'It: Chapter Two' Captures the Novels' Heart, Horror and Humor

Just two years ago, the remake of the beloved Stephen King's quintessential horror novel ended with the Losers' Club sitting in the sunshine after defeating the evilest alien clown Pennywise below their town's deepest sewers. Together they had a blood compact to return to their town if ever Pennywise comes back.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Two years later for us, and twenty-seven years later for the Losers, IT reappears. And with the mega-success of the first, this is a surprise to no one. Only a few days after the showing of It (2017), moviegoers had been screaming for a sequel, if only to watch more of the eccentric and relatable kids. Not to mention, people were posting their own cast for the adult versions of the Losers all over social media and while it was too good to be true at first, it was confirmed only a few weeks later that a sequel is a go, with Jessica Chastain as the adult Beverly--a picture-perfect adult version for Sophia Lillis--and other big names in Hollywood.

So much potential is expected in Chapter Two, and that's likely one of the main reasons why this flick has an almost three-hour running time. The Losers are beloved, and Pennywise is iconic. It would be such a shame to put any of them to the side. Unfortunately, it's also the reason why it's a bit of an overkill. Director Andy Muschietti's longing to continue what he successfully started doesn't pay off most of the time.

First and foremost, the young cast of the first one is way more fun, watchable, and perhaps more appropriate for the villainous clown. Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Jay Ryan, Isaiah Mustafa and James Ransone as the adult cast, as prestigious and tested artists and perfectly cast as they are, don't hold a candle to the chemistry of the young group. It's not that they don't have charisma, their adult dynamic is just not as fresh and compelling to watch. Individually, they're given enough material to shine but the flashbacks with the young cast remain to be a favorite. I guess, adults and clowns really just don't mesh well.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The good thing is that there is a lot of flashbacks. After all, the main theme of It: Chapter Two is about conquering their deepest fears from their experiences in the past, not necessarily with Pennywise. It's in this theme that truly elevates the film. Somehow, its unapologetic sentimentality works best because it captures the heart of Stephen King's novels and some of his early movie adaptations like Stand by Me.

Then again, this film is way more than that. This sequel is BIG as in it's not afraid to take its time in showcasing new ideas and tricks to scare and tell the stories of all the characters, Pennywise included. Everything it's supposed to tackle, it did--from their past insecurities leading to their current situation, on why they have to return to Derry, on why each character had to do what they needed to do--all in order to stop the evil that's been giving them nightmares since they moved on from their childhood. They covered all their bases even though the film feels like it could trim at least an hour and it will still be as effective, if not more.

But no complaints. If it means more airtime for the young Losers, then it's A-okay. Ultimately, it's about the past and present anyway.