2017’s IT remake despite the very common fear of clowns within the world is the largest grossing horror film of all time. And here comes the follow up IT: Chapter 2 trying to hold up that legacy. And I’m here to report that if you loved the first, you are going to like the second. While it isn’t as good, it’s still completely the same spirit as the first.
Following up such a mega hit was never going to be easy. And IT: Chapter 2 tries its hardest. But an over reliance on comedy and poorly paced storytelling hamper the film and cause it to fall short.
27 years after the loser’s club defeated Pennywise, he’s returned to wreak more havoc on the town of Derry, Maine. So, our heroes must reunite, remember the lives they forgot, and face this evil together so that the world can be safe from Its evil once and for all.
First and foremost, the acting must be commended. Everyone does a great job portraying the older, more experienced members of the loser’s club. Bill Hader specifically stands out above all however with a gripping and hilarious performance as Richie. James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain also impress as Bill and Bev respectively.
Pennywise is back, and he's missed us.
Sadly, the film resorts far too much to comedic beats that almost deflate the tension and fear entirely. From moments like one of the heroes confronting a zombie like creature to upbeat, very silly music or Ritchie making jokes at every opportunity. It almost feels like the movie doesn’t want to be taken seriously.
The structure also feels off. At one point, all the heroes split up and some characters just get dropped for an entire third of the film, only to be brought back in later, having seemingly done nothing the whole time. It’s strange given the film’s near 3-hour run time that it can’t seem to handle a small cast of characters without sidelining some. It feels weird to not see characters for so long.
Bottom line. If you enjoyed the first film back in 2017, you are going to enjoy IT: Chapter 2. It has the same heart and spirit of the previous, just slightly muddled with its new execution this time around. Though if you were not a fan of the previous, this will not change your mind or sway you in the slightest.
While not without its flaws, IT: Chapter 2 is definitely faithful to its predecessor, for better or for worse.
IT: Chapter 2
6 out of 10.
2 Hrs 49 mins. Horror, Comedy.
Directed by Andy Muschietti
Starring James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, and Bill Skarsgard.
Now Playing at Film.ca Cinemas, Cineplex Winston Churchill, and Cineplex Oakville & VIP. Also in IMAX
