My quick rating - 4.6/10. I admittedly did not even know a sequel was being made until it popped up. Now it is time to check it out. We are transported back to the ominous town of Ludlow; Maine; in the late 1960s. The film sets its stage with a young Jud Crandall (Jackson White); a character deeply entwined with the macabre secrets Ludlow holds. What follows is a journey that promises to unravel a sinister family history; keeping Jud tethered to the town he yearns to escape. The film boasts a promising cast and meticulously chosen settings that initially sparked my optimism. Sadly; these expectations are swiftly curtailed as the narrative unfolds. While the cinematography impresses with its visual finesse; it oddly sanitizes the grim essence that defines Stephen King's universe. Ludlow; known for its chilling aura; appears oddly clean; lacking the gritty; unsettling atmosphere one would expect. I will give this flick some redemption in its kills. The film manages to deliver a satisfying cocktail of creativity and gore; capturing the audience's attention with its gruesome moments. Particularly memorable is the "I think I'm too high" scene; a morbidly humorous highlight in an otherwise lackluster plot. Regrettably; the film falters in its acting and writing departments. The performances are marred by inconsistency; leaving you with a sense of detachment from the characters. Despite the potential showcased by the cast; the execution falls short; failing to evoke the necessary emotional investment. David Duchovny does all he can to bring his character to life but the issues are written in. The script proves to be a weak link; lacking the depth and nuance needed to bring this dark tale to life. I just saw it emerge as a missed opportunity; squandering its potential to deliver a truly chilling and engaging sequel. While the kills provide fleeting moments of excitement; they are not enough to salvage a flick plagued by lackluster performances and a tepid script. For fans of the original; this installment might offer a nostalgic trip back to Ludlow; but it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.