Review: Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 ★★★

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is back with more blood, more shadows, and definitely more things you don’t want coming to life after dark. As a continuation, it does what sequels are supposed to do: turn the volume up on the scares and give fans plenty of animatronic chaos to chew on. The tension is thicker, the visuals are cleaner, and the film isn’t afraid to let the gore breathe a little.

But here’s the thing—while the movie gets louder, it doesn’t necessarily get better. The excitement never quite rises beyond the surface, and the story feels like it’s running on fumes. There’s intensity, yes, but not much evolution. It’s a sequel that wants to be bigger without actually being bolder.

Performance-wise, it’s a mixed bag. Josh Hutcherson returns, but the spark we were hoping for just… isn’t there. His performance feels oddly muted, and he spends most of the film looking like he’s waiting for someone to tag in. Honestly, this is one of those movies where a strong female co-lead could’ve helped carry him into more impactful territory—because on his own, he doesn’t quite land the emotional beats.

The young actress as the little girl has one truly memorable moment—about two minutes when she’s under the influence of the Marionette—and she absolutely shines there. But the film barely gives her anything else to work with, which is a shame, because that flash of talent deserved more space.

In the end, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is a fun enough return to the franchise—creepy, atmospheric, and loaded with the kind of visuals fans will appreciate. But without stronger performances and a story that actually pushes forward, it settles comfortably into the middle: good for a late-night watch, but not quite memorable enough to haunt you afterward.

They’re not just at Freddy’s anymore. 

In 2023, Blumhouse’s box-office horror phenomenon Five Nights at Freddy’s, based on the blockbuster game series by Scott Cawthon, became the highest-grossing horror film of the year. Now, a shocking new chapter of animatronic terror begins. 

One year has passed since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The stories about what transpired there have been twisted into a campy local legend, inspiring the town’s first ever Fazfest. 

Former security guard Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and police officer Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) have kept the truth from Mike’s 11-year-old sister, Abby (Piper Rubio), concerning the fate of her animatronic friends. 

But when Abby sneaks out to reconnect with Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, it will set into motion a terrifying series of events, revealing dark secrets about the true origin of Freddy’s, and unleashing a long-forgotten horror hidden away for decades.

The cast of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 includes returning co-stars Theodus Crane as Jeremiah and the legendary Matthew Lillard as William Afton. The film features new characters played by Freddy Carter (Shadow and BonePennyworth), Wayne Knight (Jurassic ParkSeinfeld), Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters franchise, Annabelle Comes Home) and horror icon Skeet Ulrich (ScreamRiverdale). 

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is directed by acclaimed returning filmmaker Emma Tammi and is written by game series creator Scott Cawthon.

The filmis produced by Blumhouse founder and CEO Jason Blum and Scott Cawthon, who together produced the first film. The executive producers are director Emma Tammi, Beatriz Sequeira, Christopher Warner, Russell Binder and Marc Mostman. 

The first Freddy’s film opened to a record-shattering $80 million in October 2023 and went on to earn almost $300 million worldwide. 

Genre: Horror

Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Piper Rubio, Elizabeth Lail, Freddy Carter, Theodus Crane, Wayne Knight, Mckenna Grace, with Skeet Ulrich and Matthew Lillard

Director: Emma Tammi

Written by: Scott Cawthon

Based on the Video Game Series “Five Nights at Freddy’s”

by Scott Cawthon

Producers: Jason Blum, Scott Cawthon

Executive Producers: Emma Tammi, Beatriz Sequeira, Christopher Warner, Russell Binder and Marc Mostman

Rated PG-13 for violent content, terror and some language.

REVIEW: HIM ★★★★★

If you’re seeking a film that cleverly blends genre, mood and unexpectedly deep heart, then look no further than HIM by Jordan Peele—a triumph of smart scares, meaningful emotion and richly layered storytelling.

From the opening frames, HIM establishes an atmosphere that’s quietly unsettling, then gradually builds into something unforgettable. Peele’s command of tone is impeccable: he balances the uncanny and the everyday, delivering moments of tension and surprise without ever losing sight of the characters at the centre.

The lead performance is nothing short of riveting. We meet a protagonist whose fears and desires feel startlingly real, making each supernatural or thriller beat feel grounded in genuine emotional stakes. The relationships onscreen crackle with authenticity, and when the story pivots into high-intensity territory you’re already invested—so the payoff lands hard.

Visually, HIM is striking. The cinematography captures ordinary spaces—homes, hallways, familiar rooms—then transforms them into places of dread and wonder. The sound design supports this metamorphosis beautifully: subtle creaks, long silences, and then the sudden jolt. It’s never gratuitous; the film builds its scares the way a master craftsman sculpts, patiently, deliberately.

What elevates HIM beyond a typical genre entry is how it engages with deeper themes. Identity, legacy, memory—these ideas quietly inform the narrative, giving it weight beyond the thrills. You’ll find yourself thinking about the film long after the credits roll, and maybe noticing things you missed on first viewing.

Peele stands confidently at the intersection of horror, psychological drama and social commentary, and HIM feels like a mature evolution of his voice. It doesn’t rely on cheap jump-scares or gratuitous shocks; instead, the tension is rooted in the characters’ vulnerability and the ever-present sense that something is off.

In short: HIM is smart, stylish and emotionally resonant. It’s rare to find a film that satisfies on both the visceral level (yes, you’ll jump) and the reflective one (yes, you’ll think). Highly recommended for anyone who wants more than just a scare-ride—this is one of those movies that earns its place in the conversation.

Don’t miss it.

Genre: Horror

Cast: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies

Director: Justin Tipping

Screenplay by: Zack Akers & Skip Bronkie and Justin Tipping

Producers: Ian Cooper, Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Jamal M. Watson

Executive Producers: David Kern, Kate Oh 

Rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, sexual material, nudity and some drug use.