First reactions to It: Chapter 2 praise the saga's emotional conclusion

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

While many of us will have to wait until September 6th to return to Derry, Maine to be terrorized by Pennywise the Dancing Clown once more, critics who've already seen the final chapter of Andy Muschietti's It reboot have allowed their reactions to float online. Unsurprisingly, the reactions to IT: CHAPTER 2 appear a bit uneven, though I suppose that's what happens when you welcome a collective of differing opinions into your Carnival of Souls. Many critics are praising the film for being a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the Stephen King saga, while others have said that the film lacks the urgency of the first chapter. One thing is for certain though, everybody loved Bill Hader, who plays the adult version of Richie Tozier in the new film.

As it happens, our own Editor-in-Chief, Paul Shirey, was among several lucky individuals who were invited to catch an early screening of IT: CHAPTER 2. You can read his reactions to the film below, and be sure to scroll back in his timeline for more tweets from the film's It: Chapter 2 Experience.

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

— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) August 21, 2019

It was great to see the kids return in flashbacks, but I’m not sure if it helps or hurts the older cast, who could’ve used a little more screentime. Still, they all live up to their young counterparts well. The time jumps can be jarring at times, but you settle in. #ITChapterTwo

— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) August 21, 2019

A few issues that stuck out; It was about 10-15 minutes too long, which gives it a slow start and made me feel like there wasn’t enough Pennywise, who is played beautifully frightening once again by Bill Skarsgard. #ItChapterTwo @joblocom

— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) August 21, 2019

Ultimately, I think people will struggle over which part they liked best, but I like to think of them both as one film and the second chapter delivers a satisfying and emotional conclusion to one of the best horror films ever made. #ITChapterTwo @joblocom

— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) August 21, 2019

If you'd like to read what several other critics and fans thought of the film, you can check out the many reactions that we've collected below:

Sean O'Connell of CinemaBlend's thoughts:

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

Editor-in-Chief of Collider Steven Weintraub's thoughts:

#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

Peter Sciretta of SlashFilm's thoughts:

#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.

— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) August 21, 2019

Brandon Davis of Comicbook.com's thoughts:

Oh! #ItChapterTwo is a big, creative, scary movie. It’s more fun to root for kids but the adults are perfectly cast. It ends up running too long but it’s a good follow-up and some images will stick with you. R-rated goodness. pic.twitter.com/Og8NF09YZf

— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) August 21, 2019

Drew Taylor of Moviefone's thoughts:

#ItChapterTwo is a giant budget, studio-backed horror movie that’s also a fairly serious actors showcase/ensemble, with occasional flashes of brilliant imagery (like all the balloons cascading under the bridge). It’ll make more money than Warner Bros knows what to do with. pic.twitter.com/Noscq1X1j1

— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) August 21, 2019

Managing Editor of Daily Dead News Heather Wixson's thoughts:

So #ITChapterTwo was pretty damn great & the ending left me in tears. There are some excellent set pieces (finale had me holding my breath at times) that got under my skin & I think the adult Losers are awesome. Relies a bit too much on flashbacks tho but fans should be happy.ð??? pic.twitter.com/UKDf0frOTg

— Heather Wixson (@thehorrorchick) August 21, 2019

Josh Millican of Dread Central's thoughts:

I've seen #ITChapterTwo #ITChapter2 and you guys are gonna flip! Twice as exciting, twice as scary, and twice as emotional. @StephenKing pic.twitter.com/98MxncOcDT

— Josh MilliCan-Do Attitude (@josh_millican) August 21, 2019

Managing Editor of Fandango Erik Davis' thoughts:

#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

Overall, I'd say that the above reactions to IT: CHAPTER 2 paint the film as a mixed bag, albeit one that's got plenty of giant-sized treats to satisfy your cravings for something spooky, clever, and engaging. Personally, these types of articles just encourage me to go out and make my own opinion about the film in question. What's that saying? Different strokes for different folks? Ultimately, your opinion is the one that will matter to you most. With that in mind, we hope that you have a great time with IT: CHAPTER 2, which will be floating into theaters on September 6.