New Line Cinema and Vertigo Entertainment’s It Chapter Two (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; A) is a sequel to It, and both are based on Stephen King’s 1986 novel, It.
Mike (Isaiah Mustafa) calls his six friends to Derry when he realises that monster Pennywise the Dancing Clown (Bill SkarsgÃ¥rd) has resurfaced in his town. Of the six childhood friends, Stanley (Andy Bean) has committed suicide. But the other five friends – Bill (James McAvoy), Beverly (Jessica Chastain), Ben (Jay Ryan), Richie (Bill Hader) and Eddie (James Ransone) – arrive in Derry. Mike tells them about Pennywise and also reveals that he knows how to eliminate the monster whom the seven friends – under the name and style of Losers’ Club – had, 27 years ago, tried to kill. The Losers’ Club had managed to seriously harm Pennywise who had, therefore, gone into early hibernation. On his part, Pennywise wants to exact revenge against the Losers’ Club when they return to Derry as he hasn’t forgotten how they had treated him 27 years ago.
Mike asks each of his friends to bring an artefact from his/her past to place in the ancient pottery. The six friends bring different artefacts because without that, it will not be possible to kill Pennywise. How the Losers’ Club completes its mission is what the climax is all about.
Gary Dauberman’s screenplay is just about entertaining and also affords some thrilling and chilling moments. But the drama seems too long-winding and boring at places. Besides, there is no novelty in the subject or the screenplay.
James McAvoy does well as Bill. Jaeden Martell is good as young Bill. Jessica Chastain does a fine job as Beverly. Sophia Lillis has her moments as young Beverly. Bill Hader is excellent as Richie. Finn Wolfhard is also nice as young Richie. Isaiah Mustafa acts ably as Mike. In the role of young Mike, Chosen Jacobs is effective. Jay Ryan performs well as Ben. Jeremy Ray Taylor is quite good as young Ben. James Ransone has his moments as Eddie. Jack Dylan Grazer is quite nice as young Eddie. Andy Bean is okay as Stanley. Wyatt Oleff leaves a mark as young Stanley. Bill Skarsgård is wonderful as Pennywise. Javier Botet (as Hobo the witch), Jackson Robert Scott (as Georgie), Joan Gregson (as Mrs. Kersh), Stephen King (as the pawn shop owner) and the others provide decent support.
Andy Muschietti’s direction is okay. Benjamin Wallfisch’s background music is impactful. Checco Varese’s camerawork is nice. Production designing (by Paul D. Austerberry) and art direction (Nigel Churcher) are of a fairly good standard. Jason Ballantine’s editing could’ve been sharper. Dubbing is proper.
On the whole, It Chapter Two is an ordinary fare.
Released on 6-9-’19 at Maratha Mandir (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Warner Bros. Pictures (India) Pvt. Ltd. Publicity & opening: dull. …….Also released all over. Opening was very ordinary everywhere.