The “Five Nights at Freddy’s” franchise has been around since 2014. Throughout its over a decade long run, it has generated video games, books, merchandise and even table top games. To me, an indicator that a franchise has “made it” is when it’s made into a movie. “Five Nights at Freddy’s” has not only achieved this, but expanded into multiple movies.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” released Dec. 5, over two years after the first movie. The film added more lore to the movie’s timeline, picking up elements from the second game, “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.” The “Toy” and “Withered” versions of the animatronics make their appearance in the second original location within the movie. From facial recognition in the animatronics, to Shadow Bonnie appearing for a split second in the security office, key game aspects were adapted for the film.
I absolutely loved the connections between the game and movie as I watched. Vanessa, who is played by Elizabeth Lail, reveals many secrets to the rest of the main characters that not only build upon what was addressed in the last movie, but alludes towards more content for another movie. These secrets drive the story forward bringing tension between her and Mike Schmidt, played by Josh Hutcherson. Every detail is clearly thought-out which gives viewers an immersive experience.
I loved the cameos within the movie. In the last movie, multiple YouTubers, including MatPat and CoryxKensin, were given roles within the movie. CoryxKenshin appeared in “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” as well, playing the same character he was in the first movie.
The easter eggs are a prevalent part of the film. Within specific scenes there were nods to the books like, “Secret of the Mimic” and “The Twisted Ones.” A line spoken by the Marionette, “I don’t hate you, but you need to stay out of my way,” nods to the game “Ultimate Custom Night.” Even the arcade games in the opening scene were from the game “FNAF World.” One of the funniest things I saw while watching was a small scene within the original run down location. Abby, played by Piper Rubio, and Mike walk toward the prize counter, or what’s left of it, to pick up something to bring home. One of the things Mike picked up was Plush Freddie. Upon Mike pressing the button inside the Plush, TikTok creator Abdul Cisse’s iconic “Five nights at Freddy’s” beatbox plays. I laughed in the theater hearing that and was so glad fan culture was implemented within the movie.
During the climax of the movie, the classic animatronics appear at Mike’s house to save the main cast from the toy models because they left the original pizzaplex. I was confused on how the classic animatronics managed to walk all the way to Mike’s house, beat up the toy animatronics and power down.
After the first movie, Scott Cawthon, who is the creator of the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” franchise, was quite open to criticism from fans. Fans expressed how the first movie wasn’t as scary as they expected coming from a horror game. Within “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” I could tell he listened to their criticism from the amount of jumpscares. Despite the addition of more jumpscares, some felt very predictable due to camera angles and music changes.
However, there was one set of criticism I’m glad he did not listen to: the critics. The first movie rated 33% according to Rotten Tomatoes, a strong contrast from the 86% from the audience. Critic comments were about how it had too much fan service or unusual plot, something that I did not agree with. The second movie delivered by deepening the story and adding more scary moments within the film.
Overall, as a fan of the games and franchise as a whole, I loved it. There were so many aspects that rewarded fans throughout the movie. From easter eggs, to cameos, to hints to future events that might unfold, the movie was a scarier and deeper continuation of the first movie.
Editor’s note: This story was updated Dec. 15.
