Game adaptations typically only go one of two ways – They are absolutely celebrated or universally panned. Unfortunately for cult phenomenon Five Nights At Freddy’s, the latter is plaguing what was a great horror opportunity.

Upon the release of the first game in 2014, FNaF was a massive hit. It followed a pizza restaurant called Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, which featured animatronic animals that come to life and attack anyone in their path. Gamers took on the security guard character, who must fight to stay alive.

Spawning sequels and spin-offs, a film was all but assured, but when a film billed as a scare-fest plays more like a ludicrous mishmash of genres, there’s a problem afoot.

Josh Hutcherson stars as our disgruntled security guard, working an undesirable night shift to provide for his little sister. But when the younger Abby begins making friends with the animatronics, trouble is afoot.

Having former Hunger Games teen star Josh Hutcherson lend his talents to this one could have been a nostalgic trip, and horror film legend Matthew Lillard is fantastic in limited screen-time. He channels his energy into a genre that’s made him iconic, with films like Scream and Thir13en Ghosts. He’s probably my favourite part of this snoozer.

There’s nothing worse than a film that should be bloody fun neutered by a teen-friendly PG-13 rating and uneven horror-comedy mix, and Five Nights At Freddy’s is a victim of trying to please everyone.

What we get is a film that plays more like fan service to a select few game diehards, and some YouTuber cameos does not a feature film make.

2/5 Stars