IT Chapter Two Review
By Natasha Boord, 9/12/19 (Header image by MSU Reporter)
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Length: 2 hours, 50 minutes
Starring: Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Skarsgard, and Bill Hader
IT’s here! Whether they be new fans following the remake, the 1990 miniseries, or the original novel, It has finally returned to theaters.
Being a new fan of the horror story, not having the original miniseries at the time of viewing Chapter Two, there weren’t many story expectations. Having enjoyed the first “chapter,” seeing how director Andy Muschietti and his returning crew (including screenwriter Gary Dauberman and composer Benjamin Wallfisch) envisioned wrapping up the story was the incentive needed to see Chapter Two.
A common trend in horror films that tend to ruin the experience of the film is the overuse of jump scares and the underdevelopment of story and characters. IT Chapter Two, like its predecessor, did not stoop fall into this trend. The care Dauberman put into bringing Stephen King’s characters to life and the phenomenal job the child actors did still rings true in Two, showing us similar personalities and antics as when they were kids. Clearly casting director Rich Delia (another returning member) was in tune with this sense of continuity and focus on characters.
Like jumpscares, another common fault of horror films such as these are the plot holes and unresolved questions; something IT Chapter Two is guilty of although they were minimal and less plot-driven viewers will find it thoroughly enjoyable despite some may find it difficult to suspend their disbelief.
What truly makes this film enjoyable isn’t just seeing returning characters, it’s seeing the creativity at work. CGI and special effects remained entertaining throughout with the blood and gore getting amped up, reinforcing the fact that “the Losers” are no longer children. If you thought Pennywise was twisted and powerful before, the SFX used to show his true potential are reason enough to recommend Chapter Two.
I recommend checking this movie out, especially if you’ve seen the first part, however, new viewers shouldn’t be deterred. Flashbacks throughout help fill in gaps in context and but experiencing the emotional attachment of watching these characters grow up helps a great deal.
For curious ICC students on a tight budget, this author suggests taking the opportunity to see IT 2 this Friday with the Campus Activities Board. Leaving the Circle Drive at 5:30 PM, CAB will be taking Illinois Central College students who sign-up to Willow Knolls for free admission to a movie of their choice and transportation back to ICC. Concessions and transportation home are not provided by CAB.