The highly anticipated Five Nights at Freddy’s movie has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons recently, as its Rotten Tomatoes score continues to plummet following a wave of negative reviews from critics. The film’s release was eagerly awaited by fans of the popular video game series, but it seems that the adaptation has not quite met the expectations of the film industry’s discerning pundits.
Initial Reviews: A Rough Start
As the first reviews for the FNAF movie started trickling in, it became evident that this horror flick had failed to impress critics. Their complaints primarily centered around the movie’s subpar storytelling and underdeveloped characters, lamenting the fact that Five Nights at Freddy’s had joined the ever-growing list of disappointing video game adaptations to the silver screen.
At the end of its first week, Five Nights at Freddy’s had an aggregate score of just 25% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on a total of 131 reviews. This score was a significant drop from the 38% it had when the review embargo lifted and only 30 reviews were available. The film’s score continued to plummet as an additional 100 reviews rolled in, reinforcing the notion that the latest offering from Blumhouse had failed to win over critics.
Audience Love: A Stark Contrast
The silver lining in this cloud of negative reviews comes from the audience’s reaction to the film. Casual moviegoers, in stark contrast to the critics, have embraced Five Nights at Freddy’s. With over 1,000 user ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie boasts an impressive 89% approval rating. This stark divide between critic and audience opinions is not uncommon in the world of cinema, and Five Nights at Freddy’s is just the latest example.
Box Office Triumph Amid Critic Woes
In a surprising twist, Five Nights at Freddy’s has been shattering box office records despite its critical reception. The film raked in an impressive $78 million during its opening weekend, with a significant chunk of that, nearly $40 million, being earned on Friday alone. This has established Five Nights at Freddy’s as the best horror movie opening in 2023, surpassing even “Scream 5.” Moreover, it marks the most successful opening ever for Blumhouse, a production company renowned for its success in the horror genre, and stands as the best Halloween opening to date.
What makes these box office numbers even more astonishing is that the film is not exclusively available in theaters. It also simultaneously released on NBC’s streaming app, Peacock, allowing viewers to watch it from the comfort of their own homes. Yet, despite this convenience, fans of Five Nights at Freddy’s have shown unwavering support by flocking to theaters in droves to witness the movie on the big screen.
In the end, the critical reception of Five Nights at Freddy’s may leave much to be desired, but it’s clear that this adaptation has struck a chord with its dedicated fanbase, who have turned out in large numbers to experience the terror and suspense that made the video game series so beloved. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise, and while critics may not be singing its praises, the box office numbers suggest that Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza will continue to be a source of horror entertainment for years to come.
