Five Nights at Freddy’s is the latest IP to jump from video game to motion picture. The question is does it make a great leap or does it fall flat on its face? We have been anticipating this film since its announcement back in 2015. Although it’s gone through ups and downs, we’re happy to say it’s finally here! The film which comes to us from Blumhouse and Universal Pictures will be releasing this weekend. You are able to see it at home through Peacock or go see it on the big screen. The question is which should you choose? I’ll let you know at the end of this review.

Five Nights At Freddy’s is directed by Emma Tammi from a story by the game’s creator Scott Cawthon. The cast includes Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail and Matthew Lillard. I want to start off by saying it’s so great to see Lillard in more roles. The movie does a great job at getting us right into the lore of the franchise. We are immediately thrown into similar beats from the game. A lot of the movie does this and will have any fan of the series smiling. I also think the cast does a great job in each of their roles with some clear standouts.

A movie like Five Nights at Freddy’s would of course be nothing without its stars, the animatronics. In my opinion, this is where the film really stands out the most. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop does an amazing job at bringing them to life. The attention to detail is just a sight and once you see these in action you can’t look away. I really do have to commend everyone involved in this process as it came out incredible. Five Nights at Freddy’s however does have some problems for me.

I felt certain aspects of the story felt too rushed and thin. The climax itself being the most glaring problem for me. It was working its way to being the highlight of the whole film but then it just abruptly ends. It honestly left me wondering what was the point of some film’s reveals? I also had the same problem with some twists and turns but can understand that they might be building to something bigger for the film’s sequels.

We love the fan service sprinkled throughout the film as a fan of the games. I truly feel they were able to capture what fans wanted from the games on the big screen. Five Nights at Freddy’s really shines when it comes to its production design and fan service. It truly is a movie made for the fans as Scott Cawthon also helped with the screenplay. There are several easter eggs and moments right out of the game that will make even the casual fan happy. However, the film doesn’t measure up when it comes to its pacing and story at times. It sometimes relies too heavily on the fan service and the story suffers.

In the end Five Nights at Freddy’s is not a perfect movie with some pacing issues. It however does a great job at presenting a compelling story with some awesome beats from the game. We look forward to seeing where they take it next.

WE GIVE FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY‘S 3.7 out of 5.