2centswise. chapter 2.

Rating: 8/10 (17 March 2020)

Hi there! Just a 2 cents or a penny.
I saw this film online (missed it in theaters, although theaters are becoming deserted with the virus happening) and was really looking forward to it. I can say it is a great film (not to Oscar level but very good yes). I read the reviews after seeing it and I am amazed (in the sad way) that it takes so much for people to find anything good these days (I'm not difficult in general with most films, no that does not mean I have no taste or I am witless -> Tastes will be tastes, to each their own). It's like that:
Lots of films, lots and lots of films -> People want Excellence, each time now. Because, now, more critical and 'don't have time/money' to give to 'lesser' film...
That's a huge problem these days, and not just films basically everything in arts (movies, books, video games, art pièces, etc). Nothing is ever good enough.
I will respect people's opinion about this film, I just find it sad that people can't be happy (about anything). Are there derivative films, books, etc...? Absolutely, but the Entire domain of art is derivative in itself. I don't like this word but it is what it is; films are influenced by everything and many other films before. Things can repeat themselves at some point (at the 1millionth film). Everything has been made/done/created/invented...not much more to do/invent/be original.
In other words people should be more lenient and forgiving instead of hypercritical and judgmental about everything. But such are our times.
Anyway, to review this film here, for my opinion/feeling, I loved it.
I watched the First It and it was great, I remember watching the It film in 1980s...great film. The remake was great...and this one too.
''But...CGI...But...boring story....But....CGI....But....Not scary....But...Jump Scares...But.....CGI....But want Practical Effects/Make-Up....But...But...But.''
Look we are in 2020, yes the audience still decides what goes in the film, but we aer Today and today, things are bit diferent about how they are made. That the films (It Chapter 1 remake and Chapter 2) are not like the original 80s anyone is normal...we are today/things in film are made differently for Various reasons.
CGI is used to save money (albeit it can be costly), in general, it saves a lot, it is economical and why is used. It is also safer (don't need to have stunt people), there is a place for it, jsut like any other tools (like prostethics). No, it does not look good as those old 'real' effects, true, but it looks pretty good even so. There is good blend of real and CG effects in this film, ok yes, there is more of them, but I thought they are Extremely well-made (you can tell this is Not a crap VFX movie, they put Lots of effort in them and they look pretty impressive.) People are taken out of it becasue they can't 'suspend their disbelief' when they see a CGI pennewise clown. Suspend it. I did it, anybody can. It takes convincing yourself and not 'seeing CGI'...because that'S what people are doing, don't focus on that, focus on the 'whole'. But people focus on micro-détails and say :''That's it I'm disengaged in this film/I just don't 'get in it' because everything looks fake''. It is like when you were Young and your mommy would tell you a story in bed...you have to get in it - you have too even if you don't believe it for a second.
Story: 5 or 6 friends from early days get back togethere to destroy an ancient evil force that lives in the town sewers; taking the form of a 16th century costumed 'renaissance-style' Clown. Pennywise. The town is called City of Derry. The Second Chapter is them as adults (first chapter was children). In first chapter they k*ll him and so it ends like that. In 2nd chapter he comes back 27 year later. Mike the friend in the group calls them all back - after nearly 30 years....it's awkward. But they were best friends so he tells IT is back, and IT wants to end it (them - not IT...I know confusing). The Clown is a manfestation of their fear...because clowns are a fear humans have. Clowns are scary because they related to childhood. Children....clowns make children laugh and give them funny balloons...except this clown...is no clown; but death with jaws and k*iller wits. He can sense their fear and this film has a lot of 'Nightmare of Elm's Street' vibes...where Freddy was in 'the nightmares'..came to you while you slept. IT is clear the director of this film plays on that. By going the people's fear and by exploring this past through flashbacks whence they were Young kids. IT 2 tries to blend pure horror with comedy, in some places it might be a bit shoehorned in...but most of the film did a great job of meshing 'jokes' with serious horror/scares. There quite a few jumpscares..but Nothing that really Terrifies you..but yes this film is scary (By moments) and have lots of comedy thrown in the two (because the film is trying to make moment of 'relief' and comedy...to not be continuously scary). Now I know some peolpe hate that because it is neither comedy nor horror but a mash-up. Yet, I would say, this film blends it very well and Nothing is so cringey or really dumb...or takes you of it. Because, the film is capable of exposing their lives with lots of details...flashbacks etc...these Feel like real people Not fake people. They crack jokes and constantly are 'self-aware' of their situation whic is 'implausible' yet they make it plausible. Because they laugh of it and go straight in it. And there are moments where they cry, they are completely frozen in fear....the film does really good job of showing Nuanced characters. I read the reviews and some said ''we don't care about them, they have 0 characterization....''. I have a diffrent opinion, I believe they are Very characterized, through Many Many flashbacks and we know their Entire life...I even felt bad when one person dies..because you Care about them - All. Like a group of friends. Real people, they tease each other, they make jokes, they Even face a Monster...in the film...talk about cool. Very few films can blend this so well. It makes me think of the film 'Drag me to Hell', 'Evil Dead', 'Army of Darknes''...those old comic-horror films of the 80s, that did a nice job of blending comedy and horror (also 'Shaun of the Dead'...like that).But if I were to compare these films to IT Chapter 2...I was much more scared in it, because the film going quite serious in its horror when it does happen; there are a Lot of F* bombs word in this film..which is a no-no in films..but here it works because these people are real and talk real. The actors were Really good and did their best to give it all. All of them went through the all gamut of emotions during the film. I understand people may not like this if don't like comedy-horror combo; either one or the other, but not both. As for the CGI, cut some slack. It was very good and loved this film. It is 3 hours long but I was very rivited for whole this time...I truly feel I had a great time watching this, even if 3 hours long. IT was not long because enjoyed it very much. I look forward the IT Chapter 3 very much. If people want to make a IT like they want...they can go do it, but making films is Huge process and you can't please everybody. Just a 2 c/penny.