I watched It Chapter Two and I liked it. 3/5
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It: Chapter Two, directed by Andy Muschietti and released in 2019, serves as the conclusion to the highly anticipated adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel. While the film boasts a talented ensemble cast, impressive visuals, and a faithful depiction of the source material, its bloated runtime and uneven pacing hinder its overall impact, resulting in a mixed viewing experience.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its exceptional cast, which includes James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, and Bill Hader. The adult versions of the Losers’ Club bring depth and charisma to their respective roles, effectively capturing the essence of the characters. Their performances, along with the chemistry and camaraderie they share, help anchor the film and keep the audience engaged.
Visually, It: Chapter Two is a feast for the eyes. The film’s production design and special effects are top-notch, creating a vivid and terrifying world. The nightmarish visions and grotesque creatures that haunt the characters are brought to life with impressive detail. The cinematography by Checco Varese effectively captures the eerie atmosphere and the sense of dread that permeates Derry.
The film remains largely faithful to the source material, incorporating key scenes and storylines from the novel. This faithfulness to the original material is commendable and will likely please fans of Stephen King’s work. The film also delves deeper into the psychological traumas and fears of the characters, providing a deeper exploration of their individual arcs.
However, It: Chapter Two suffers from a bloated runtime that hampers its pacing. The film clocks in at over two hours and 45 minutes, making it feel unnecessarily long. Certain scenes and subplots could have been trimmed or tightened to create a more concise and engaging narrative. The slow pacing in the middle portion of the film may test the patience of some viewers and dilute the overall tension and suspense.
Additionally, the film relies heavily on jump scares and visual effects to create its horror elements. While these techniques can be effective in generating immediate scares, they become predictable and lose their impact over time. The reliance on CGI at times feels excessive, detracting from the visceral and practical horror elements that made the first film so effective.
The narrative structure of It: Chapter Two, with its constant shifts between past and present, can be disorienting. The frequent flashbacks and time jumps disrupt the flow of the story and may confuse those unfamiliar with the source material. While these narrative choices attempt to provide a deeper understanding of the characters’ histories, they can be jarring and disrupt the overall coherence of the film.
Despite its flaws, It: Chapter Two offers satisfying closure to the story of the Losers’ Club. The film explores themes of friendship, trauma, and facing one’s fears, providing a cathartic conclusion to the characters’ journey. The emotional resonance of the film is further elevated by the strong performances of the cast, particularly in the moments of vulnerability and reflection.
In conclusion, It: Chapter Two is a mixed bag that delivers on its promise of scares and an epic conclusion, but suffers from its excessive length and uneven pacing. While the talented cast, impressive visuals, and faithful adaptation of the source material are commendable, the film’s flaws prevent it from reaching its full potential. It earns a modest 3 out of 5 rating, offering an enjoyable yet flawed viewing experience. It will likely please fans of the first film and Stephen King enthusiasts, but may leave some viewers wishing for a tighter and more cohesive narrative.