The Haunted Return of Freddy Fazbear
Carnivalesque kitsch meets '90s slasher fare — sort of — in Five Nights at Freddy's 2. This sequel, while sporting a bigger budget than its predecessor, still manages to evade true scares. The original film introduced us to a puzzling narrative revolving around a haunted Chuck E. Cheese-esque arcade and a serial child's murderer lurking in its shadows. With a production boost, I anticipated a more chilling experience, but what I received was only marginally better than last year's effort.
A Familiar Tale
Set one year after the first installment, we're reintroduced to Mike (Josh Hutcherson), his little sister, Abby (Piper Rubio), and Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail), who is still grappling with the traumatic events from their encounter with Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. This time, the crew faces new threats, including a demonic marionette doll reviving long-dead animatronics to ensnare the living.
“A ghoulish marionette doll infused with the angry spirit of one the killer's victims reanimates the busted animatronics.”
The Performances
Director Emma Tammi brings back the franchise's saving grace, the wonderfully wild-eyed Matthew Lillard, to further flesh out Vanessa's daddy issues. His presence nearly compensates for the film's otherwise lackluster performances. Skeet Ulrich joins the cast as Abby's detestable robotics teacher—a role reminiscent of '90s characters we love to hate—yet neither character has enough screen time to salvage the bland beats and wooden dialogues.
Issues with Storytelling
- Watered-down narrative filled with clichéd childhood traumas
- Poorly executed humor that misses its mark
- Lost opportunities for deeper exploration of characters' backstories
Tammi's attempts at weaving in humor feel stilted at best. Only Ulrich's character delivers any memorable lines, while the one-liners from others feel forced. I can't help but wonder if perhaps these jokes hover around inside jokes for die-hard fans of the sprawling game franchise.
Visuals and Special Effects
The special effects and cinematography shine at times, with intricate set pieces that craft a visceral experience, especially during the kill scenes. Yet, much like the animatronic puppets themselves, they feel lifeless after the initial thrill wears off. A sequence where the puppets attack feels more like a choreographed dance than a pulse-pounding thrill. Are jump scares really jumping anymore?
The Verdict
The original Five Nights at Freddy's movie had its flaws, but it managed to scare with its suspenseful ambiance and psychological tension. The sequel, however, feels like a half-hearted effort, offering glimpses of creativity but ultimately falling prey to the genre's shortcomings. Where it should have pushed boundaries, it sidesteps into familiarity.
Five Nights at Freddy's 2
Rated PG-13 for bloodshed and jump scares. Running time: 1 hour 44 minutes. In theaters now.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Your Time?
Unless you're a fervent fan of the franchise or have a penchant for campy horror, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 might not be the thrill ride you're hoping for this season. Sometimes, bigger budgets don't equate to better experiences. Let's just hope the next installment learns from these missteps and offers something fresh, rather than merely resurrecting nostalgia.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/movies/five-nights-at-freddys-2-review.html
