FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2 – “A passably entertaining scattershot sequel for the fans – not so much anyone else”
RATING
DIRECTOR
Directed by: Emma Tammi
MAIN CAST
• Josh Hutcherson as Mike Schmidt
• Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa Shelly
• Piper Rubio as Abby Schmid
• Matthew Lillard as William Afton
• Theodus Crane as Jeremiah
• McKenna Grace as Lisa
• Skeet Ulrich as Henry
• Kellen Goff as the voice of Toy Freddy
• Megan Fox as the voice of Toy Chica
SYNOPSIS
It is based on the video game series Five Nights at Freddy's and is the sequel to the 2023 film adaptation.
One year has passed since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. Former security guard Mike has kept the truth from his 11-year-old sister, Abby, concerning the fate of her animatronic friends. When Abby sneaks out to reconnect with Freddy, Bonnie, Chica and Foxy, she sets into motion a terrifying series of events that reveal dark secrets about the true origin of Freddy's.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Emma Tammi’s Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is a passably entertaining scattershot sequel for the fans – not so much anyone else. Like its predecessor, it’s a quirky horror freak show that’s destined to divide audiences. Yes, this is another unabashedly weird time, one that dedicated players of the video game series will devour whole. And based on the reaction in my screening, the film does a commendable job of delivering the moments enthusiasts came for. Meanwhile, casual viewers will almost certainly be left in the dark, wondering what on earth prompted those sudden squeals of delight. It’s not the story sparking that excitement - because there really isn’t much of one. What little plot we get is so lukewarm and undercooked that there’s barely anything to latch onto. Fortunately for longtime fans, the movie is overflowing with Easter eggs and lore nods. And, with eleven FNAF games to riff on, there’s plenty of material to mine. Still, the sheer number of logic lapses is downright maddening. This isn’t just a “leave your brain at the door” experience - it’s a “leave your brain in another postal code” kind of film. Tonally, much of the movie plays as campy, knowingly silly entertainment. But, while it embraces the goofy fun, the horror elements never truly land. A few jump scares pop up here and there, but there’s absolutely nothing to be afraid of. This is firmly geared toward the teen crowd, so don’t expect to see any of the kills. Just like the first film, the camera cuts away the moment things get interesting. Still, there is a wonderfully bizarre aesthetic at work. The abandoned retro restaurant once again proves to be a production design highlight, with its mix of shadowy menace and playful nostalgia. And while the film may not come together as a satisfying piece of cinema, it certainly functions as an effective commercial - judging by the mountains of merch being bought at my screening. And, with a not-so-subtle setup for a third installment, it’s clear we’re nowhere near done with Freddy Fazbear and company. So, you know, we should probably all get ready for more Freddy – whether we like it or not.
BOX OFFICE TOP 5
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David
$22 million
7
The Housemaid
$19 million