Candyman (1992) User Reviews

The Candyman definitely can...

[ivony · 8/10 · 9 September 2003]

Being a horror movie buff, I have no idea how this little gem escaped me the first time around. I'd heard a lot about it, read about it, etc but wrote it off as "probably stupid" like most of the other horror movies I had so wanted to see. So, it wasn't until many years after the movie's release that I finally saw it. And boy am I glad I did!

Surprisingly, the acting is fabulous...especially for a horror movie. Each character portrayed fantastically so as to add to the movie, rather than detract. No one really went over the top or became TOO dramatic. Overall, each character was portrayed realistically.

As for the plot: absolutely wonderful premise playing on the Bloody Mary urban legend. Surprisingly, the movie delivers on aspects of believabilty. Of course we don't *really* expect Candyman to pop out of a mirror, but how many of us have started the "Bloody Mary" chant only to stop at the very last one, not daring to continue? Our fears lie behind what COULD happen and the possibility that maybe..just maybe it's all real. Candyman plays on that fear and takes us even further over the edge.

The movie rids itself of the typical cliches (white, undefeatable stalker chasing half naked twits) and allows itself to be an entirely enjoyable, CEREBRAL horror movie. At first we wonder if the Candyman is perhaps just a person pretending to be him, then we start to question Helen's own sanity...wondering perhaps if SHE isn't the "real Candyman". Eventually, the movie leads us to an ending that answers our questions but doesn't shove those answers down our throat. Candyman also does what very few horror movies are capable of: it succeeded in having a strong ending rather than fizzling out during the last 10-15 minutes.

The setting and atmosphere are top notch. Using Chicago and Cabrini Green as its stage was perfect...bringing into play racial issues without going over the top or getting "in your face" to the point of losing its focus. The music in Candyman adds a mysterious mood that matches the dark, dismal atmosphere of the lone apartments in Cabrini Green.

All in all on my horror movie scale, I give Candyman a 10. To me, it was purely artistic and absolutely enjoyable. I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone even slightly interested in horror movies.

Who wants candy now, huh? Didn't think so

[Coventry · 8/10 · 6 October 2005]

A strong contender for the title of best horror film of the 1990's, Bernard Rose's "Candyman" is a very faithful (and therefore truly scary) adaptation of Clive Barker's skin crawling short story. This film features a very rare and successful combination of both creepy atmosphere and visual ingeniousness. Whereas most movies (especially during the 90's) can hardly focus on any of these essential horror elements, Bernard Rose masterfully succeeds in stuffing his film with genuine tension as well as shocking gore-images. The plot centers on doctoral student Helen (underrated actress Virginia Madsen in her best role) who becomes obsessed with the urban legend of a hook-handed killer that terrorizes the pauperized ghettos of the nearby Cabrini Green. Needless to say that the Candyman-myth gets a little too realistic for Helen, as everyone she comes into contact with ends up being brutally killed with a hook. The script is intelligent and always several steps ahead of you, the eerie musical guidance is brilliant and the make-up effects are fantastically gruesome. Tony Todd is ideally cast as the bogeyman, with his strong posture and – above all – incredibly frightening voice. The legend behind his character is staggering and it's beautiful to see how director Rose plays with the realism and surrealism of Barker's basic idea. Not many horror films of the 90's decade come with my highest possible recommendation, but this one definitely does. And don't forget, the Candyman CAN…rip you to pieces!

A truly wonderful, chilling, compelling and high quality masterpiece

[president242007 · 22 May 2004]

`Candyman' is a very frightening and yet intriguing and compelling movie that plays upon and cleverly manipulates old urban legends and myths of folklore and brings to life some of your worst nightmares and horrors. As far as scary movies go it falls into a category of its own in terms of its depth and excellence

One of the main strengths of this movie is that the script and the character performances are so powerful and credible that it doesn't feel the need to inject unnecessary horror/graphic/violent scenes into it to sensationalize it. Sure, there is an extensive amount of blood and gore in the movie but it nevertheless fits in with the plot and isn't added in just to give the film an unnecessary `horror' feel. The chilling and terrifying aspects of this movie come from the dialogue, the sequence of events and the emotions and personas revealed in the characters. The plot and the script is enough to leave you mesmerized throughout the whole movie and to remain on the edge of your seat with the anticipation of what is going to happen next. The producers and scriptwriters must receive top marks for the wonderful way in which they enriched the whole movie by relying on the script and the acting instead of adding cheap gimmicks into it to make it more frightening. In addition to that the lighting and the scenery around the whole movie makes it even more frightening

