Five Nights at Freddy's (2023) Movie Review
Discover the world of "Five Nights at Freddy’s," a spooky yet family-friendly horror flick where a security guard battles creepy animal robots. Based on the popular video games, the movie is a collaboration between series creator Scott Cawthon, director Emma Tammi, and Scott Cuddeback. Despite its PG-13 rating, the film is quite intense, though not as gory as the games.
Running for 110 minutes, Tammi's adaptation might seem longer due to some fast-paced and overly edited scenes. Fans of the games will likely be familiar with the eerie tone and expanding storyline. However, the movie leans towards a predictable plot rather than the suspenseful atmosphere that makes the games so beloved.
%20Movie.jpg "Five Nights at Freddy's (2023) Movie")
Tammi's take on "Five Nights at Freddy’s" gives off a vibe like a horror movie imagined by pre-teens, with lots of intriguing details that hint at potential future spinoffs. For those who enjoy exploring characters' worlds and delving into backstories, the film may feel a bit lacking compared to the intricate narratives found in the game sequels and side projects. Despite this, the movie still holds up with its faithful adherence to familiar dialogue and story elements.
Meet Mike (Josh Hutcherson), a security guard tasked with watching over Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a once-popular family-friendly spot that closed down due to mysterious child disappearances in the '80s. Mike isn't thrilled about working the night shift at this rundown Chuck E. Cheese-style joint, but he needs the job to support his sister Abby (Piper Rubio) and avoid losing custody to his scheming aunt Jane (Mary Stuart Masterson).
To make matters more stressful, Mike has recurring nightmares about his young brother Garrett's abduction, which intensify while he's on the job. The pizzeria's singing animal robots, including Freddy (Kevin Foster), may also come to life at night and possibly be haunted.
The movie, based on the popular video game, could have focused more on character-driven storytelling. However, the emphasis is on replicating the game's haunted atmosphere. Director Emma Tammi, known for her atmospheric 2019 horror-western "The Wind," brings attention to evocative details like spilled soda in Mike's dreams and blinking light bulbs at Freddy Fazbear’s entrance. Yet, the film falls short with too many nostalgic symbols, such as old TV monitors and dated commercials.
"Five Nights at Freddy’s" seems to miss the mark on delivering compelling dialogue and distinct characters. The cast, including Josh Hutcherson and Matthew Lillard, express deeper emotions than their characters are allowed to portray. Relationships in the film feel forced, making it challenging to connect with the characters.
While the movie may please existing fans of the game, it struggles to captivate a broader audience. The blend of rushed and slow-paced moments makes it neither shocking nor emotionally engaging. If you're not already a fan of the series, you might want to explore other options for entertainment.