Five Nights at Freddy’s – A movie?

Historically speaking, movies adapted from video games have tended to run the gamut from moderately acceptable to unspeakably horrible. Mortal Kombat holds a special place in my heart even if it was a little lackluster (at best) Wreck-It Ralph was Disney elevating video game concepts to an amazing level, but without focusing on one specific game or franchise.

Then, of course, there’s the Super Mario Bros. movie that no one ever wants to talk about because talking about it can only be done so with the worst kind of anger. Even with how wonderful Dennis Hopper and Bob Hoskins were.

My sister, who was well aware of my then-new obsession with Five Nights at Freddy’s, told me Warner Bros. had announced they would be making the game into a movie. I was tremendously excited at first, but almost immediately became apprehensive. How would a first-person game where the player sits in one place all night, checking cameras and doors, turn into compelling cinema? Seriously, I need to know.

Strong potential

It has been made very clear that Scott Cawthon will have a large role in this movie, and that he will be heavily involved in making sure this turns out to be true to the games. That right there should be enough to sell quite a few tickets. No one knows the Five Nights at Freddy’s lore better than Scott (I feel like a “No shit, Sherlock” moment has just occurred and I’m sorry for that). That was enough for me to go see the movie in theaters. The next announcement I saw regarding the FNAF movie sold me entirely.

Fully-realized, fabricated animatronics created by the Jim Henson Creature Shop. Even if the plot turns out terrible, it’s safe to say that everything will look absolutely amazing. Granted, I also feel like this is the movie magic equivalent of summoning Bloody Mary; making real versions of Freddy Fazbear, Chica, Bonnie, and Foxy is just asking for problems. I’ve not yet seen anything that indicates this will draw exclusively from the first game. With four games worth of lore, plus DLC for FNAF 4, this movie could really tell one Hell of a story. If it ends up being a companion piece to the games, that would be even more amazing.

…and also the potential for failure…

Please, oh please, don’t let this be horrible. Please don’t let this turn into something that is campy and not frightening at all. Don’t let it be Five Nights at Thomp-Stompers.

What this can do for movies adapted from video games

It’s amazing that an indie series like FNAF is getting this much attention (even if it’s because Hollywood loves chances to fill more swimming pools with money a la Scrooge McDuck). If this turns out well, it could mean more well-done movies based on video games. If it’s amazing, just think of how much further this could distance us from Super Mario Bros. the movie? Because seriously, that’s what we’re all quietly hoping.

…

But seriously. Please let this movie be a collection of pants-shitting moments of anxiety and terror. Please don’t mess this up, Hollywood.