After seeing IT Chapter Two last night, I had actual nightmares — sweaty, toss and turn, nightmares. Walking home from the theater at 10 pm was one of the most terrifying 15 minutes of my life. Something you might now know about me is that I am terrified of clowns, all because of Pennywise. The original IT stuck with me as a child, and I wouldn’t go anywhere near a sewer (or a red balloon) until well in to my adulthood. This remake is 10x scarier, with Chapter Two being scarier than Chapter One. I was scared so much that I cried, and I also cried because of that ending.
WARNING: Spoilers ahead for IT Chapter Two.
So Many Jump Scares!
I am a huge fan of scary movies — because I love to be scared. I don’t know why, but I always have. There is no rush like when my heart is pounding and I have my hands over my face, just waiting for something that I know is coming. IT Chapter Two has an insane amount of jump scares. I jumped a minimum of 20 times in the theater. I also screamed quite a few times.
And then one time — after one absolutely terrifying jump scare — I started to cry. I just couldn’t help it. The tears started flowing from my eyes and I was uncontrollably laughing to help curb my tension. The part? If you have seen the movie, all I have to say is the lumberjack part. You know what I mean. And hopefully you will understand my reaction.
Phenomenal Acting
Something I was really impressed with was the acting — from both the kids and adults. I feel like IT Chapter Two was perfectly cast. The adult actors cast for their children counterparts were so on point. Bill Hader probably being my favorite. With James Ransone being a close second.
I was also completely shocked to learn that the children did not film their scenes back when the first movie was being filmed. When I discovered that their faces were digitally de-aged, I was blown away. They did a great job and I honestly had no idea. Kids grow and change fast, so this alone is impressive.
Were Any Parts Cheesy?
I mean, sure, some parts were a little cheesy. I wasn’t a fan of the fortune cookie scene, I thought it was too over the top. And the leper was a miss for me (although still kind of disgusting). However, overall I really loved the CGI and the scary parts.
Every time that Pennywise would stop and drool (and those lazy eyes!!), I would freak out and tense up. I think all of the psychological scares made any “meh” CGI worth it. Personally, I love grotesque (if you read my Brightburn movie review you know that already), and there was a good amount of that sprinkled in.
The Funny Parts Worked
Bill Hader is known for being extremely funny, so it was perfect that he plays a stand up comedian in IT Chapter Two. Throughout the movie he threw out a lot of punch lines, and most of them really worked. In moments of extreme tension, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. And while they might be cheesy, the “your mom” jokes had me cracking up time and time again.
That Ending Though…
I told you I cried more than once, and that is true. I actually cried three times. During that lumberjack scare, when Eddie died and Richie had to be pulled away, and at the end as the Losers read their letters from Stanley. I absolutely loved how Richie’s story came to an end in this film. Most funny people are hiding their true feelings behind a smile. And he was.
Overall Thoughts
For me IT Chapter Two was better than Chapter One in many ways. Not only was it 10x scarier, the way they linked the first one repeatedly was great. Someone asked me if they could watch this movie without seeing the first one and I have to say YES! There were enough throwbacks and explanation that it could serve as a stand alone. I don’t recommend it, but it is possible.
IT Chapter Two is absolutely terrifying, in a good way. Pennywise proves that he is what nightmares are made of — quite literally. With the perfect mix of gruesome, psychological, and pure terror, IT Chapter Two is a must see!
And how could you not LOVE that Stephen King cameo!
About IT Chapter Two
Defeated by members of the Losers’ Club, the evil clown Pennywise returns 27 years later to terrorize the town of Derry, Maine, once again. Now adults, the childhood friends have long since gone their separate ways. But when people start disappearing, Mike Hanlon calls the others home for one final stand. Damaged by scars from the past, the united Losers must conquer their deepest fears to destroy the shape-shifting Pennywise — now more powerful than ever.
See IT Chapter Two In Theaters Now!
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.