Pennywise is back…
The first reactions to It: Chapter Two have been revealed, and it’s splitting critics right down the middle.
Set 27 years after The Losers Club first defeated Pennywise, the sequel sees the now-adult gang returning to Derry once more after swearing a blood oath to defeat the titular demon if he should ever return.
While Andy Muschietti’s 2017 movie garnered widespread praise, it seems that the sequel is proving somewhat more divisive.
It: Chapter Two is the biggest disappointment of the year. A dull & bloated mess that spends too much time rehashing things from the first film. While there are a few good moments, the film ultimately lacks suspense and scares. The performances are also a mixed bag. #ITChapterTwo pic.twitter.com/3NlauZxj2f
— Scott Menzel (@TheOtherScottM) August 21, 2019
Posting on Twitter, Scott Menzel described the movie as “the biggest disappointment of the year.”
“It: Chapter Two is the biggest disappointment of the year. A dull & bloated mess that spends too much time rehashing things from the first film,” wrote Menzel.
“While there are a few good moments, the film ultimately lacks suspense and scares. The performances are also a mixed bag.”
#ITChapter2 has a rushed, clumsy first act & an odd lack of chemistry among the adult Losers. But it eventually finds its footing. This is a BIG movie—a go for broke horror blockbuster not afraid to make weird choices. Bill Hader steals the show. #ITMovie #ITChapterTwo pic.twitter.com/cib2slRfoq
— Chris Evangelista (@cevangelista413) August 21, 2019
#ITChapterTwo is a terrific companion to #ITChapterOne. Similar vibes, great ensemble chemistry w/ a nice mix of humor and horror. Part 2 plays heavier in tone, dealing w/ defeating the burden of childhood trauma, & I definitely teared up at the very end. Bill Hader steals it pic.twitter.com/bjiwtJufNQ
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) August 21, 2019
#ITChapterTwo is big and ambitious and can’t *quite* handle the weight of its aspirations, but it’s still a fine piece of heartfelt horror. The parts that work, work REALLY well and Bill Hader is every-bit the scene-stealing standout we all hoped he’d be.
— Haleigh Foutch (@HaleighFoutch) August 21, 2019
Others argued that the film eventually impresses after a shaky start.
“#ITChapter2 has a rushed, clumsy first act & an odd lack of chemistry among the adult Losers. But it eventually finds its footing. This is a BIG movie—a go for broke horror blockbuster not afraid to make weird choices. Bill Hader steals the show,” wrote Slash Film’s Chris Evangelista.
“Several issues aside, this is one of the rare Stephen King adaptations that actually understands King’s voice and successfully translates it to the screen. It captures that unapologetic earnestness mixed with a kind of aw-shucks corniness that King does so well,” he added.
So, #ITChapterTwo: it’s v. good, but not great. I liked it, but didn’t LOVE it. First movie is a tough act to follow. TWO is gruesome, strange but rarely scary. Nails important aspects from the book, but feels overlong. Cast is aces, though, & Bill Hader SHOULD be in Oscar convo. pic.twitter.com/1KUZk5TXA1
— Sean O’Connell (@Sean_OConnell) August 21, 2019
So everything that’s awesome and imperfect in #ITChapterTwo comes straight from the novel. The horror in this one is way more brutal. A leaner adaptation would have solve the repetitive loop of the third act. Cast is great and the direction impressive. Very Good but not Great. pic.twitter.com/IHDntHprvQ
— Juan Upon A TIme in Hollywood (@juanmadpelicula) August 21, 2019
Evangelista’s praise of Bill Hader’s performance as Richie Tozier was also unanimous – with Sean O’Connell hailing it as Oscar worthy.
“It’s v. good, but not great. I liked it, but didn’t LOVE it. First movie is a tough act to follow,” he wrote.
“TWO is gruesome, strange but rarely scary. Nails important aspects from the book, but feels overlong. Cast is aces, though, & Bill Hader SHOULD be in Oscar convo.”
It: Chapter Two hits cinemas on September 6.
