I want to preface this review by saying my opinions about this movie might be a little biased. However, this review is relatively spoiler-free (still, tread with caution). I've been a fan of the FNAF (Five Nights at Freddy's) franchise since middle school. Seeing the movie actually be realized and brought into existence was a surreal experience, to say the least. FNAF has become sort of a household name throughout the years. It's gained so much popularity through its rich lore, revolutionary gameplay, characters, etc. Indie game developer, Scott Cawthon, had no idea the monster he unleashed onto us back in 2014.
To say the movie was highly anticipated would be an understatement. Fans of FNAF have been shaking with excitement and anticipation since the movie's first announcement of development back in 2015. Many complications resulted in the movie's delay. All good things come to those who wait, though. If the movie was released in 2015, the intriguing lore wouldn't have been able to be showcased. Not to mention, if the movie was released in 2015, the production budget and quality wouldn't even be able to compare to the production of the movie we got! The casting for this movie was also spectacular! Did they know how to act for this?? No, but we'll get into that.
The mood that the producers/director curated was so fitting and it just felt so right. It
was dark and spooky when it needed to be. It also gave us a close and immersive perspective into the world of FNAF. They manage to give the animatronics so much personality, which is impressive because they're literally machines. The actors who wore the suits had a hand in bringing them to life. They had to move in such a controlled manner to convey robotic movements. Interestingly, Foxy was portrayed via animatronic puppet effects. Which makes sense because of the character's build.
In my opinion, the actors for the human characters were pretty decent. There were cases of overacting as well as some corny/cliche moments. I felt as if Elizabeth Lail's (Vanessa) lines were delivered a little too forcefully as well as Mathew Lillard's. I think they both could have delivered their lines a little differently. I think Mathew's overall performance came off as a bit silly during the climax of the movie. As a FNAF fan, I couldn't care less about that, but I can understand why actual movie critics gave the movie the score that they did.
I feel as if the whole point of the FNAF movie was to be fan service-y and for the audience to have a good time. The movie doesn't really offer anything for the lore nor does it really follow the in-game plot. I think that's a good thing though, it offers people who haven't delved into the franchise's complicated lore a fun watchable movie. I also think this movie benefited from its PG-13 rating instead of the rumored R rating it was supposed to receive. It allowed younger fans to enjoy the movie and resulted in more money at the box office. The FNAF movie can honestly be enjoyed by everyone! (Unless you're one of those diehard fans who needs everything to be exactly accurate to the lore, then you might enjoy this movie a little less.)
ALSO, THE SOUNDTRACK WAS REALLY GOOD AND THEY HAVE AN EPIC SONG FOR THE END CREDITS. GO WATCH THE MOVIE!!! AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
Did you like the FNAF movie?
yes!!
no
