"It: Chapter Two" is Overlong, but Bill Hader and Fun Steal the Show
By: Keaton Marcus
DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 16, YOU MUST ASK YOUR PARENTS IF YOU ARE ALLOWED, IF THEY SAY NO…IT MEANS NO!
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65/100 “sweet/sour”
While I'm pleased to say that both Stephen King adaptations have proved wholly satisfying, I am sad to complain that both times around, the films still have not caught the terrifying behemoth that is King's epic novel. "It: Chapter Two" definitely captures the "big" part of the book (standing at 1,166 pages), clocking at nearly three hours long--but that's the picture's biggest issue. Sure, there are a couple of great frights along the way, and the performances, as well as the casting-choices, are spot-on--its just the fact that you can barely stand up after that amount of time spent in the theater watching a horror flick. Some could argue that its faithful to the book, which at times, is completely the right answer, but it’s still slightly disappointing. However, one thing that the sequel encapsulates well is the utter geek that Stephen King is, embracing the "so bad, its good" type shenanigans. "Chapter Two" certainly isn't a bad film, its decent enough for a solid time at the cinema. Just don't look for "The Shining".
Three words to describe this massive film are: Pennywise is back. Set 27 years after the events of "Chapter One", the Losers are now adults--most living elsewhere in the states. However, after a call from Mike Hanlon, who is the only Loser still living in Derry--they are once again face to face with the twisted, murderous Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The serial killer circus star has returned, and so is actor Bill Skarsgård for the title role. Skarsgård is once again an astonishing showcase of an involved performance, and ridiculous as his character might be--you might end up with chills down your spine. The structure of the film plays almost the same as the novel, for better or for worse. If it were not for the excellent performances by the adult Losers club, or the guilty pleasure you consistently get out of the picture, "Chapter Two" would be an overlong mess.
The cast is not only remarkably chosen, but they are also expertly executed with a careful screenplay. James McAvoy portrays the grown-up counter-part of Bill Denebourough, who has moved past his traumatic childhood and has become an acclaimed writer (they hate his endings though). McAvoy, after nabbing roles in M. Night Shyamalan's final two installments to the "Unbreakable" trilogy and the "X-Men" franchise, has proven over and over again that the actor is fully capable of blowing audiences away. It's Bill Hader who steals the show, playing with the beloved character of Richie "Trashmouth" Tozier. The guy deserves an Oscar, whether he is handling a puppy-turned-skeleton or making a "Die Hard" reference, he's got it covered. The remaining Losers include Beverly (Jessica Chastain bringing the grit), Ben (Jay Ryan making the character look like "a team of Brazilian soccer players put into one") and of course, Mike Hanlon (Isaiah Mustafa as the only African-American club member, and the remaining one who still lives in Derry, Maine). There are scares, but not quite enough--so it's the exceptional cast that gets this film out of the dirt.
One thing both Andy Muschietti and Stephen King try to address is abuse. It's very common in both the novel and the two films, whether its father-to-daughter, husband-to-wife or even discrimination against gays. Of course, there are good intentions somewhere in the rough waters, which may just be enough to cover for the fact that it's completely unnecessary for this type of movie. Beverly getting abused by her whacko dad, or her rich husband--it’s a little much. Even in the brilliant, but grotesque opening scene, where a gay teen called Adrien is thrown into the sewers left to die, soon before Pennywise gobbles his first meal in a while. It certainly is bold, and it's not for everyone.
The final opinion is: "It: Chapter Two" isn't as terrifying as it should be, and the film is certainly overlong, but extraordinary performances and its entertaining jump-scares make it a more-than-satisfying, faithful adaptation and sequel...$TREAM IT
By: Keaton Marcus
Opening Weekend: 91m
Domestic Total: 211.5m
Worldwide Total: 473m
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