I have always thought Virginia Madsen to be a highly talented, qualified and excellent actress whose wonderful acting and gifted performances have been consistently overlooked when allocating movie roles. For me `Candyman' confirmed this thesis. Her portrayal of Helen Lyle is truly one of the most excellent portrayals of a character I have seen recently. She gives her character so much depth, dimension and genuine emotions. Tony Todd also emerges from this film as a very talented and wonderful actor. The amount of depth, dimension and persona that he gives to the character of the `Candyman' is amazing. Although the Candyman is in many ways a truly evil and frightening character, you also can't help but feel a great deal of sympathy for him at times and this too is a testament to Todd's acting. The supporting cast –particularly Vanessa Williams and even the young kid who Helen interviews while in the neighbourhood-also deserve an honourable mention for giving their characters such a realistic edge.

I would recommend this movie –it is chilling, frightening, intriguing, compelling, sad and wonderful all in one. One of the best movies I have ever seen in this genre

The original classic

[lareval · 6/10 · 28 August 2021]

A fine horror movie with a disturbing heart at the centre of it. I don´t find it perfect nor great, but it´s really good and totally deserves its cult status. Let´s see what they do with the reinterpretation.

Adult horror strikes back

[Steevh · 9/10 · 18 May 1999]

Deeply disturbing, intelligently made and without a screaming teen in sight, 'Candyman' is one of the stand-out horror movies of the decade.

To just list all the elements that make this one of the classiest genre efforts of recent years would probably take up most of the thousand words I am allowed here. Suffice to say, it has a genuinely uncomfortable premise, uncompromising execution and a bone jarringly lonely score by Philip Glass. Tony Todd is exceptional as the hollow-voiced titular creature; a lost soul brought to life by the whispers of myth. At once heartbreaking and terrifying this could be the definitive latter day horror movie monster- if it wasn't just that little bit too close to Hellraiser's Pinhead. But, when you have a winning combination of elegance and disgust in a verbose, cultured villain, why alter it too much?

Virginia Madsen convinces totally as Helen; and you can almost see all the cast acting their little socks off so as not to let the side down. So good, in fact, that I'm struggling to find one bad thing to say about it.

I read here, that in the eyes of one viewer, it "dwells on the nastier things in life" and wasn't a "nice film". I can think of no greater compliment for a truly adult horror movie. No dear, you won't find happy teens in pastel t-shirts having slumber parties and discussing trendy scary movies, while some rap star tries to sell records on the soundtrack. This is a grown up film for grown up people. There is a reason horror films are for adults, and that reason is 'Candyman'.

A 90's Classic.

[meddlecore · 7/10 · 15 October 2017]

A couple female grad students are researching urban legends, when they accidentally summon the demonic spirit of "Candyman"- a man who had his hand hacked off and replaced with a hook...before being stung to death by bees...who now goes around killing people...so that his legend can live on in the minds of his "congregation".

His hunting ground is the Chicago area projects...and his congregation is made up of all those who fear him.

The two young ladies head into the projects to do some research. Hoping to find the place where the last Candyman killing took place, and to ask local residents what they might know.

But they are asking too many questions, and this gets them some unwanted attention...leading to Helen (Virginia Madsen) getting beaten up.

The guy who beat her up was pretending to be Candyman, in an attempt to intimidate people. Though, in reality, he is just the leader of one of the local gangs.

So Helen becomes skeptical of Candyman's existence- thinking this is the source of the urban legend that the community holds onto so dearly

But that was her greatest mistake...for now Candyman seeks vengeance...for f*cking with his legacy.

He starts to take over Helen's mind- making her do things she would- she could- never fathom doing.

And forces her into a position, where she must accept a deal with the devil...or, well, him...in order to save the life of an innocent baby who he has kidnapped.

