Review of It Chapter Two (2019) by Compi24 — 07 Sep 2019

Much like the protagonistic forces at work within the actual film, director Andy Muschietti returns to the eerie streets of Derry, Maine for "It: Chapter Two," an admittedly beefy and audacious attempt at what's left in the Stephen King tome; one that's been received rather tepidly by critics and fans alike.

And I don't know what's wrong me, man, but this is yet another 2019 movie that I'm a lot higher on than everybody else. I think what really pushed me towards loving this a bit more than the first one -- honestly -- was the fact that this is such a big swing.

So many recent films have played things close to the vest in terms of stylistics that I honestly gave up hope for seeing something truly "out there." Man, is this movie WEIRD, and in the best way.

So many trippy ideas executed in jaw-dropping fashion. So many narrative decisions that rail against the norms of modern storytelling. So much steering into the skid of cheese and oddity. "We tilt up to the stars, pushing in to reveal that they're not stars at all, but holes for puzzle pieces, with our view looking up from the table that an unfinished puzzle rests on.

" How in the hell did you come up with that shot? How can you not admire the attempt -- nay -- many attempts at making this undoubtedly imperfect narrative pop as a piece of cinematic storytelling? No, it isn't perfect.

Some elements don't quite coalesce with the whole. But in a very wabi-sabi sort of way, "It: Chapter Two" absolutely did its job for me. And I'll gladly take home some Bill Hader as Richie Tozier.

Put that in a doggie bag for me, thank you very much.