It: Chapter 2 (2019)

Following the success of the 2017 remake of the horrifying best-selling Stephen King novel “IT”, comes part two of the story and a much more thrilling and horrifying installment. This film is one of the longer films in the horror genre that drags on quite awhile before things get interesting and more entertaining.Though the film is longer than expected and slow at times, this sequel is better than 2017’s “It Chapter One”, in that it is more horrifying and suspenseful. The film is without a doubt one of the best horror films of the year so far and it shows. 

Director Andy Muschietti returns to make audiences even more frightened than ever before. He tuns it up a notch and delivers an even bigger scare factor than the films predecessor. It is bold, big and heartfelt. What Muschietti manages to do here is make a bigger more thrilling film. The dialogue is strong, and the cast delivers with strong emotion. It’s driven by a force of power that possesses the entire film.

The grown “Losers” are played by an impeccably chosen cast. Leading the charge to defeat “IT” once and for all are: James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain and Bill Hader. They deliver some of the best performances of the year and with heart and passion, they succeed. On top of their performances, returning to terrify audiences once again as the title character, Bill Skarsgard does it again even more terrifying and sadistic than in the first film.  

Returning composer Benjamin Wallfisch makes yet another thrilling and chilling score. Just like the first film, Wallfisch makes the film even more terrifying and haunting than before.

One of the best parts of this film is that it’s hilarious and that is partially due to Bill Hader’s role as “Loser” Richie. He pulls off one of and if not the best role in any film he’s been in ever. It’s a standout performance and no doubt memorable.  Skarsgard’s go-round once again as the terrifying Clown, is also a standout and extremely hilarious on top of the scare factor with the character.

Despite the slow pace and the massive runtime of 2 hours and 50 minutes, the film is still enjoyable. The film bounces back to where the film isn’t too overblown with uselessness that just is there to fill the film to enhance the film overall. 

It’s perhaps one of the most legendary of horror films, let alone novels with classic villains. Though it is better than the first one and the original 1990 miniseries, this film is just another entertaining film for fans of Stephen King, his bestselling novel and horror films alike.

Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema and Warner Bros.

Rate: B

Director: Andy Muschietti

Starring: James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader and Bill Skarsgard

MPAA Rating: R (for disturbing violent content and bloody images throughout, pervasive language, and some crude sexual material)

Synopsis: Evil resurfaces in Derry as director Andy Muschietti reunites the Losers Club in a return to where it all began with "IT Chapter Two," the conclusion to the highest-grossing horror film of all time. Twenty-seven years after the Losers Club defeated Pennywise, he has returned to terrorize the town of Derry once more. Now adults, the Losers have long since gone their separate ways. However, kids are disappearing again, so Mike, the only one of the group to remain in their hometown, calls the others home. Damaged by the experiences of their past, they must each conquer their deepest fears to destroy Pennywise once and for all...putting them directly in the path of the clown that has become deadlier than ever.

Runtime: 2 Hours & 50 Minutes

The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019)

It’s one of the worst genres of films to ever exist… the video game genre. Most of, if not all the video game-based films have been downright awful and should never be watched. But what’s surprising is that one video game-based film franchise is entertaining and worth watching. Based off the mega-popular mobile app game “Angry Birds” comes a sequel to the 2016 film based on the game. Like the first film, this sequel is fun, hilarious and action-packed.

It has something for both adults and kids alike. Both this film and its predecessor are entertaining, but this film is better than the first one because it has more humor, heart and action than the first one. This film is an unlikely surprise in a positive way. It will no doubt be regarded as one of the best animated films of the year.

The film’s voice cast is without a doubt a great one. With returning cast members: Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad and Danny McBride playing the main characters and famous birds, (Red, the yellow bird, named Chuck and Bomb). They are one funny trio of actors that bring laughs to the audience so seamlessly effortless.

Alongside the main cast are Leslie Jones “Saturday Night Live”, Maya Rudolph “Bridesmaids”, Bill Hader “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and Peter Dinklage “Game of Thrones”. As if this film couldn’t have a better lineup of comedic actors that are a joy in this film and bring their talents in full swing. Each and everyone of the actors give exciting performances that are beyond fun.

Making his debut, director Thurop Van Orman, swings his way into the film by crafting a stunning and beautifully executed film. It’s even more beautiful than the first film by a long shot. The film is also very funny. It’s more hilarious than the first film. It has humor that appeals to kids and adults alike. It’s creative, unique and clever beyond imagination.

Returning to compose the score is Heitor Pereira “Despicable Me”. Pereira crafts another bubbly and upbeat and overall joyous score. What he manages to do is blend the score well into the film where it’s as happy and exciting as the film itself. Pereira also manages to put a new spin on the theme music from the game, which is exciting to hear.

Though the video game film genre has some serious issues, this film and the 2016 original are a step in the right direction for video game-based movies. The “Angry Birds” films have a uniqueness to them that is truly special and something to witness. Though it’s far from being held to the same standards as a “Disney” film, or some other animated studios film, this film is by far an underdog that is filled with lots of surprises for everyone.

Photo courtesy of Sony Animation

Rate: A 

Director: Thurop Van Orman

Starring:  Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Leslie Jones, Bill Hader, Rachel Bloom, Awkwafina,Sterling K. Brown, Eugenio Derbez, with  Danny McBride and Peter Dinklage

MPAA Rating: (for rude humor and action)

Runtime: 1 Hour & 43 Minutes 

Synopsis: The flightless angry birds and the scheming green piggies take their beef to the next level in The Angry Birds Movie 2! When a new threat emerges that puts both Bird and Pig Island in danger, Red (Jason Sudeikis), Chuck (Josh Gad), Bomb (Danny McBride), and Mighty Eagle (Peter Dinklage) recruit Chuck's sister Silver (Rachel Bloom) and team up with pigs Leonard (Bill Hader), his assistant Courtney (Awkwafina), and techpig Garry (Sterling K. Brown) to forge an unsteady truce and form an unlikely superteam to save their homes.