★★

Blumhouse have grand ambitions for Five Nights at Freddy’s. It’s why so much of this inaugural adaptation of the wildly popular video game franchise feels like set up. Certainly, there’s more mythos than murder here. Perhaps, in the long run, this will pay off. There’s no doubting a sequel will come, with box office records already set to tumble. A lack of gore, securing a lower than expected age certification, will go a long way in audience reach and potential. But that’s all business-speak. Where is the thrill and flair? What of the story? In the here and now, episode one is much too muted for its own good. Often dull, even. There’s much to admire but not quite enough to inspire great yearning for a sixth night on the big screen.