Five Night’s At Freddy’s 2 – A Sequel That Debunks The Stereotypes

By: Dominic La-Viola

“Five Nights At Freddy’s 2” definitely debunks  the stereotypes that sequels are inferior to their predecessors.

Director Emma Tammi brings her A-game and saves this franchise from a slow, painful, and public demise.  

From the jump, the film feels far more competent and coherent. Giving us a rather well-balanced narrative. One that at first seems scattered and stagnant, but slowly and blissfully weaves itself together, connecting the dots just right. Showing the viewer that the film was never frantic and disarrayed, but running parallel and intertwining story arcs. 

Now, while the first film in the franchise wasn’t particularly well executed. The foundation was strong, leaving plenty of room for growth and improvement. 

To which this one does, picking up where the first one left off and running with it. Carefully laying down building blocks to build upon the foundation, to establish a well-structured origin and base for the lore.

All the while, the film is so well-paced that even in moments before the dots are connected and everything comes full circle . The film does its job and is entertaining and fun.     

Although the film is far from flawless or even greatness. Even though the film is better than the first by a landslide. That doesn’t mean much.

There are still a decent amount of problems with this film. Starting with the most unforgiving problem: Freddy Carter’s performance as Michael. The night security guard at the original Freddy’s. 

Not to be mistaken for Josh Hutcherson’s character Mike. Who was the security guard at Freddy’s franchise location in the first film.

The fact that they’re both named Mike or Michael, which is really the same thing, doesn’t make sense and is less catchy and interesting than clever, which is what they were trying to be. 

While it’s not the only problem with the film, his over-the-top and lack of range with his performance come off as too tongue-in-cheek for the film’s tone.  

There are some issues with the story structure and timing of events. Although all are forgivable given the film’s style and grace. 

Overall, the film works for what it is, the pg-13 rating does negatively affect the film as a whole. I feel the film would have better benefited from being an R-rated horror movie. This is the same problem that I and many had with the first film as well. 

Yet I found this one to be more entertaining, interesting, and coherent than the first, really finding its footing and voice as a franchise. I have no doubt that there will be a third. Just as I have no doubt that it will be a crisper and finer tone film. 

Overall Rating 3.5 Stars.