Now, she is wanted for murder, kidnapping, and animal cruelty...and finds herself institutionalized.

Is Candyman really responsible for all these crimes...or is it all in her head? Nothing a quick summoning test won't clear up...

This film is a pretty cool combination of slasher and psychological thriller, with some decent gore and awesome death scenes. Honestly, I'm really surprised I've never watched it until now. It sets you up for the gore with some cheap scares. But that final scene where Candyman is about to kill Helen is wicked. And the final twist at the end was a welcome surprise.

Looking forward to the rest of the trilogy.

6.5 out of 10.

Pretty good till the monster shows up

[edgeofreality · 6/10 · 5 March 2020]

The first third of this was quite involving. Crisp aerial photography, neat Philip Glass music, good acting from the heroine, and an interesting set up about urban legends. I enjoyed particularly the scenes at the university with the male lecturers trying to act clever, and the early scenes at the 'projects' with the usual threatening black teenagers, were unsettling enough. Yes, a few too many obvious jump scares, but it goes with the genre I guess. Once the real villain appeared, not sure why, but I didn't find him that interesting, or scary. Just tiresome. I liked how the heroine is framed and everyone thinks she's nuts, but for me, the whole backstory of the Candyman and how she was fated to be 'his' lacked originality. It all gets a bit too cartoonish by the end. Still recommended overall, especially for the main actress and the music.

Disappointing.

[zmaturin · 1/10 · 3 May 2000]

With his big fur coat, giant hook hand, and bee-stung body, Candyman is a very cool character, played by Tony Todd, a very cool actor. Unfortunately, he's only in this movie for about twelve minutes. The rest of the time is spent with an uninteresting grad student who is doing research on urban legends (horror movies have taught me that there's always a class on urban legends at every college). She unearths the tale of Candyman, which apparently ticks the guy off, because he lives on through word of mouth, and if she demystifies him he'll die- I think. The movie's kind of confusing. At one point the uninteresting grad student talks to an older colleague who also wrote a paper on Candyman, but Candyman seemingly has no interest in killing him- oh, wait, because the uninteresting grad student is a reincarnation of his past love or something. Again, the movie's kind of confusing. Not very scary, either- although the part where Candyman slices off a young boy's genitalia and throws them in a toilet goes beyond any John Waters movie in the ugly bad taste department.

This movie has a lot of good ideas, and the art direction is good, but the slow pacing and dull characters really hurt it. Despite a cameo from Ted Raimi, I can't recommend this movie. It's stuff like this that keep Clive Barker from becoming "future of horror".

A spooky, but also well thought out tale!

[lost-in-limbo · 9/10 · 2 September 2005]

Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) doctoral student, and wife of a collage professor, is doing research on urban legends and mythological folklore for her school thesis. Though, there is one legend which gets her attention and leads her to rundown housing block where the residents believe that the murders that took place there were done by the hook-handed serial killer The Candyman (Tony Todd). A mysterious figure that can be summoned by repeating his name five times while looking in the mirror. Which Helen does and now her life turns into horrifying nightmare, which teeters between reality and myth, as she gets closer to the truth about the Candyman.

Second time around and this memorable piece hasn't lost any of its effect. It's not only a incredibly brood horror film that manages to create an creeping/ingenious plot with such an unsettling physiological tone, but also providing some generally horrific shocks that creep up on you and aren't for the squeamish. So, it's far from your normal slasher and it just doesn't concentrate on the violence for a change. Not only does the plot build on this mystical legend constructively, but also there's also some solid social commentary on the mindset towards race and sex, which added more to this cleverly layered plot (or should I say tragic love story). What is so great about the screenplay is that you yourself feel apprehensive to what's happening to the protagonist and to where this story is heading by playing on what people believe and how these believes can overcome them. Plus it makes great use of the Chicago's gloomy surroundings. Not only does the film have substance, but also style to boot. The direction by Bernard Rose is quite brilliant, with Rose superbly mixing visuals that gel myth and reality superbly. Particularly the well-crafted encounters between Helen and the Candyman - these sequences were incredibly hair-raising. He creates such a glum and dark atmosphere within these rundown buildings filled with vibrant artwork, the richly layered aura goes hand-to-hand with the moody legend. The slow pacing of the film is perfect; there are no tedious blotches because you are totally wrapped in the story and by the delightful performances. The death toll isn't big, but there are some real gruesome deaths, with A LOT blood. The make-up and special effects are extremely thoughtful and inventive. Phillip Glass' extremely effective score deserves such high praise. Soothing, but also haunting and was incredibly effective towards building towards such an almighty blow. Another bonus was the smooth as silk camera-work; it captured the balanced layout of Chicago with plenty of stunning Ariel shots (great intro). Overall, I was just amazed by this beautifully planned production.

