It seems like it takes a lot for critics to praise a horror movie these days. If you don't agree just take a look at the IT Two scores on Rotten Tomatoes. As of writing this, the sequel currently holds a 63% in the eyes of critics and a 78% in the eyes of the audience.
Wow. 63% is barely fresh folks.
When you look at the sizable margin between the scores of the critics and those of audience members you really start to see the enormous pressure that saturates the horror industry. You realize that the truly terrifying aspect of IT Chapter Two is that it's actually a pretty good horror movie, and it doesn't seem like critics are giving it the credit it deserves.
Cinema politics aside, make sure you grab a friend or two when going to see this movie. IT Chapter Two is a terrifying thrill ride that will have you on the edge of your seat AND jumping out of it.
I want to start with the cast, because the casting is easily the strongest aspect of this movie. Everyone from James McAvoy to Jessica Chastain has captivating performances as their respective older members of the Loser's Club. Not to mention Bill Skarsgård's nightmarish performance as the titular character. But the true stand out by far was none other than SNL's Bill Hader. This man quite literally steals every scene he's in. If you weren't in love with him before, you will be after seeing this movie.
Now I bet a lot of you are wondering if this movie is actually scary. The answer is yes, very scary. Without spoiling anything, the movie sets itself up to be almost constantly scary throughout it's entire run time. Even when things die down for story moments, there's this lingering feeling of unease that permeates. IT Chapter Two does make use of jump scares, but they are tastefully done with tension-filled build-ups that don't lead to "fake outs," but to a clear view of a certain deranged clown.
As a sequel this movie more than does it's job. Is it as great as the first IT? No, but that's a tall order.
IT Chapter Two closes out the story of the Loser's Club with frightening gusto. So if you've seen and enjoyed the first movie, or even if you just need a good scare to get you in the Halloween mood, IT Chapter Two is in theaters now.
