It: Chapter Two is the much-anticipated sequel to It, with the story taking place 27 years later. It was a smash hit, winning over audiences with its great young characters and a terrifying clown antagonist. The first film’s story adapted the first half of Stephen King’s epic novel, while this film is now adapting the second half.

Horror sequels have a bad reputation. This specific sequel had an uphill battle to fight. The 90’s miniseries is iconic to a lot of people who saw it when they were younger, but the second half of it isn’t as fondly remembered. Many would agree that the adult aspect of the story is the least interesting part of It, in terms of the book and miniseries. The kids are genuinely great, and their perspective as adults just isn’t as interesting to a lot of people.

There’s also the fact that the original novel has some truly insane plot elements that could never work in a studio film like this, so a lot had to be done in order for this sequel to work. And for the most part, this a worthy sequel to It, that everyone should definitely check out.

27 Years Later

The film takes place in 2016, and it has been 27 years since Pennywise the Dancing Clown haunted the Losers Club in their hometown of Derry, Maine. All seven characters have grown and gone their separate ways. Once something happens in Derry that signifies Pennywise’s return, Mike reunites the Losers Club in order to permanently end the cycle of terror.

Director Andy Muschetti returns to helm this epic overly long sequel. Muschetti’s skillful direction along with the nice cinematography and production design make it a visually stunning horror film.

The casting in this film is honestly perfect. It honestly feels like the child actors grew into the adults playing them. When they reunite, their natural chemistry together made it seem like they had this deep history together bringing in a lot of heartfelt moments.

All of them did a good job, especially Bill Hader as Richie, who was previously played by Finn Wolfhard. Hader did a great job of mixing drama with the character’s sense of humor. Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy as a grown-up Beverly and Bill were also good at capturing their younger self’s personality.

The child actors return via flashback sequences that correlate with what’s going on in modern-day and it further develops each character.

Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise is amazing. Skarsgard fully embraces the colorful creepiness of this evil clown who preys on fear. Every single scary set-piece ranged from disturbing to darkly humorous. Pennywise will go down as a horror icon similar to Michael Myers, Freddy, Jason, etc.

Growing Up

A child’s past fears can stay with them forever and they can either repress it or directly face it. This film deals with all of these characters directly facing childhood fears that still affect them as adults.

Some of the most emotional and deepest parts of the film were them going off on their own and facing the traumas of their past. But they also can be viewed as the weakest aspect of this movie.

A lot of critics have commonly agreed that the film is a bit too long for its own good. But there’s a method to the madness to the film’s length. It seems like the writers really wanted to explore and take its time with each character making them each feel vital to the story. By the end of the movie, I cared about every single character, which wouldn’t have happened if the film didn’t take its time.

Verdict

The Loser Club’s final confrontation with their fears was both thrilling and emotional. With a bevy of scary set-pieces, heartfelt character moments, and great performances, It: Chapter Two is a worthy but very long follow up to an already iconic predecessor.

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