‘Review of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’: Despite Wasting Mckenna Grace, Fans Will Still Be Satisfied

Even subpar pizza is still pizza, and for devoted fans of Scott Cawthons hit horror games, Five Nights at Freddys 2 delivers enough to satisfy. However, replacing genuine creative ambition with superficial thrills, Blumhouses follow-up to the 2023 adaptation often feels like imitation cheese rather than real storytelling.

The movie doesnt merely echo its predecessorit recycles genre clichs, producing predictable scares that may frustrate viewers familiar with horror conventions. Yet, judging by the original films massive box office and devoted fanbase, this sequel is likely to be consumed eagerly by enthusiasts.

Cawthon takes on the script alone this time, to mixed results. Director Emma Tammi returns, guiding a cast that includes Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, and Piper Rubio through a narrative full of plot holes and clunky pacing. References to the video games and online fan culture cant compensate for the disconnect between the supernatural plot and the underdeveloped human characters.

One year after surviving the first films terrifying events, Mike (Hutcherson) and his sister Abby (Rubio) have stayed away from Freddy Fazbears Pizza. The restaurants dark history unfolds in a prologue set in the 1980s. The animatronicsonce mechanical marvelsare now haunted by the spirits of children murdered by William Afton (Matthew Lillard), whose legacy the script further explores.

Mike and Vanessa (Lail) confront lingering trauma through unsettling dreams, while 11-year-old Abby exhibits a precocious fascination with the possessed robots, seeing the trapped children as friends. Her enthusiasm eventually leads her back to Freddys, despite Mikes warnings and the skepticism of her robotics teacher, Mr. Berg (Wayne Knight).

Abbys nighttime adventure, reminiscent of E.T. or Stephen Kings It, highlights Tammis uneven direction, which struggles with Cawthons muddled script. The characters frequently act without logic, returning to locations without narrative purpose. Abbys interactions with the ghosts of Freddys children lack emotional depth, leaving the supernatural elements feeling hollow and overly explained.

New characters, including paranormal investigator Lisa (Mckenna Grace) and a terrifying large marionette from the games, add brief intrigue, but the films 1 hour and 44-minute runtime feels slow and unsatisfying. Despite attempts at world-building, the human casts contributions often fall flat. Mr. Bergs comedic potential is wasted, and Graces role, though promising, is underdeveloped and primarily visual.

Veteran actors like Lillard and Skeet Ulrich have little opportunity to shine, and cinematographer Lyn Moncriefs framing often diminishes emotional and suspenseful moments. Nonetheless, for fans of the franchise or the original film, Five Nights at Freddys 2 offers a passable experience. Those seeking stronger artistic merit may prefer other releases.

Blumhouses Five Nights at Freddys 2 is currently showing in theaters, providing fans another slice of fright-filled entertainment, even if it lacks the creative depth of top-tier horror cinema.

Author: Lucas Grant