What The Critics Are Saying About It: Chapter Two

It: Chapter Two has been screened for select critics, and while there's still an embargo on formal reviews, many of them have taken to Twitter to give their hot takes. So far, reactions are mixed, but most observers agreed on two things: the film is wildly ambitious, and features an amazing performance from Bill Hader.

The movie and its predecessor, 2017's smash hit It: Chapter One, are adapted from Stephen King's masterful 1986 novel. The first film followed a group of young outcasts who dub themselves "The Losers' Club" facing off with an ancient, shape-shifting, evil entity appearing most often in the guise of Pennywise, the Dancing Clown.

It: Chapter Two focuses on the Losers' Club as successful adults who are all called back to the small town of Derry, Maine, when "It" emerges from Its slumber eager for a rematch.

Initial critical reactions mostly praised the flick's ambition in tackling one of King's most dense, challenging works, and largely pulling it off. One Collider horror editor wrote,

"[IT Chapter Two] 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."

Hader — who plays the motor-mouthed Richie, portrayed as a child by Stranger Things' Finn Wolfhard — was the cast member most consistently singled out for praise. The Saturday Night Live alum and star of the HBO's dark comedy series Barry has never taken on a role in a horror project before, and by all accounts, he absolutely kills it in this one.

Fandango managing editor Erik Davis was also among the chorus of voices singing Hader's praises, writing in part,

"[IT Chapter Two] plays heavier in tone, dealing [with] defeating the burden of childhood trauma, [and] I definitely teared up at the very end. Bill Hader steals it."

Even those critics who weren't particularly impressed with the film were quick to lavish praise on Hader, with CinemaBlend's Sean O'Connell offering up pretty much the highest compliment that could be paid. He wrote,

"So, [IT Chapter Two]: it's [very] 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, [and] Bill Hader SHOULD be in Oscar convo." Keep watching the video to see what the critics are saying about It Chapter Two!

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