By Penelope Misceo
Arts Editor
While the film may miss the mark in its presentation of horror elements, “It: Chapter Two” succeeds in a different aspect: furnishing its script with surprising intellectual depth and heart-felt connections within its stand-out ensemble cast.
“It: Chapter Two” is a captivating, emotionally intense film that leaves audiences pleasantly surprised by its warmhearted tone. While viewers may be disappointed by the film’s lack of fear-factor and overall predictability, its exceptional cast and script make for a must-see film.
Released on Sept. 6, “It: Chapter Two” is directed by Andy Muschietti. The film stars Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, James Ransone and Jay Ryan as the adult versions of the characters in the series’ first film, “It” (2017).
Picking up 27 years after the first movie, “It: Chapter Two” follows a group of grown-up childhood friends who have escaped the sinister clown Pennywise. After witnessing his return, Mike, played by Mustafa, calls his old friends and insists that they return to their hometown of Derry, Maine, to kill Pennywise for good.
The strongest aspect of the film is its irreplaceable cast. The dynamics and individualized characters created within the group make for a likeable cast. Spectacular work from Hader and McAvoy make for a strong, emotional connection to the audience. The characters truly are the core of the film, and each cast member is mindful of staying true to their characters, regardless of the atmosphere in the scene.
“It: Chapter Two” also benefits from a nearly flawless script. It utilizes emotionally charged dialogue and tastefully incorporates much-needed humour. While certain parts of the script stray away from traditional horror elements, the intensity of each character’s inner conflict is enough to put the audience in a trance of its own.
The lone fault of the film is its struggle to truly frighten its viewers. While it includes some chilling scenes, most jump-scares are predictable and stylistically similar. Most graphic attempts at scaring viewers are ineffective due to their unrealistic nature and predictable end. Audience members looking for a good scare will be disappointed, as this facet of the film falls flat.
The moments in the film that highlight characterization are evidence of the thoughtful storytelling in “It: Chapter Two.” In one scene, the group of old friends, who call themselves “The Losers’ Club,” reunite at a restaurant in their hometown of Derry, Maine. This scene impeccably creates dialogue that is true to each character and showcases how intricate and powerful the story is.
“It: Chapter Two” is additionally a thrill for long-time fans of the film series. The production crew skillfully incorporates flashbacks from the first “It” film, which allows audiences to immediately connect to most of the characters. With some tear-jerking scenes mixed into a mostly sentimental story, doting fans will be impressed with how well this sequel stays true to its origins.
The film’s consistent strength in its overall tone and attention to detail makes it a one-of-a-kind production. While the film has a lengthy run time of 2 hours and 50 minutes, each second is necessary in establishing the consistency in tone and plot line, and it highlights specifics in each character’s personal story. While there is a lot of ground to cover, “It: Chapter Two” leaves no details behind and makes sure the viewer is left with closure; if something is mentioned once, the film artfully ties it back later.
Although the film fails to display aspects of classic horror movies, “It: Chapter Two” is an emotional ride with an outstanding cast. The film’s attention to detail and strong script makes it a must-see for a wide variety of audiences who will all find their own ways to connect with it, whether that be the sweet moments or the adrenaline-inducing scenes.
Released on Sept. 6, “It: Chapter Two” is rated R and is available in theatres nationwide.
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