Now that’s how one ends a story
IN as far as storytelling goes, it should never be understated that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has set the bar high.
“Avengers-Endgame”, as a standalone movie, was not just a great film. It was also a sublime piece of cinema. I say so because it was a culmination of over 15 years of storytelling and more than 20 released movies.
The above speaks volumes about the writers’ artistry, forward-thinking and vision.
But then, this is not a Marvel movie review, rather it is about the 2017 smash hit “IT”, which set its own bar in as far as horror movies go.
It goes without saying that a near-perfect and equally transcendent movie ending was a must for the much touted sequel “IT-Chapter 2”.
The sequel has been out for some time now and here is the verdict — “IT-Chapter 2” has a near-perfect ending.
The movie takes place roughly 27 years after the Loser’s Club made up of Beverly, Bill, Richie, Mike, Ben, Andy and Eddie finally conquer their
fears and vanquish an evil clown-demon by the name Pennywise.
These kids make a pact that they will return to their hometown of Derry, Maine, should the clown that feasted on kids ever return. And return it does!
“IT” continues feeding on little kids, thereby prompting Mike, the only one of the seven childhood friends who still lives in Derry, to make a distress call for his friends to come back home.
At 169 minutes, which is a bit too long for a movie that lacks genuine twists and turns, writer Gary Dauberman used every second to explore and give closure to every character in the movie.
For those yet to watch the first movie, Pennywise is a creature that feeds on the fears and insecurities of its young victims.
As adults, the damaged characters have done very little to deal with their past and fears.
Dauberman and director Andy Muschietti use the almost three-hour runtime to explore the depths and complexities of each and every character, giving them an equal share of screen time and development.
The actors do not disappoint, demonstrating a measure of chemistry and acting chops similar to the kids that made the first movie such a delight to watch.
Shout out to Hader, McAvoy and Chastain, who I initially thought had been brought in for aesthetics, only for them to really stand out in the entire movie.
There is an equal share of violence (mostly of the kid kind) and scary moments that made the first movie such a huge hit.
A lot of credit goes to Bill Skarsgard who plays Pennywise. That creepy smile, the voice and all the other mannerisms combine to make him arguably the best Pennywise in history.
This previously belonged to Tim Curry, something that Skarsgard should wear as a badge of honour.