The Synopsis:

Twenty-seven years after their first encounter with the terrifying Pennywise, members of the Losers Club have grown up and moved away—until a devastating phone call brings them back.

The Review:

The kids from Derry have grown up. It’s been years since they sent that clown Pennywise away into hibernation, and they’ve lived a lot of life since then. They’ve floated on in their lives like paper boats, and now, with a phone call from the only Derry resident, Mike, the current is pulling them back toward It.

While there’s certainly a barrage of horror happenings, ranging from realistic atrocities to fantastic fears, the film functions best as an adventure ensemble-drama. Why? It focuses so much time on the characters: their past, their present, their fears, and the monster they fight. It’s also because some people may not find the film as scary as it could be. There are solid horror set-pieces, jarring jump-scares, and tons of blood (which all may be more than enough to disturb and terrify some). But it may feel more like decoration for the characters on their adventure. Those decorations could be enough to send some screaming from the theater, while others may see through to the character’s drama and journey.

Just because the film isn’t as scary as it could’ve been doesn’t mean it’s squeaky clean. Content rolls out like clowns from a car. There’s blood, vulgarity, as well as some nudity. And if there were a red balloon for every F word, there’d be more than 99.

The violence can also be disturbing, such as sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and a brutal attack.

It Chapter Two is sprawling (almost three hours), and borderline self-indulgent. It’s got stuff for Stephen King fans (such as a fun cameo). It’s got stuff for casual viewers (character development, great special effects, a sense of humor). And it’s got a lot of nasty stuff for everyone.

It Chapter Two is not Dove-Approved.