Critics say ‘It Chapter 2’ starring Bill Hader deserves an Oscar
It isn’t often that critics go nuts over a sequel — or a sequel to a horror movie, for that matter.
But early praise for “It Chapter 2,” which will star “SNL” alum Bill Hader, confirms that the second act just might be better than the first for the Stephen King classic.
The release date for “It Chapter 2” is Sept. 6. The first movie, released in 2017, delivered sheer horror with the murderous underground activities of a child-preying clown, played by Bill Skarsgård. The 3-hour sequel promises to deal with some heavier issues, such as childhood trauma and coming-of-age emotions of the now-grown characters, the critics say.
And Hader, critics say in teaser Twitter reviews, might just have outdone Pennywise himself in his potentially Oscar-winning performance.
“I definitely teared up at the very end. Bill Hader steals it,” tweeted Erik Davis, managing editor of Fandango.
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Here’s a taste of the social media reactions. Not all of them are glowing in regards to the overall film — but there is serious praise for Hader:
#ITChapter2 isn't as refined as the first, but it's still an excellent ensemble piece, oozing with heart & packed with extremely well-crafted set pieces. Muschietti weaves the young & adult Losers together super well, giving IT 2 a truly epic feel. (MVP: Bill Hader as Richie.) pic.twitter.com/7dXmIsd2z6
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) August 21, 2019
#ITChapterTwo 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.
— Haleigh Foutch (@HaleighFoutch) August 21, 2019
#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
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
literally every review for chapter 2 so far has said bill hader steals the show and should be in talks for an oscar. i literally don’t know what it’s like to lose. pic.twitter.com/KWr8HSEtUu
— kelly (@1980sSINK) August 21, 2019
“It Chapter 2” also stars Jessica Chastain, Xavier Dolan, Jake Weary and Jess Weixler.