The highly anticipated sequel, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, has debuted to overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, who describe the horror film as “overstuffed” and “worse than the first film.” Directed by Emma Tammi, the movie features Josh Hutcherson reprising his role as Mike, an ex-security guard at the notorious Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria. Alongside his sister, Abby, and Vanessa, Mike is drawn back into the terrifying world of animatronic horrors just as they attempt to move on from the events of the first film.
Despite the film’s efforts to include numerous easter eggs and lore familiar to fans of the franchise, critics argue that these elements fail to compensate for its poor storytelling. According to Jason Pirodsky of Prague Reporter, the film “doesn’t know when to stop delivering exposition” and becomes bogged down in its own convoluted narrative, concluding in a “stunted” manner. This sentiment is echoed by BJ Colangelo from SlashFilm, who notes that while the film offers “about 15 minutes of genuinely terrific thrills,” they are overshadowed by “baffling plot threads” that complicate the viewing experience.
The visual effects, particularly the work done by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, have been highlighted as the film’s standout feature. Yet Tim Grierson of Screen Daily points out that the horror sequel lacks the necessary tension and drama, stating it is “as inanimate as its predecessor.” This raises concerns about the film’s overall effectiveness in delivering genuine scares.
Reviewers also expressed disappointment regarding the film’s horror elements. Jacob Oller from AV Club likens the film’s pacing to “boring scenes” typically found in horror films, while Owen Gleiberman from Variety critiques the film’s portrayal of violence as overly sanitized, comparing it to a “bowdlerized network-TV version of a horror film.”
The consensus among critics suggests that while Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 shows some improvement in terms of scares and impressive animatronics, it struggles with pacing and clarity. It attempts to weave too many storylines and characters into a relatively brief runtime, resulting in a narrative that feels messy and unresolved.
With the film set to officially release in theatres on December 5, 2023, audiences are eager to see if their reactions align with those of critics. Universal Pictures has not scheduled any additional fan screenings, leaving many questions about its reception unanswered. An official score on Rotten Tomatoes has yet to be released, adding to the suspense surrounding the sequel.
For those interested in video game adaptations, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 may offer some intriguing moments, but many critics warn that it ultimately falls short of expectations. As the release date approaches, fans and casual viewers alike will look to gauge the film’s impact on the horror genre and its standing among video game adaptations.
