Bonkers just....bonkers

Rating: 5/10 (8 September 2019)

Damn, I underestimated how much restraint Cary Fukunaga gave the first one. This film is bonkers and doesn't take a breather. This insanity works for the film's benefit and weakness. In saying this, the characterisation was interesting and I liked the contrast between childhood and adult fears. As you've probably heard the grown-up Loser club are great and their emotional progression throughout help to elevate the film as a whole. For as absurd and over the top as this film is there were instances where it worked in the film's favour and when it worked, the results were very satisfying. When it doesn't it feels like the weight of the film gets lost and all we're left with is a bunch of CGI effects and gross-out scares (some of which verge on comical).
The first one understood that the kids fear was the horror and not the monster itself. This made it more psychologically interesting. This one has elements of that but it kinda focuses on the (jump) scares themselves rather than the implications. Sometimes at the expense of character development. I feel like without Fukunaga it loses some of that subtlety (even if his contribution to the first one was cut down due to him leaving the project). The pacing/length is good for the most part and I didn't feel the run time. The only instances of this were in the middle of the film which gets quite repetitive and the ending which gradually got draining. What helped elevate the ending was the emotional and cathartic resolution for the characters.
Yes, this film is deeply flawed but there's enough good stuff that I ended up enjoying it. Considering how hard a book like IT is to adapt, I appreciate that they gave it a shot even if the final result leaves something to be desired.
I can't decide between a 5 or 6 but I'mma just leave it at a 6 for now cause I'm in a happy mood.