An imperfect part two.

Rating: 7/10 (8 September 2019)

'It Chapter Two (2019)' is larger than its predecessor in almost every way, most notably in its record-setting run-time (it is, after all, the longest horror film to date). As we all know, bigger doesn't always mean better. Thankfully, its inflated length doesn't necessarily feel like a misstep. Its pacing is pretty consistent and, despite a slightly baggy second act, it manages to remain engaging throughout. Even though it never quite captures the rag-tag spirit of the first flick, the piece seems like a genuine continuation of the overall story. Its cast are basically dead ringers for their young counterparts, recapturing their personalities within minutes of being on screen. The group dynamic isn't as strong as before but it still feels tangible, affected by a shared history that no member can quite remember alone. Plus, some scenes capture a real sense of child-like joy or heart-wrenching camaraderie, further highlighting the characters' indelible chemistry. When all the actors are together, the movie works rather well. This is especially true of its climax, which is exciting and entertaining in equal measure. It makes you care about every member of the losers club and, this time, the stakes are real. It helps that most of the key players have somewhat of a character arc as they each reveal their repressed, more real-world fears and struggle to overcome them. Of course, the flick has its issues. Firstly, it's really over the top. Most of the time, the on-screen horror just comes across as a little silly (people were laughing in my screening). Some of its horrific imagery works well, don't get me wrong. Pennywise is meaner and almost more menacing this time, leading to a villain that's not so much frightening as straight-up despicable. The picture is at its most successful when it pulls back on the CG and focuses on what you can't quite see, slowly tugging at what the characters fear most. Occasionally, it's rather suspenseful. However, it's never scary. Its second major issue is its tendency to aim for, and usually miss, comedy. Obviously, the odd bit of levity is in its DNA but, here, the humour doesn't always feel character-based and is often quite clunky - especially since the piece has an overall darker tone than the prior title. It takes you out of some key moments, as opposed to grounding you within them, and is only successful when it's the kind of uncomfortable laugh used to alleviate tension, one that comes strictly from a place of character. The film also has a slightly repetitive structure, primarily in the aforementioned baggy second act. For all its issues, though, it's still an enjoyable experience. By its end, it satisfyingly wraps up the saga. In a way, it's more than the sum of its parts. It's fun, but it's an imperfect part two. 7/10