While there have been many Stephen King adaptations over the past few years, it was 2017's It that has proved by far the most successful. The movie took more than $700 million at the worldwide box office and within a few weeks of release, a follow-up had been announced. With the release of its sequel fast approaching, the first early reviews of It: Chapter 2 are now with us, and they aren't as overwhelmingly positive as fans might have hoped.

　　The movie hits theaters next month. The movie picks up the story 30 years later and completes the adaptation of King's classic 1987 novel. While the book interwove two timelines, the movies have separated them, with the story of the Losers Club and their childhood fight against the evil being of the title occupying the first film. It: Chapter 2 features the adult versions of those characters, as they reunite to fight evil once more.

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　　The film is directed by Andy Muschietti and stars James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, James Ransone, Andy Bean, Isaiah Mustafa, and Bill Skarsgård. The first trailer was released in May, with another scary promo and exclusive footage shown during San Diego Comic-Con in July.

　　It: Chapter 2 has now been screened for critics ahead of its September 6 release. Opinion so far is mixed, with some critics praising the film's ambition and dark themes, while others commenting that it falls short of the standards set by the first movie. Check back soon for GameSpot's review of the film, and in the meantime, here's what the critics are saying about It: Chapter 2 on Twitter:

　　#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

　　For the most part I liked IT CHAPTER TWO. First half (of this pretty long movie!) is great. And the new adult cast is stellar. Second half isn’t as tight. And overall Chapter Two isn’t as tight as the first movie.

　　— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) August 21, 2019

　　#ITChapterTwo is a terrific companion to #ITChapterOne. Similar vibes, great ensemble chemistry w/ a nice mix of humor and horror. Part 2 plays heavier in tone, dealing w/ defeating the burden of childhood trauma, & I definitely teared up at the very end. Bill Hader steals it pic.twitter.com/bjiwtJufNQ

　　— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) August 21, 2019

　　#ITChapter2 has a rushed, clumsy first act & an odd lack of chemistry among the adult Losers. But it eventually finds its footing. This is a BIG movie—a go for broke horror blockbuster not afraid to make weird choices. Bill Hader steals the show. #ITMovie #ITChapterTwo pic.twitter.com/cib2slRfoq

　　— Chris Evangelista (@cevangelista413) August 21, 2019

　　It: Chapter Two is the biggest disappointment of the year. A dull & bloated mess that spends too much time rehashing things from the first film. While there are a few good moments, the film ultimately lacks suspense and scares. The performances are also a mixed bag. #ITChapterTwo pic.twitter.com/3NlauZxj2f

　　— Scott Menzel (@TheOtherScottM) 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

　　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