CINEMA
Is ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ a movie for kids? How scary is the family-friendly horror thriller?
You may be ready for some frightening fun coming to you from a TV or theater over Halloween 2023, but can the kids join in?
‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ is a name that has become synonymous with jump scares, eerie animatronics, and the thrill of horror gaming. With its unique blend of family-friendly visuals and spine-chilling suspense, the franchise has garnered a massive following over the years. Now, this beloved video game series has made the leap to the big screen, along with a now customary streaming option. But this leaves fans and newcomers alike wondering if it is a movie suitable for kids, or if it’s so terrifying that they need to be left at home with a babysitter.
What ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ movie all about?
The movie adaptation of ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ was a collaborative effort between series creator Scott Cawthon, director Emma Tammi, and Scott Cuddeback. One of the initial questions that arises when trying to make sense of this adaptation is, how can a family-friendly horror thriller coexist within the same cinematic space? After all, the franchise is known for its creepy animatronic characters, ghostly mysteries, and eerie settings.
I personally wasn’t “scared” watching this. The jumpscares were effective but did this movie ever really make me feel uneasy?
The film takes place in a seemingly abandoned pizzeria and video game arcade, Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, with a dark history involving mysterious child disappearances. The story follows security guard Mike, played by Josh Hutcherson, who is reluctantly assigned the night shift at this decrepit, Chuck E. Cheese-like establishment. The motivation behind Mike’s employment is not a desire for excitement but rather a desperate need for money to retain custody of his sister, Abby, in the face of his aunt’s child support claims.
The film effectively establishes a sense of impending dread, as Mike is haunted by recurring nightmares related to the abduction of his younger brother. Furthermore, the animatronic robots, which were once a source of joy and entertainment for children during the daytime, take on a sinister life of their own at night, possibly possessed by vengeful spirits.
This is no cinematographic masterpiece, but it’s a good whimsical even sometimes satirical camp movie. Do not take it too seriously, let it flow, enjoy the funny effects, have fun with it.
What rating has ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ movie been given?
As for the film’s rating, it carries a PG-13 rating, indicating that it may not be as grisly as some might expect from a horror movie based on a popular video game. However, it’s important to note that the horror elements in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ are not to be taken lightly. The film does contain some violence and gore, with one particularly unsettling scene where a character is stabbed with a large knife, although without a significant amount of blood on display. Most of the violence is implied or happens off-screen, and some bloody wounds are shown briefly.
It’s also worth mentioning that ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ boasts a runtime of 110 minutes, which may surprise viewers accustomed to the fast-paced and over-edited nature of many contemporary horror films. The deliberate pacing allows for the building of tension and a deeper exploration of the film’s eerie atmosphere. Check out the trailer above for a sense of what you can expect.
It’s a rollercoaster of mixed feelings. Part of the film is fun and thrilling, but the other side of the plot feels rushed and has nit picky issues many will see. For the casual fans this may be quite confusing.
For fans of the video games, 'Five Nights at Freddy’s' offers a chance to see the familiar characters come to life on the big screen and delve into their world. The film’s story, while perhaps not as elaborate as some might hope for, still remains faithful to the source material by maintaining recognizable dialogue and story beats.
In conclusion, ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ is a notable addition to the horror movie genre. It manages to blend family-friendly elements with spine-tingling scares, making it suitable for older kids and teenagers, especially those who are fans of the franchise. However, it’s important to be aware that the film does contain moderate violence and gore, making it a true PG-13 horror experience. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of the games or a newcomer, ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ delivers an eerie and suspenseful ride that captures the essence of the franchise while adding its own cinematic flair. So, if you’re ready for a night of animatronic terror, this film is waiting for you, both in theaters and on a streaming service near you.
The result is an underwhelming and half-baked “horror” ... but despite being lackluster, the film is still worth a watch as it does not fail to entertain.
What did reviewers think of ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’?
User reviews on IMDb offer diverse perspectives on the ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ movie, and you’ll have spotted some of the quotes from them throughout the article.
Some viewers found it to be a good time, with praise for sound design, cinematography, and overall design, even though they didn’t personally find it very scary. Others express disappointment and a desire to like the film more, while some highlight the movie’s positives, including acting, atmosphere, and creature costumes.
On the other hand, some reviews emphasize the movie’s fantastic visuals and animatronics but mention a wafer-thin story. One reviewer encourages others to form their own opinions rather than relying on critics.
Ultimately, the movie appears to cater to fans, offering an enjoyable and sometimes satirical camp experience, but may not be as appealing to those unfamiliar with the franchise.