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BREAKDOWN REVIEWS
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDYS
Directed by Emma Tammi

Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, Piper Rubio, Elizabeth Lail
Ranking: C

Having never played the game it’s tough to say if “Freddy’s” is what fans of the media franchise have always wanted. But what can be said is this pg13 horror plays it all too safe and tame. It’s not to say that a hard hitting R rated film would have benefited but most of what makes “Freddy” is stuff we have seen countless times before. Playing a security guard hired to watch over the now abandoned Freddy Fazbear Pizzeria, Mike Schmidt (a terrific Josh Hutcherson) finds himself fighting for his life and his sister Abby (Piper Rubio). All while trying to remember who kidnapped his young brother 20 years ago.

The Good:

The animatronics of the Freddy characters are awesome and a joy to see on the big screen. Created through the infamous Jim Henson company you can see the care and detailed execution into bringing these designs to life. The characters themselves bring great humor and terror to the screen and it’s impossible not to fall for them and pick your favorite (team Bonnie). The lore of the film can be intriguing as well as the film discusses how children’s dreams may be the savior of this tragic former kids center. Scenes involving Mike trying to figure out his own nightmares are the film’s strongest moments. Josh Hutcherson is also a welcomed return having not been in a major studio film in quite some time and still spends most of his “Hunger Games” days. Hutcherson was always the most intriguing part of the best selling book to screen series, and his charm is instantly there. Even as a down on his luck guy his attitude never comes off aggressive even in his more stressful moments. Hutcherson going up against Matthew Lillard (in limited screentime) is also a blast and it makes you wonder why Hutcherson has never donned the Ghostface mask himself. It’s enjoyably to see him as the good guy, but with his performance as Mike you get the hint he is ready for a role that truly lets him let loose.

The Bad:

Most of “Freddy” has all been done before. Cheap jump scares, poor dialogue and a pacing that feels off for an under 2 hour film. Every interesting aspect is barely explored and practically begs you to come back for the inevitable sequel. As the mystery is slowly reveled you begin to see several missing key elements that make any of this insanity come together. A late stage villain doesn’t hide the fact that the motives are nearly non existent and the film feels more catered to fans of the film who may already know the answers versus people just wanting to watch an engaging movie. It seems to have hit its target audience but it’s clear even the video game does a better job at breaking down the mystery behind “Freddy’s.” Maybe more will be answered in future films but it needed it now and suffers because of it. Hutcherson’s performance basically overshadows everyone else and while Elizabeth Lail and Piper Rubio as Officer Vanessa and Mike’s sister Abby respectively do not deliver poor performances they do not match the comfortability of Hutcherson and especially Lillard in a genre that is basically home to him. Even outside of the supporting performances “Freddy” is all bait and switch where every moment an interesting aspect of a backstory seems to become more prevalent you are met with the usual cheap gags that Blumhouse Productions seems to thrive on. I’d be lying if I said I did not want to return for the sequel if it promises more development, but even that notion alone proves these films are doing a good job at being lazy. Get us into the seats barely feed us and expect us to come again. perhaps that is the Freddy Fazbear way.

It is clear that FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S will be a big commercial hit (even with the Peacock simultaneously release) spawning at least one sequel and most likely a tv series, but it’s upsetting to see an intriguing premise be solely built around the idea of “we will fix the rest on the next one” the film isn’t complete and this critic doesn’t believe the rest will be fixed on future installments. Instead FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S will remain yet another Blumhouse film that feels half assed and one that while you may return to will always be reminded that these places closed down for a good reason. Maybe it’s time to finally knock them down.

C

FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S IS PLAYING EVERYWHERE AND STREAMING ON PEACOCK