It Chapter Two review

Truth be told I wasn't the biggest fan of the first IT chapter back in 2017. It wasn't all that scary and even though I have a fear of clowns it didn't do much to frighten, it was more on the creepy side. With that being said I wasn't surprised that a part two was announced and with some casting choices I was actually excited to see how IT would end. Set once again in the sleepy city of Derry 27 years after the first movie it starts with two guys minding their own business at a carnival. The duo get attacked by a group of thugs and one guy gets tossed into the river. Badly hurt the other goes to try and save his friend but his greeted by none other than the returning Pennywise who takes a bite (literally) out of the guy who was thrown into the river. Soon after this one of the former Loser club members Mike hears on the radio that a body has been found dismembered. He decides to go and check it out for himself as he is suspicious of what happened, his suspicion is soon met as he learns that the evil shape shifter Pennywise the Dancing Clown has indeed returned to Derry.

It's a simple set up but it works. Returning as Pennywise of course is Bill Skarsgard and he is just as good as he was in the first chapter. The Losers Club has gone through a different change however with the inclusion of James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader and more. The latter being fantastic and stealing almost every single scene he is in. It Chapter Two is really close to the it's first chapter in it's structure and overall layout. It's formulaic to a tee as it jumps from character to actor with each cast member's younger self also making a return. Each scene is played out pretty much as it was in the first chapter and while that isn't a bad thing it's scares are far too predictable at times. Bill Skarsgard however is fantastic once again as Pennywise even in one scene we see him without all the makeup applying it to himself. It Chapter Two builds up to it's final rather slowly as some scenes drag on too long. The movie as a whole is in fact a bit too long, it clocks in at almost 3 hours which 30 minutes could've easily been shaved off. 

If you loved or even just enjoyed the first It Chapter then this won't disappoint you one bit. It is scary at times, creepy and funny too although that is mainly whenever Bill Hader is on screen. McAvoy and Chastain are also good here with Skarsgard being his creepily best self. He somehow manages to make this shape shifitng creature funny and warm in a way that I can't explain. As for the ending?? well it's third act is absolutely bonkers with scares coming thick and fast. It's a fine ending and nothing more to be honest. It does however end with a nice little life lesson which was nice. So all in all if you liked the first It Chapter then this will please you. Just don't expect it to be anything you'll remember next Halloween.

★★★