'IT: Chapter Two'

The trailer has dropped for IT: Chapter Two, the second part of the Andy Muschietti version of Stephen King's hit book. Chapter Two will follow the adult version of the Loser's club as they return to Derry to try and end Pennywise for good, after almost defeating him as children in the past.

The video is narrated by Mike (Isaiah Mustafa), as he tells his friends that while they have forgotten what happened to them 27 years ago, he remembers it all as he never left Derry. Pennywise will awaken and if they don't stop him, he will continue to kill children.

Life has moved on for the Loser's club, the memories have faded, but they know that something happened that fateful summer when they all came together. It was through their friendship and love for each other that they were able to overcome their fear to hurt Pennywise and drive him back into hibernation.

The movie boasts an impressive cast with James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain and Bill Hader as Bill, Bev and Richie, respectively. While the adult actors do look mostly like their child counterparts, I do feel that some of the personality is missing from them. Bev, in particular, appears weepy and scared in the trailer. While this is a perfectly reasonable response to what is happening, you can see the difference from the younger version where she appears strong and determined.

Having watched Chapter One when it was released in 2017, I have to say that it was certainly entertaining, although for me, nothing will compare to the 1990 TV movie as that is what I grew up with. I believe the remake is a lot more visceral and is not afraid to show the darker aspects of the book. But from the trailer above, I have to confess I'm not sold on it. I don't believe that the adults have the same appeal as the younger cast. They are not who I would have necessarily cast in the roles, and I may wait until the movie goes to streaming services before watching it. There will be more trailers to come though, so that could change.

There are additional scenes shown in the trailer, including the fun house scene, which I do not believe was in the books. Pennywise is a much more in your face type of villain compared to Tim Curry's portrayal of the character. Bill Skarsgard is frightening, but I have to say as a child you would certainly never approach him if you saw him in the street. Tim Curry was much more subtle, where you could believe he was a real clown, at least when he first appears.

Rumor has it that the movie will also be including a certain sewer scene from the book, which will prove controversial. If you have not read the book, you will be surprised and probably not in a good way. We will see how that goes down with the audience.

The music used is unsettling, relying on jump scares and lots of tongue?! While a trailer cannot show us everything that happens, based on the current one, I would give it a three out of five. That may change, but I do not feel this will be as good as Chapter One. Finn Wolfhard and Sophia Lillis stood out in particular and I think they really captured the characters.

As with every remake, there will always be noticeable differences and changes as the new director makes their mark on it. I do believe the movie will do well with the older audience and new King fans alike.