Review: IT Chapter Two

Based on the 1986 novel, “It,” by Stephen King, more creepiness returns in the sequel. Our J.P. has his review of “IT Chapter Two,” now in theatres.

“IT Chapter Two”
Warner Bros. Pictures

• Opens wide: Friday, September 6, 2019
• MPAA Rating: R for “disturbing violent content and bloody images throughout, pervasive language and some crude sexual material”
• Run Time: 169 minutes
• Directed by Andy Muschietti
• Produced by Barbara Muschietti, Dan Lin, Roy Lee,
• Screenplay by Gary Dauberman
• Starring James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, Andy Bean and Bill Skarsgård

Studio Synopsis:
Evil resurfaces in Derry as director Andy Muschietti reunites the Losers Club in a return to where it all began with “IT Chapter Two,” the conclusion to the highest-grossing horror film of all time. Twenty-seven years after the Losers Club defeated Pennywise, he has returned to terrorize the town of Derry once more. Now adults, the Losers have long since gone their separate ways. However, people are disappearing again, so Mike, the only one of the group to remain in their hometown, calls the others home. Damaged by the experiences of their past, they must each conquer their deepest fears to destroy Pennywise once and for all…putting them directly in the path of the shape-shifting clown that has become deadlier than ever. The film is Muschietti’s follow-up to 2017’s critically acclaimed and massive global box office hit “IT,” which grossed more than $700 million worldwide. Both redefining and transcending the genre, “IT” became part of the cultural zeitgeist.

J.P.’s Take:
2017 brought us a new terrifying vision of a Stephen King classic, “IT Chapter One.” The revision got my blood pumping with its frenetic nightmarish, yet dramatically heartwarming story telling. It struck the right balance of visceral and ghoulish visuals and vivid young characters, which allowed audiences to sympathize with them. Bill Skarsgård’s disturbing performance of the demon clown Pennywise rivaled that of Tim Curry’s, who played the character in the 1990 ABC miniseries. “IT” was a true horror film through and through.

Now, with Skarsgård returning as Pennywise, “IT Chapter 2” is an equally creepy follow up that relies less on the scares and focuses more so on a character driven tale.

Although it didn’t take 27 years to put out this sequel, we flash forward 27 years from the first chapter to follow the now grown up Losers Club. Nearing their 40’s, with almost no memory of their past, their childhood as friends or the terrifying circumstances surrounding Pennywise’s evil reign. Of course, the Losers are about to receive some dreadful news.

We return to the eerie town of Derry, Maine, as The Losers come home and they start to recollect their memories piece by piece. What struck me about “Chapter Two” is that the sequel brought a different vibe other than the thrills and spills, while keeping it as just as bone chilling and creepy as its predecessor. Whereas “Chapter One” made us laugh, cry, and be horrified for the young characters involved, “Chapter Two” gives us a sense resolve — possibly even relief. Director Andy Muschietti, who helmed “Chapter One,” once again finds that balance between horror and drama, only this time he places the now adult characters in a position to take control and fight back.

When the grown up Losers Club learn of Pennywise’s resurgence of power, this puts them on the war path to finish him for good. Yet, this moment also allows Pennywise to run a hellish gauntlet on them once again.

Some of the most frightening scenes revolve around the old lady, Ms. Kersh (Joan Gregson), who now resides in the home where Beverly Marsh (Jessica Chastain) grew up. The set-up is all too freaky and jump scare inducing. Another is near the opening of the film where a little girl with the birthmark on her cheek meets up with Pennywise under the bleachers. Because there is a creepy clown preying on a little girl, the shock of what happens next leaves viewers creeped out.

Excellent performances are what drive the second outing, as the well-cast adult doubles, who gave us a vivid look at how the youngsters turned out. Returning, of course, are the younger versions as well.

• Bill Hader (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”), who practically steals the film, is the adult comic relief Richie Tozier. You know him as the plucky, trash talking, foul mouthed lil dude. He now uses that foul mouth to make a living as a popular stand-up comedian. His teen double is played by Fin Wolfhard.
• James McAvoy (“X-Men” films) is the valiant, yet good hearted, leader of the Loser Club, Bill Denbrough. He is now a well-known author who returns with his cohorts to face the demonic clown once again. Yet, his journey takes a side tour as he also makes an attempt to save a young boy who lives in his old home. The younger version is played by Jaeden Martell.
• Chastain (“The Help”) is the emotionally/physically abused but resilient Beverly Marsh. She makes a successful living as a fashion designer; however, is tapped in a loveless abusive marriage. She also holds the key as to the fate of the Losers Club, as she bares certain abilities. Teen Bev is played by Sophie Lillis.
• Jay Ryan (TV’s “Beauty and the Beast”) plays the once chubby, yet still resourceful Ben Hanscom. He was the new kid on the block, who — along with Richie and Eddie — was often picked on as kids. Now a top notch architect, Ben has also grown into his body and has become quite a respected man. His younger version played by Jeremy Ray Taylor.
• James Ransone (“Sinister” films) is the hypochondriac Eddie Kaspbrak. Still a hypochondriac and now with a wife, Eddie is a successful risk assessor, and his fears still live with him even as an adult. Young Eddie is played by Jack Dylan Grazer.
• Andy Bean (“DC Universe’s Swamp Thing”) is Stanley Uris, the courageous fighter of the Losers Club, who came face to face with the evil Pennywise. Stanley became a partner of account firm in Atlanta and is married, yet did not join the Losers Club after learning Pennywise had returned. Other reasons keep him from reconnecting with the group. Young Stanley played by Wyatt Oleff.
• Last, but not lease is, Isaiah Mustafa (TV’s “Shadowhunters”) plays the philosophical Mike Hanlon. He also fought the creepy clown and lived to tell about it. Only he holds valuable info as to how to stop Pennywise for good. Young Mike played by Chosen Jacobs.
• Stephen King himself even makes a cameo appearance as the shopkeeper.

Without spoiling it for anyone, I believe you’ll find the ending a satisfying one … if a bit poignant. The scares lessen and feel more apropos, even symbolic, to a degree. In other words, you’ll get closure; just not in the way you’d expect.

I found the entire trip fulfilling and would watch both “Chapter One and Two” back-to-back again.