Losers stick together. Even through an underwhelming second chapter of their story, apparently. There are some things to enjoy about IT Chapter Two, but not a whole lot to admire as story mismanagement, unintentional comedy, and under-served characters override the film’s potential.

IT Chapter Two sees the Losers’ Club reunite in Derry after 27 years to fulfill their promise of confronting the shape-shifting entity, Pennywise, one final time while facing their own independent fears and issues from the past.

Casting is both a blessing and a curse for this chapter. Some characters stand out, like Bill Hader who facilitates many of the film’s most memorable moments playing grown-up Richie. But others fail to make a notable impact, including Jay Ryan as an uncharacteristically low-key adult Ben and Teach Grant as a completely dispensable grown up Henry Bowers.

Jump scares keep the movie interesting, but at almost 3 hours long, it’s easy to feel that director Andres Muschietti took the scenic route on this story. Overlong sequences and non-vital scenes make it apparent that perhaps the IT story might’ve been better suited for a television series similar to the Netflix show The Haunting Of Hill House.

IT Chapter Two might make this story feel complete, but it doesn’t feel like the film was made with clear vision and outstanding competence. For many, there’s some fun to be had here. But for many others, IT Chapter Two may come off as silly…which could possibly be how Pennywise the Dancing Clown would prefer it.

Acting and Casting - 1 | Visual Effects and Editing - 1 | Story and Message - 0 | Entertainment Value - 1 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 1 | Reviewer's Preference - 1 | What does this mean?