What a horror icon! Tony Todd totally nails down such a terrifying and profound performance as the mythical being The Candyman. I believe this horror character totally wipes the floor clean of the other icons of its genre and who created him? No other than from the dark mind of Clive Baker (Hellraiser), who brings this frightening thriller alive, which is basically based on Baker's short story - The Forbidden. He came up with a unique horror character that's downright unnerving, completely authentic and has a lot of depth. But Tony Todd's towering figure and eerie voice has a lot to owe to that and to make one tremble in his presence! Virginia Madsen gives a stellar performance as Helen Lyle, who we really do care for her and feel what she is feeling. Good supporting roles from Xander Berkley as Helen's Husband, Kasi Lemmons as her friend/student who's also working with her their thesis and Vanessa Williams as Anne-Marie McCoy who lives in the rundown estate. The dialogue was packed with depth, but also laced with interesting topics and Todd's lines were pretty much poetic and smooth.

The one and only "small" negative would be the ending for me. I was somewhat let down by the second ending and I thought maybe it could've done without it. It just felt tact on. Anyhow it didn't stop it from being damn right creepy and it does pack a real unsteadiness.

To get in the mood of it, I say it's definitely a film to watch late at night… alone.

One of the clever horror films (if not the best) of that disappointing decade they call the '90s for horror films. If you're looking for a serious horror (before Scream's imitators made a mockery of the slasher sub-genre), I highly recommend this provocative slasher that doesn't cop out the audience.

Candyman

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 11 September 2020]

Based on a Clive Barker story that has been transplanted to Chicago by British writer/director Bernard Rose.

Candyman is part Urban Legend/Gothic Romance/Psychological Thriller/Slasher Horror. It is because Rose plays around with horror tropes to move away from being a Freddy Krueger style rip off.

Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) is a graduate student researching urban myths who hears a story about the Candyman (Tony Todd.)

If you recite Candyman five times in front of a mirror, he will appear with his hooked hand. Helen starts to investigate some deaths in the Cabrini Green district which might be attributed to Candyman or it could be just local gangs.

However are some of the incidents in Helen's head as she is accused of murder or is she under some sort of spell by the Candyman. Even Helen's husband, a university professor has doubts about her sanity.

There are lots of themes explored in this film including social class and race. Some of the characters such as Helen's husband have ulterior motives. Rose goes for disturbing images rather than just purely gore.

There is a very nice opening scene as we see overhead images of traffic moving. It gives the film a hypnotic beat. However it does not always hold together well, becoming preposterous as it goes on. Tony Todd is an imposing figure as Candyman.

* * * out of 4.

[brandonsites1981 · 10 September 2002]

College student (Virginia Madsen) decides to write a paper on a slave (Tony Todd) who was killed for simply being in love with a white woman. Legend has it if you call out his name several times, he will appear and kill you to avenge his death. Naturally Madsen is disbelieving of this, but Todd starts butchering off all of her friends and framing her in order to make her believe.

This film is so intense and frightening, that when I first saw this on home video with all of the lights on, I actually had to call my mother and get her to come over and comfort me, because this film scared me to death. Tony Todd is perfect in a menacing performance as the villain and Virginia Madsen makes the perfect victim capturing the right balance between terror and disbelief. The myths and legends behind the film are so complex and so fascinating that this film could have gone on for at least another hour and not be one bit overlong. There is plenty of characterization and atmosphere and the settings for the film are very well chosen. However, working somewhat against the film are some of the supporting actors, poor special effects, and an ultra gimmickey ending that feels as though it belongs in another film given the tone and subject matter of this film.

