Blumhouse and Company have rolled out the sequel to 2023’s highly profitable Five Nights at Freddy’s. This new film, simply titled Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, looks to do the same, capitalizing on the thriving fanbase of the popular video game series and making more sweet, sweet cash. 

 

This sequel is likely to please devotees of the source material and its rich lore. The problem with this film, as with its predecessor, is not that it’s so entrenched in its own mythos that it alienates casual viewers. This film is just plain bad, dumb, and boring. 

 

Director Emma Tammi returns to direct the sequel from a script written by Five Nights at Freddy’s (or FNAF) creator Scott Cawthon. The returning characters of Mike (Josh Hutcherson), his sister Abby (Piper Rubio), and Mike’s love-interest/connection to Freddy’s Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) waft in and out of scenes, sometimes doing something, but mostly standing around. A big casting draw was the return of Matthew Lillard as the villainous William Afton, as well as new additions Skeet Ulrich and Mckenna Grace. Unfortunately, these additional characters receive little screen time, making the marketing feel like a bait-and-switch. 

 

But of course, the main draw of these films is not the human characters, but the violent, deadly animatronics of Freddy Fazbear and his band of knock-off Chuck-E-Cheese cronies. The visual look of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is easily the most remarkable aspect of this film. The Jim Henson Creature Shop once again provided the rather sophisticated visual FX.

 

To say that this film has a story is like saying pasteurized milk has flavor. The core FNAF fans are probably not here for the story, but for the constant lore drops this film provides, which seems to be its prime motivation. Every other concept of effective horror, suspense, or intrigue takes a back seat or is missing entirely. 

 

Having never fully played the FNAF games of my own volition and relying on my daughter’s own playing experience and knowledge of the story from the games to clue me in, I came to this film (and the first film) with limited insight. What was always prominent in the games was the dread, the fear, and the scares the player experiences. Sadly, any audience member watching this film, hoping to be thrilled, won’t be covering their eyes in fright, but covering their mouths as they yawn from boredom. Every “jump scare” (and there are several this time around) punches at the weight class of a wet sponge. 

 

In the days of waning theater attendance, a film like Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is important in re-cultivating a fun theater-going experience. The 13 or so teenagers all in blocked seating at my screening all seemed to enjoy themselves, oohing and awing as FNAF deep cuts were introduced in visuals or dialogue. I am glad they enjoyed themselves, as they got their money’s worth. For everyone else, the recommendation is to spend your cash somewhere else.