'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Review: Sequel with Josh Hutcherson and Killer Animatronic Creatures is Not Worth Watching'

The cinematic adaptations of the Five Nights at Freddys games continue, now with a second installment that struggles to capture genuine terror. While the first film achieved surprising box office success despite a simultaneous streaming release in 2023, this sequel brings back much of the original cast and crew without adding meaningful innovation.

Director Emma Tammi leans heavily on sudden, loud jump scares, reminiscent of over-the-top sound design. The screenplay, crafted by game creator Scott Cawthon, is cluttered with supernatural backstory and numerous Easter eggs, likely appealing only to devoted fans.

The story revisits familiar characters: Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and his sister Abby (Piper Rubio), who remains enamored with her animatronic companionsFreddy, Chica, Foxy, and Bonnierevealed to be possessed by the spirits of deceased children. Officer Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) continues to struggle with PTSD from her fathers dark past as a serial killer.

The plot opens in 1982 with a young girl tragically failing to save a child from Freddys, then jumps two decades forward. Paranormal investigator Mckenna Grace and her team, along with a sinister security guard (Freddy Carter), explore the abandoned location, awakening vengeful spirits. Abby reconnects with her animatronic friends, with Chica (voiced by Megan Fox) joining her for a science fair project, though the details of these events are largely inconsequential.

The sequels main novelty lies in the animatronics venturing outside their original restaurant setting, including appearances at a town festival called Fazfest. However, this only highlights how unthreatening they appear in real-world scenarios, resembling oversized puppets rather than menacing figures.

Violence in the film is toned down to PG-13, appealing more to younger audiences while likely provoking laughter from adult horror fans. Returning actors Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich make brief appearances, adding some moments of tension. The cast overall manages to perform with conviction, particularly Piper Rubio, whose performance stands out even amid over-the-top scenes and comedic relief from Wayne Knight as an obnoxious science teacher.

Ultimately, Five Nights at Freddys 2 feels like a horror story on training wheels, ending with a cliffhanger hinting at a third installment, which feels more like an ominous warning than an exciting promise.

Author: Gavin Porter