Rated R; Graphic Violence, Profanity, and Brief Nudity.

Decent slasher...

[andyajoflaherty · 7/10 · 21 April 2023]

Based on a short story by Clive Barker, Candyman concerns itself with Helen, a grad student who is researching the myth around a supposed demonic killer who goes by the name Candyman. Convinced the killer is a normal guy who is trying to conceal his identity behind an urban legend, Helen gets much more than she bargained for when she summons the evil spirit and it falls in love with her.

I quite enjoyed this. Its suitably gritty and dirty, has a great villain and some pretty brutal gore and effects. You really begin to question whether the candyman is real or not and if Helen is just nuts, and Tony Todd puts in a great performance as the titular killer. The bee scene in particular is pretty great and was done with real bees! Urgh! In the mood for a supernatural slasher? Then this might just quench that thirst...

Classic Horror Film and the Birth of Tony Todd

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 30 June 2014]

The Candyman (Tony Todd), a murderous soul with a hook for a hand, is accidentally summoned to reality by a skeptic grad student (Virginia Madsen) researching the monster's myth.

Horror fans will appreciate the Ted Raimi cameo (and it is interesting to note that this same year, director Bernard Rose appeared as a "fake shemp" in "Army of Darkness"). Although Rose co-wrote and directed this now-classic horror film, he seems to have never before or since been involved in anything very memorable (besides being a production assistant on "The Dark Crystal").

The lecture hall scene early on is an interesting precursor to "Urban Legend", which borrows at least a similar theme from this movie if nothing else.

And best of all, this film launched Tony Todd into being a horror icon. Sure he was already a known actor with "Platoon" and such, but he is now, forever, known as the Candyman.

Delivers on pretty much every level

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 22 February 2011]

You'd think perhaps from the title that the film wouldn't be as good as it turned out to be. Based on Clive Barker's excellent, intelligent and very chilling book, Candyman is a very good film.

The production values are great and very stylish. The cinematography is beautiful, and the setting and lighting is suitably atmospheric. The atmosphere also really helps, and the more disturbing bits do not thankfully come across as laughable or fake, thanks to the atmosphere and other factors it is genuinely chilling. Phillip Glass's hypnotic and goosebump-inducing score is also very effective, Bernard Rose directs brilliantly, the story is always gripping with Candyman's origins especially well done the dialogue is thought-provoking, intelligent and fits each scene accordingly.

The film is a good length and goes at a well-judged pace. The performances are impressive too, Virginia Madsen is simply terrific in a difficult role while Tony Todd is absolutely terrifying down from his posture to his voice. In fact, for me the only real downside was the ending, it was a sort of "it's not over" ending, and for me(I may be biased as I am not a fan of this type of ending) it felt tacky. In conclusion, an atmospheric horror film that delivers on pretty much every level. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Clive Barker terror

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 14 October 2013]

Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) and her friend Bernadette Walsh (Kasi Lemmons) are researching an urban legend about Candyman who has a hook for a hand. He appears to those who say his name five times in front of a mirror. The pair goes to Cabrini Green, a gang ridden part of Chicago, to investigate some deaths attributed to the legend.

Based on a Clive Barker novel, this starts slowly. The rundown setting and the gang violence really amps up the atmosphere. Virginia Madsen has brought a compelling performance without overplaying the victim. Tony Todd is amazing as the creepy Candyman. This isn't just a slasher movie. It's more a psychological thriller. The pacing does have some slow spots, but it never stops the tension. It's a great little horror movie.

Float Like a Butterfly and Sting Like a Bee-Hive

[BaronBl00d · 5/10 · 15 January 2005]

