‘Willy’s Wonderland’ Movie Review

Willy’s Wonderland, yet another horror film clearly inspired by the hit video game series Five Nights at Freddy’s, is about a nameless drifter (Nicolas Cage) whose car breaks down in a small town with a dark secret. In order to pay for the repairs, he gets a job working as a janitor for a rundown restaurant and arcade called Willy’s Wonderland. But it turns out the animatronic characters are alive, and they want blood.

The overwhelming popularity of the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise has led to many filmmakers chomping at the bit to capitalize off of its success. A proper adaptation from Chris Columbus and Jason Blum is apparently in the works, but until then, movies like Willy’s Wonderland and The Banana Splits Movie will have to tide us over. Much like the latter film, which came out in 2019, Willy’s Wonderland is a pretty good time. It’s not gonna be an instant classic or anything, but it’s enjoyable enough to potentially garner some cult status. It’s biggest flaw is that, much like The Banana Splits Movie, it doesn’t really take full advantage of the zaniness of its concept. It's not particularly unique or inventive, nor does it do much in the way of developing its characters. It simply remains content to coast on the wackiness of its premise. That being said, there’s just enough fun to be mined from said wacky premise to make for an entertaining little low-budget cheesefest. The effects are 50/50, but when they’re good (i.e., when they’re using actual puppets), they’re quite entertaining. If the film was intended to be taken more seriously, this would be a major hindrance, but I can be a bit more forgiving in a sillier B-movie like this. The violence in the film is so ridiculous that you’d have to be pretty stuck-up to find it boring or ineffective, whether or not the effects are all that convincing. Again, even when the film misses the mark, it’s still impossible to hate because it’s just damn fun. You’re getting to see Nicolas Cage fight evil Showbiz Pizza characters! How can you not enjoy that, even a little?

Just about anyone who knows me knows that I’m a massive Nicolas Cage fan. His enthusiasm and commitment to every project he does is not only infectious, it’s incredibly commendable. He never half-asses a role, and I love and respect that. One thing you might not realize is that Cage never speaks during the movie. One might assume that this would shoot the film in the foot, but it actually really works! Cage’s acting style was always reminiscent of, and inspired by, German expressionism. This is why his acting is very physical, and his facial expressions are very big. Because of this, the film didn’t really suffer as a result of his lack of dialogue. He still gets to scream and mug for the camera, all while chopping up evil animatronic characters. The only other notable performance comes from Beth Grant, an underrated veteran character actress, who plays the town sheriff. Her intensity and conviction are surprisingly effective, given the otherwise silly nature of the film. There is also a rather entertaining (and quite dark) cameo from the star of a certain cult classic sci-fi/horror/comedy, but I won’t say anything more about that. You’ll just have to see it for yourself.

Willy’s Wonderland doesn’t go the extra mile or break any new ground, but it’s hard not to be won over by its pure ludicrousness. Nic Cage is as gloriously bombastic as ever, and its bizarre premise helps keep the film afloat whenever it begins to stall.

SCORE: 4/5