Early Reviews For IT Chapter Two Praise Bill Hader’s Performance, Film’s Tone And Scares

Advance screenings for IT Chapter Two began in earnest tonight, which meant that critics got their first chance to give their thoughts on social media about the end of Pennywise. Most of the early reactions single out Bill Hader’s performance as Richie Tozier in general, while others once again cite the film’s tone (and heart, something the first film was praised for). As for the negative aspects, some critics state that the film might be too ambitious and lengthy. You can see some of the highlights below:

#ITChapterTwo is a terrific companion to #ITChapterOne. Similar vibes, great ensemble chemistry w/ a nice mix of humor and horror. Part 2 plays heavier in tone, dealing w/ defeating the burden of childhood trauma, & I definitely teared up at the very end. Bill Hader steals it pic.twitter.com/bjiwtJufNQ

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) August 21, 2019

#ITChapter2 has a rushed, clumsy first act & an odd lack of chemistry among the adult Losers. But it eventually finds its footing. This is a BIG movie—a go for broke horror blockbuster not afraid to make weird choices. Bill Hader steals the show. #ITMovie #ITChapterTwo pic.twitter.com/cib2slRfoq

— Chris Evangelista (@cevangelista413) August 21, 2019

#ITChapterTwo is probably scarier than chapter one – more Pennywise imagery to haunt your dreams. But it also loses a lot of charm in the shift in focus from the coming of age to the now adult characters. At nearly 3 hours it feels long.

— /Film (@slashfilm) August 21, 2019

#ITChapterTwo is big and ambitious and can't *quite* handle the weight of its aspirations, but it's still a fine piece of heartfelt horror. The parts that work, work REALLY well and Bill Hader is every-bit the scene-stealing standout we all hoped he'd be.

— Haleigh Foutch (@HaleighFoutch) August 21, 2019

So, #ITChapterTwo: it's v. good, but not great. I liked it, but didn't LOVE it. First movie is a tough act to follow. TWO is gruesome, strange but rarely scary. Nails important aspects from the book, but feels overlong. Cast is aces, though, & Bill Hader SHOULD be in Oscar convo. pic.twitter.com/1KUZk5TXA1

— Sean O'Connell (@Sean_OConnell) August 21, 2019

#ITChapterTwo is awesome. The adult cast is perfect and loved the way the film mixes in the old and new. I don't want to say too much because most of you are going to see it. Congrats to everyone that worked on it for a job well done. pic.twitter.com/b8yFZe3FzU

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) August 21, 2019

https://twitter.com/kate_s_gardner/status/1163979443880124416

https://twitter.com/FunctionalNerd/status/1163992820287336450

Really enjoyed #ITChapterTwo which serves as the perfect bookend to Chapter One. Some great shocks and scares with the young and old cast. Bill Hader absolutely steals the movie, which balances heartfelt emotion with creepy jump scares galore. @joblocom

— Arctic Ninja (@arcticninjapaul) August 21, 2019

The film will debut in theaters on September 6. It was directed by Andres Muschietti from a script by Gary Dauberman, based on the novel by Stephen King. The sequel stars James McAvoy as Bill, Jay Ryan as Ben, James Ransone as Eddie, Jessica Chastian as Beverly Marsh, Bill Hader as Richie Tozier, Andy Bean as Stanley Uris, Isaiah Mustafa as Mike, Teach Grant as Henry Bowers, Jess Weixler as Bill’s wife, Xavier Dolan as Adrian Mellon, Will Beinbrink as Tom Rogan and the return of Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise.

Here’s a synopsis: Because every 27 years evil revisits the town of Derry, Maine, “It Chapter Two” brings the characters—who’ve long since gone their separate ways—back together as adults, nearly three decades after the events of the first film.