Five Nights At Freddy’s Review: Josh Hutcherson Brings Heart To A Mediocre Horror

Five Nights at Freddy’s adapts the video game of the same name from creator Scott Cawthon. In what seems like the first entry in a franchise, Five Nights at Freddy’s is a simple story grounded by a solid performance by Josh Hutcherson as Mike, who gives a committed performance. The film’s backstory is pretty dark, but the horror itself isn’t particularly scary, with typical, lukewarm jumpscares and only the occasional pop of blood. Directed by Emma Tammi from a screenplay she co-wrote with Cawthon and Chris Lee Hill, Five Nights at Freddy’s delivers a basic story uplifted by the sibling dynamic and Mike’s personal journey. It’s fine for what it’s going for — just don’t expect to be wowed.