OK, Candyman has a very intriguing premise behind it. Apparently an urban legend abounds that this killer known as the Candyman will come behind you when you say his name five times and gut you with his hook. A grad student and friend investigate the legend and find some tangible evidence of his existence. From there on, we, as the audience, are treated to some plot twists involving Virginia Madsen(as the grad student)seeing Candyman - perhaps in reality that only she is privy to or in her dreams or in some other psychological state. What we do know is that murders take place and Madsen is involved somehow. My take on the film is a somewhat mixed one. As with much of Clive Barker's work(this film is based on his novel The Forbidden), I am always a step behind understanding what is exactly going on. Some viewers don't seem to mind that and even embrace it as some type of genius or something. I must confess I do not. Barker's story definitely has flair and there are many memorable scenes in the movie - many of which will make you take a good jump. Director Bernard Rose is a good director creating some truly innovative and evocative scenes. The Chicago tenements are treated with a most frightening realism. Tony Todd makes a scary bogeyman as he portrays the Candyman. And Madsen does a nice job(with a needless nude scene thrown in just in case you lose interest). But I just found the plot too far out there for me to really enjoy the film. Bees were filled in a toilet seat in a disgusting filthy restroom outside...why? I had lots more questions along that vein. The ending did not match the first three quarters of the film in terms of continuity or realism. The film has quite a following, and in large part I can see why - but just don't agree. For me Candyman is neither a good film nor a bad one. Just average.

ok, a little anticlimactic, so what?

[tht · 8/10 · 3 September 1999]

Candyman is one of my all time favorite horror movies. It is genuinely scary, and it makes one have second thoughts when standing in front of a mirror.

What I particularly enjoyed about the movie is the multidimensional development of the plot at the sociological, psychological, and parapsychological level. The first scene of the movie presents in a nutshell the experience that the viewer is going to have, an experience so common (regarding urban legends) yet so distant.

The acting (esp. by Virginia Madsen) is superb. The setting could not be more perfect. The shaggy, derelict apartment buildings at Cabrini Green create the proper ambience for what is to follow.

Certainly the gory scenes are not very attractive, and in a way such explicit portrayal does not seem necessary, since the psychological suspense is the driving force of the movie. Also the ending is rather anticlimactic and overdrawn. Disappointing sequel....

Fun to watch with people who scare easily!

It's just, well, what's the point . . . ?

[Jacques98 · 1/10 · 8 January 2009]

Believe me, I know it's hard to look past nostalgia. But sometimes we all have to grow up and accept that not everything we loved as a kid was actually worthy of our love. For example, let's say you grew up with a certain stuffed animal, and then you turn 13 and you know it's time to detach yourself from it, but you can't. I know from experience that's how a lot of horror fans are with old slasher films. They watched Candyman when they were 5-years-old, and to this day their biased minds find it greater than anything any new horror film could possibly conceive. They overlook the fact that by today's standards, Candyman is pure cheese. I'm not writing this review for those people. There is nothing whatsoever I can say here that would even slightly change your opinion. I'm writing this highly negative review for the open-minded horror fans out there, who have yet to see this so-called "classic".

First and foremost, as I said, Candyman is pure, unabashed cheese horror. The first time you see the actual Candyman himself, you'll probably laugh out loud and roll around on the floor like I did. Putting a man in an over-sized fur coat with a cheap plastic hook sticking out one end isn't exactly terrifying stuff, I'm sorry to say. Coming from a horror fan who has actually matured with the times, this is about as scary to me as a walrus with a toy chainsaw. Put simply, the only reason this film is so bad is because it's so cheesy, yet it takes itself as seriously as if it's dealing with something that isn't straight out of a children's cartoon. Don't get me wrong, I very much appreciate the serious tone, but it's downright stupid in this context. It's a film about killer medicine cabinets, folks, not the real-life Holocaust or something.

The story is about as generic and uncreative as a horror movie can get. It's a play on the old Bloody Marry myth, and the plot direction takes the same path that has been rehashed countless times in films just like it before. Woman reporter—already a horror cliché and I haven't even gotten through three words of the synopsis—is investigating a murder, she discovers a myth, she researches it, the myth comes to haunt her. Oh man, how original. Do not tell me Candyman started these clichés, because it didn't. This exact plot has been used in everything from 60s horror films to episodes of 80s cartoons. There is nothing creative here. The ending is a rip-off of an old Twilight Zone episode. The movie is so generic and unoriginal, I have nothing more to say about it. Other than it's also boring to the point of nausea.

I was never a Clive Baker fan for this exact reason. He's so obsessed with over-the-top, cheesy villains and cliché situations, I find almost everything he's written nearly unreadable. I know this will anger his fans, but, sorry, if there is anyone who I blame for the cheese-horror outbreak, it's him. And Candyman is the single most typical work he's ever done.

