use the restroom beforehand because this is a long one… The movie, not the review. With an almost three hour runtime, It: Chapter Two doesn’t feel like your average sequel. I feel it could honestly be a stand-alone film. Also, thinking about it in that way may make it more enjoyable to some. Directed by Andrés Muschietti who is also responsible for 2017s It, set out to create a chilling sequel. He mostly succeeded. While the movie is a fun watch, it drags a little and almost has too many jumpscares close together to the point of desensitization. However, the movie is still very creepy and pushes a few boundaries. It’s like a high school reunion from hell. Definitely, worth seeing on the opening weekend.
Plot/Pace
The movie starts off with a bang, but not one you want to see or with words you want to hear. At the same time, it speaks to what kind of people live in Derry. Small town, small minds. If you’ve read the book, you’re probably aware of what I’m talking about. The pace felt pretty decent the first quarter of the movie but it got slow toward the midpoint. The downside of following the storyline of six characters in detail. It’s not that some of it wasn’t needed but the could’ve found a way to minimize the scenes. I did love the way they did flashback transitions, it was done in a way that I don’t see often. The terror felt by The Losers feels very real. The scares didn’t translate much to me as a viewer because the fears are very specific to the individual. However, I could feel how terrified the group was as Pennywise broke them down. There’s a running joke throughout the movie that rang true for me at the end of the climax. I did not care for the climax at all. At times it felt a bit corny and some things felt unnecessary. Don’t let the negatives deter you, I enjoyed it. It was creative, exciting, and very in your face. As I said previously, this could be a standalone movie. The way the movie is structured, if you haven’t seen the first one you’ll be just fine.
Characters/Acting
Firstly, I don’t know how, but all the adult actors look like the grown versions of the kids they followed. Especially, Jay Ryan (Ben), Isaiah Mustafa (Mike), and James Ransone (Eddie). I remember watching the trailer thinking, “how did they find such perfect matches?” The characters had more layers this time around, as they should. Pennywise also was a more developed character. He’s more sinister and cunning. The Losers mirrored their childhood pains into adulthood which felt like a little message to the audience or a harsh truth. James McAvoy as Bill is heroic and tired of being messed with. Jessica Chastain as Bev is confused yet brave. Bill Hader as Richie is comical and secretive. Isaiah Mustafa as Mike is determined and obsessed. James Ransone as Eddie is terrified and cowardly, Jay Ryan as Ben is reminiscent and trusting. The group dynamic plays out well because Losers stick together.
You have to finish the story. It: Chapter Two releases nationwide on September 6th, 2019.
Rating
3.5 out of 5[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhJ5P7Up3jA” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
