Laughingstock of a sequel fails to provide fear of the original
Two years have passed since the first “It” frightened audiences. Although Pennywise the Dancing Clown (Bill Skarsgård) gives an outstanding performance in the sequel, “It: Chapter Two,” the film falls short of the elements that made the first film both terrifying and exhilarating to watch.
Despite being defeated by the Losers’ Club 27 years prior, Pennywise resurfaces to spread terror in Derry, Maine. When people begin disappearing again, Mike Hanlon (Isaiah Mustafa) gathers the members to finish the clown once and for all.
“It: Chapter Two” has a great cast of adults who bear a strong resemblance to the children of the first film. Even after 27 years, the members of the Losers’ Club still maintain their same personality. Adult Beverly (Jessica Chastain) is still the strong independent woman who I came to love in the first film and adult Eddie (James Ransone) still has the same overly cautious personality and receives overprotective care from his family.
Skarsgård’s performance as Pennywise does not fail to frighten audiences with his creepy acting, combining terror and humor that left me restless and trembling in my seat.
Although director Andrés Muschietti does a great job pacing the movie, I was disappointed in many of the scenes. I understand that Pennywise plays on the fears of the characters, but the monsters in many of the scenes appeared to be very childish and not intimidating at all.
In particular, the Chinese restaurant scene where the groups gathered, was disappointing in the ways Pennywise plays on their fears. In the previous film, Pennywise’s horrors came off as very real.
In fact, the film is more humorous than scary. Arriving at the movie theater wishing for a blanket or a pillow to cover my eyes during the scary scenes, I walked out confused and disappointed because of how many times I laughed. The film lacks the eerie sensation that the first movie had.
“It: Chapter Two” is also frustrating if you have seen the trailer, as it shows almost every essential jumpscare in the movie.
The film should have been marketed as comedy as Richie Tozier (Bill Hader) made the audience exploding with laughter with his lighthearted jokes.
The latest installment of the “It” series, despite a fine performance from Skarsgård and its quick pace considering it runs for three hours, falls short in the most important aspect of a horror movie: absolute fear.
Your donation will support the student journalists of Diamond Bar High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.