Is there a single positive thing I can say here? No. I can at least cut some cheese-horror films slack for at least having some creativity (Sleepaway Camp for example), but I can't even do that here. In other words, Candyman is a bland, generic slasher with a laughable villain and unoriginal premise. And I've written this exact review so many times I might as well just save it, change the movie title, and repost it for every 80s and 90s slasher film out there, because no matter how much faith I have there may be at least one slasher that isn't bad, they almost all are. And what's even sadder is that they're almost all acclaimed. Am I really the only one who looks past nostalgia anymore?

0/10

Easy to Call This One a Classic

[Michael_Elliott · 22 October 2012]

Candyman (1992)

*** (out of 4)

Grad student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) is doing research on why certain groups of people blame their violence on mythical legends when she comes across the name Candyman (Tony Todd). Soon Helen realizes that this figure with a hook for a hand is more than just a legend. CANDYMAN certainly stands as one of the best horror films of the 90s as it contains a great story, a creepy atmosphere, some great performances and of course many chilling moments. The story from Clive Barker is certainly something interesting to just think about because the idea of what an urban legend is and how it plays a part in people's lives who believe it is the best thing about the movie. I really loved how director Bernard Rose kept the viewing guessing at all times as to what was going on. Was it really Candyman doing all the killing or had Helen simply lost her mind while doing the research? It certainly helps that you've got such great actors in the leading roles and especially with Madsen. She does an extremely good job in the lead as she really makes you believe all of this stuff that is going on and it's a pretty deep character and the actress has no problems with it. Todd and that iconic voice makes Candyman one of the most memorable screen villains in horror history and that calm and cool nature of the actor really comes across extremely creepy. The film also features a very good score from Philip Glass and of course there's the striking images. I think the film does get a bit too long in the final act but there are just so many effective moments and killings here that you can't help but call this a classic of the genre.

This movie scared the daylights out of me....

[rekca · 7/10 · 15 August 2003]

I've a horror movie buff. So sue me. As long as it is something that I cannot foresee happening in real life, I'll cheer on the gore. Freddy Krueger is not going to kill me in my dreams. If my car breaks down, I will not end up at Rob Zombie's House of a Thousand Corpses. Michael Myers is the name of a brilliant Canadian actor. And, the Candyman is not going to appear in my mirror (I hope).

I took a poll among my friends and we all unanimously agreed that this movie was the scariest we have ever seen. The Candyman and the last episode of Twin Peaks make one never want to look straight into a mirror again!

Tony Todd, who plays the Candyman, does a great job of being one of the creepiest of the horror movie genre villains, that deep voice of his sends chills down your back. Only Clive Barker (and, okay maybe Stephen King) could dream something like this up.

So, don't watch it expecting something spectacular, it's not an Oscar-winning movie, it's just made for cheap thrills, as are a lot of horror movies. Be sure to watch it in the dark, but don't watch it alone....

A great horror flick which has stood the test of time

[Analog_Devotee · 7/10 · 28 April 2021]

Back in October, I was in the hospital due to gallbladder issues. Except, unfortunately, we were in the dark at the time on what the actual issue was, because I was having pains in the middle of my chest instead of my abdomen. I was poked, prodded, scanned, questioned and pressed for 48 hours and I couldn't have been more miserable.

In the midst of all this rigmarole, I scanned the channels on the tiny television set mounted on the wall, mostly alternating between sitcom and Star Trek reruns, until I finally landed on that horizontal bird's eye scan which I thought I recognized (there was no way to tell what the hell you were actually watching; no guide or anything). Then "CANDYMAN" in white letters fell to the middle of the screen. I hadn't seen this film in a decade, maybe even longer. I turned up the volume, letting that beautiful soundtrack fill my lonely little hospital room and, miraculously, wasn't bothered for the entire runtime of the film.

While it may sound ridiculous to say this film put me at ease, that's most certainly what it did. For two hours (don't forget commercials, blegh) I felt like I wasn't even in the hospital. I felt back at home, chilling in my living room to a badass horror flick.

Beware of the medicine cabinet!

