I absolutely loved It when I first saw it two years ago in theaters. For a horror movie, it surprisingly filled me with a great feeling of joy. The story holds such important messages of friendship, bravery and fear – about the power we give it and how we can overcome it anyway. So, when It Chapter Two rolled into theaters, I naturally saw it the first chance I got. I couldn’t wait to see the “Losers” again, now all grown up, and they did not disappoint. I was amazed by how the casting directors managed to find actors that looked and acted so similar to their child counterparts. I’ll admit that I missed the younger Losers with the unmatchable child hilarity and naivety they brought to the story, but the adults brought a ton of magic to the screen, as well. I thought Bill Hader especially shined. He was meant to play Richie Tozier.
I’m proud to admit that I didn’t jump once throughout the entirety of the film, and that’s one of the things I love about it. It’s not unbearably scary, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s almost a funny, silly type of horror; I found myself laughing at many “horrific” moments. The film is long at 2 hours and 50 minutes, and at times it can feel like a bit much, but once you decide to sit back and enjoy it for what it is, it can be a blast. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite aspects of the film. Obviously, spoilers ahead.
The reunion
The film begins 27 years after the first film with Pennywise once again terrorizing Derry and Mike immediately contacting the gang to prompt them to return to town. The reunion of the Losers left the biggest smile on my face. The bond they have with each other is one of the reasons the story is so powerful to me. I found myself wishing I could be a part of their group and be the brunt of one of Richie’s jokes. I greatly missed Stanley, though; his death broke my heart very early on. R.I.P.
(Gif by ITMovie via tenor)
Eddie Kaspbrak just, you know, in general
Eddie is easily my favorite character. I thought it would be impossible for James Ransone to completely capture what Jack Dylan Grazer brought to the character in the first film, but he did his job very well. I love everything about Eddie down to his sense of humor, his hypochondriac tendencies and his habit of talking 100 mph. I also love that on the surface, he doesn’t come off as the bravest person. There’s even a scene where he completely freezes up and almost lets someone die on his watch. This could appear as cowardly and annoying, but in reality, it’s such a human reaction. Not everyone is born a hero and able to run into any situation, guns blazing. Eddie redeems his former blunder at the end of the film, though, when he saves Riche and all the Losers by giving them the idea to make Pennywise seem “small.” It is that piece of information that leads the Losers to defeat Pennywise. Eddie might have nobly died after saving Richie from the deadlights, but he will forever live on in my heart reminding me to be brave, even when I don’t think I have it in me.
Beverly and Ben
These two were just adorable. And Ben’s glow up? Simply unmatched. Also, where can I find someone to write me a beautiful poem about my hair?
The flashbacks
Like I mentioned before, I missed having kid protagonists, so I cherished the flashbacks we did get of our kid Losers. However, I did notice the use of CGI and voice effects in these scenes due to the actors’ voices deepening and faces maturing. I talked to many people who didn’t notice this, though, so it’s easy to miss.
The defeat of Pennywise
The Losers successfully defeat Pennywise by making him feel “small.” They call him a clown, they call him stupid, ridiculous and anything to make him feel lesser than; he ends up physically shrinking to a small size, and the group is able to take out his heart and squash it. Pennywise fed on fear, remember, so when he no longer had that to lean on, he became insignificant. This message is powerful because it reminds us all of something crucial: fear is only as powerful as we let it be.
R + E
This is carved into wood in the film, but it’s now also carved into my heart. That is all I have to say.
(Gif by KoreanKookie via weheartit)
Stan’s letter
Someone hold me while I cry. Stan ended up sending out a letter to each of the Losers, and it has such a beautiful message. So, remember, fellow losers: “The thing about being a loser is you don’t have anything to lose. So be true. Be brave. Stand. Believe. And don’t ever forget, we’re losers, and we always will be.”
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