The Battle We Have Been Waiting For!

Rating: 7/10 (6 March 2020)

Set 27 years after their first encounter against the evil clown known as "Pennywise" the Losers Club are now adults and come together after they receive some devastating news. The characters also deal with their own horror and dark pasts once again.
As a sequel, IT Chapter Two has a significant runtime (almost 3 hours). This runtime is primary used for two things: horror scare attempts and to showcase a further developed plot.
The horror aspect of IT Chapter Two tries to go up a notch compared to the previous instalment. From the start of the film, horror fans will have plenty to enjoy, but personally I found this film weaker in the scare and horror department. It also feels that Pennywise is used less to scare the audiences and at multiple times the film relies on CGI characters and monsters to frighten. These just don't frighten nor scare like the previous film which focuses more on Pennywise.
As far as the performance go, the standouts from the grown up Losers Club were easily James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain & Bill Hader, who not only delivered a stunning performance, but were rather convincing at portraying the adult versions of their characters from the previous film. The casting choices were great and easily the highest point of the film and what shines the most. Bill Skarsgard was once again brilliant as the evil clown, Pennywise, with zero complaints.
As for plot, for me this film is not as solid as the previous film, in particularly the film's 2nd and 3rd act which does ultimately drag on from time to time. It also feels that the film struggles with its ending but ultimately it's the film's plot that hurts the film in my opinion with added side mission and flashbacks for all the key characters. Without giving you spoilers, this is all I'm going to say.
Overall, IT Chapter Two remains an entertaining horror film but it is a weaker sequel in regards to the film's story, plot and final act. Despite the lengthy runtime, there's still plenty for fans to enjoy. Leading performances are also positive. It's still a worthy sequel even if it is slightly weaker than the 1st instalment. 6.8/10 - Walkden Entertainment