[jotix100 · 8/10 · 21 October 2004]

As far as horror films go, this movie will scare the living daylights out of anyone! Clive Barker's novel "The Forgotten" is the basis for this picture that shows a lot of style under the direction of Bernard Rose. This nightmarish tale is translated for the screen by the author and its director.

The two principals, Helen, brilliantly played by the gorgeous Virginia Madsen, and Tony Todd, as the Candyman, enhance the picture. Ms. Madsen plays Helen the student finishing her thesis in urban legends. She makes the mistake of going to the projects to do some research, only to learn much more of what really happened at the scene of the crime. Helen tempts the Candyman. He comes back to haunt her as we discover that this is a story that is being replayed and must have a closure. Tony Todd makes a smashing appearance and runs away with the movie.

The special effects are cleverly done. The brilliant costumes by Leonard Pollack add a touch of class to the proceedings.

This is a film to watch with someone, as it can cause nightmares for a long, long time.

Dare you say his name five times... "Candyman"

[dee.reid · 10/10 · 9 October 2004]

Undoubtedly one of the more original and frightening horror movies of the early 90s, Bernard Rose's "Candyman," an adaptation of famed author Clive Barker's "The Forbidden," stands well on its own as an effectively creepy film.

I was only about six or seven when I first heard the terrifying "Bloody Mary" legend, which was similar to the Candyman legend. And I'm sure others have heard stories about alligators in the sewer or the hesitant 911 operator. Indeed, the "Candyman" and "Bloody Mary" legends do share some common ground, in that if you chant their names before a mirror "x" number of times, they'll appear behind you and hack you to pieces.

I used to believe in these legends - when I was kid - but as I grew older, I realized that they're just legends and therefore aren't meant to be taken literally. But that's the central dilemma with 1992's "Candyman": If you believe in something enough, will that belief make fiction reality?

The Candyman (Tony Todd) has claimed responsibility for a series of grisly slayings in a particularly rough Chicago housing project, and Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) is anxious to discredit the myths. But when she is falsely accused of several brutal murders, could the Candyman be out for revenge, because she doubted him?

I'll admit upfront that I'm not familiar with the works of Clive Barker, who is clearly one of the most talented writers of the last 20 years. Only this film and "Hellraiser" have been able to capture my interest, unfortunately. "Candyman" is certainly a terrifying experience from start to finish, as you can't really be sure if the hook-handed spectral entity of the title actually exists in the physical world.

10/10

Really cool backstory

[drpainters · 7/10 · 7 June 2020]

Candyman has a very interesting backstory that gives his character a lot of depth. Would say this is a must see of slasher movies and I'll look forward to the remake when it comes out

A contemporary elegiac masterpiece

[drownsoda90 · 10/10 · 12 July 2006]

Grad student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) and her peer Bernadette (Kasi Lemmons) investigate urban legends as a part of Helen's thesis project; in doing so, they uncover the lore of the "Candyman", a slave executed during the 18th-century and who wields a hook for a hand. Helen makes the mistake of invoking him, but it seems her destiny has been leading her to him all along.

There are a handful of horror films made post-1990 that have entered the canon of the "great horror" films, and "Candyman" is certainly one of them. Based on Clive Barker's short story "The Forbidden," this take relocates the story to inner-city Chicago, examining race and social inequities as opposed to the source material's analysis of the English class system; it's a bold move, but a sensible one, and allows for perhaps a more nuanced exploration.

While the film is full of grotesque violence and has a handful of frightening scenes, it's really honestly more beautiful than it is horrific-the cinematography is fantastic, and Philip Glass's musical score is absolutely sublime. Tony Todd carries the film as the titular antihero, and evokes profound sadness as much as he does terror. Virginia Madsen plays counterpoint as the inquisitive, headstrong academic who finds herself pulled into his legend through forces beyond her understanding. Xander Berkeley plays supporting as Helen's leering professor husband, and Kasi Lemmons plays her best friend/confidant.

The film builds toward a conclusion that is harrowing and simultaneously beautiful, ending on a note that leaves one wondering if they've just witnessed a Greek tragedy or an outright slasher film; the answer is probably somewhere in-between, but the film is an exquisite achievement nonetheless. 10/10.