Not as good as the first chapter.

Rating: 7/10 (7 October 2019)

On its own it would have probably been a memorable movie, but as a sequel it fell short.
I enjoyed the first movie so much I watched it twice (the second time before seeing this movie). I found chapter two to be a bit weak for several reasons:
1) The origin story of IT seemed a bit weak and left more questions than answers. However it's a key part of the story for its conclusion, so it is what it is.
2) It felt like more CG was used and obvious in this chapter. This is probably due to the transformations of IT were larger this time around for the adult characters.
3) The movie was nearly 3 hours and there were several times I wish it would just end.
4) Pennywise (the clown) felt like a backseat character. Instead we focus more on the kids/adults, which at points drags on.
5) Some scenes felt unnecessary including the bleachers and funhouse scenes (I know this contradicts the last point :p)
6) The slow burn ending seems a bit cheesy. Horror movies deserve an abrupt, and uncomfortable ending to keep you thinking after.
7) Predictable jump scares where the camera pans back and forth. The most terrifying scenes in the movie were when Pennywise would just give a blank, uncomfortable stare.
However! I still enjoyed it for what it was. Pennywise is a great villain/monster character. At points the movie reminded me of Nightmare on Elm Street, with I loved the small town feel and I thought the cast fit the younger characters.