A Messy Screenplay Makes for an Unfocused Film...

Rating: 5/10 (7 September 2019)

What many folks are picking up on is that Chapter 2 lacks the focus and atmosphere of Chapter 1. It's very busy, yet it never seems to actually establish a connection with the characters as adults, nor expand the mythos of Pennywise and Derry much further than what was done in Chapter 1. Further, there were plenty of scenes in the film that didn't serve to move the story forward, and could easily have been excised, allowing the movie to feel a bit tighter.
People like to poke fun at the 1990 miniseries, but, for all its foibles, I have to say that it created a better sense of tense atmosphere in Chapter 2, told a more cohesive story, and used Pennywise to greater effect. Plus, the adults seemed more fleshed out and sympathetic and were all given moments to allow you to really connect with them and root for them. Finally, in the miniseries, I have to admit it was nice not hearing f-bombs every 2 seconds and having to deal with typical woke Hollywood virtue signaling.
So, while Chapter 1 gave us great characters, great story, and great atmosphere, Chapter 2 almost completely fails in all 3 categories. If you think you can wait a few months for Blu-ray and streaming, I would recommend it. If you're just too anxious to see this film (I totally get it), then just know that you'll probably have fun, but won't have that "satisfying thriller" experience you were hoping for.