IT: Chapter 2 Review

A Disappointing Sequel

Minor Spoilers It: Chapter 2 was one of my most anticipated movies of 2019. After absolutely loving the first It, It: Chapter 2 immediately had me excited once they announced the star-studded cast. Sadly, I had many more issues with It: Chapter 2 than I did with the first one. It still delivers on many levels, however

Starting out with my positives, my biggest one, without a doubt, is the casting. Casting director, Rich Della, did an incredible job casting all of the adults in the film. They look so similar to the kids, it's nearly eerie. Bill Skarsgård is once again fantastic as Pennywise. His performance, when it's not being dragged down by CGI, is exceptionally creepy. The adult Loser's Club were all good, but James MacAvoy, Jessica Chastain, and especially Bill Hader are standouts. Bill Hader is absolutely incredible as Richie. Hader's performance continuously gets better throughout the film's 169 minute run time. The cinematography is also pretty solid. The scene in Beverley's old apartment is particularly beautiful. Speaking of apartments, the film's production design is absolutely phenomenal. There was some great tension building scenes throughout the film; the two scenes that stand out were the house of mirrors scene and the bleachers scene. Though I didn't find It: Chapter 2 as scary as the first one, it still delivers fairly well.

On to my negatives. My biggest negative is the overuse of CGI. CGI-use was my biggest negative with the first one, but Chapter 2 uses much more. While it isn't bad CGI by any means, it still is enough to take you out of the movie. The use of CGI to de-age the kids is extremely noticeable, especially Finn Wolfhard and Jeremy Ray Taylor. Finn eyes look way too big in some scenes. Speaking of Finn Wolfhard, I had one minor problem with Richie's character. I don't feel that the reveal of Richie being a closeted homosexual was handled well. I feel that it was presented like a last-minute thought. It should have been hinted at more throughout both films. I understand and am grateful that they didn't beat the audience over the head with the fact that he was gay, however, there was zero hinting at all of Richie's sexuality. I wish they would have simply "went there". My second main issue is the film's 169 minute run time. It is simply too long. I think it's mainly due to it being essentially being It: Chapter 1.5 and 2. I liked the kids' scenes, but they didn't truly need to be in the film. It should have been 80% adults and 20% kids through flashbacks. I wished it would have been more focused on the adults. My third issue is the third act. It went on for way too long, and it was my least favorite part of both films. Similar to the 1990 miniseries, the fight with Pennywise sucked. I think the half Pennywise half spider looked bad. I understand it's from the book, but not everything from a book looks good when adapted to film.

Overall, It Chapter Two was an entertaining, yet flawed horror film that is not as good as it's predecessor simply due to how long it was. It Chapter One was much tighter of a film.

6.5/10