Candy Corn (2019) User Reviews

EC Comics-style revenge yarn

[mungflesh · 4/10 · 4 November 2019]

It's the staple idea of revenge and retribution used in many an EC Comics tale and subsequent portmanteau movies of the 70s and 80s, such as Vault of Horror and Tales from the Crypt.

A Halloween tradition is revisited by a bunch of friends, looking for twisted kicks. What they didn't expect is what was to follow in its wake.

By twisted kicks, that appears to mean to beat someone up once a year at Halloween for no apparent reason. It's a fairly lame excuse for the golem-esque story which follows, even in this Pumpkinhead sub genre of horror, but hey ho.

Some of the gory scenes are quite entertaining but way too drawn out to have any shock factor; the lack of budget is not concealed well with sleight of hand in the editing - which is probably the movie's weakest point. Most scenes could be trimmed a bit; it's a slightly tedious viewing experience and doesn't lend well to the movie's quality, especially where the acting is concerned. The performances are pretty good, it's just that the scenes need a bit more trimming to feel right and the characters really needed a bit more fleshing out.

I love this kind of horror tale, it just hasn't been presented very well. Hopefully the makers can take on board the criticism and get it right next time. Candy Corn has a lot of unrealised potential and I really wanted to like it more.

Better than I expected...

[Wikkid_Gamez · 5/10 · 18 September 2019]

True that I was definitely not expecting much, but this ended up being a fun little Halloween movie. It is a bit clunky at times as someone else said but the acting was decent, the effects and blood were realistic enough and I loved the whole vibe the setting had. A simple plot and story that plays out typical of movies like this. It reminded me of the Pumpkinhead movies and such. The makeup on the "creature/avenging victim" is good. They didn't take his looks over the top keeping him realistic looking and creepy. The whole late 70's setting was fun as it gave the feel of those older movies. The cinematography was good and I loved that it seems to have actually been filmed in Autumn with the trees and such so my guess is that it must have been mostly filmed last Autumn maybe? I am not sure.

Overall it was good for the budget. Tony Todd was the main reason I gave this one a chance and watched a trailer on YouTube to get an idea of how cheesy it would be. Which it really is not that cheesy, the actors take the film seriously which definitely helps. With just a few good quips thrown in but not enough to be annoying.

I would recommend this to anyone with an open mind that can appreciate low budget horror films without expecting blockbuster results.

Negatives outweigh the positives

[methis · 3/10 · 22 September 2019]

The good: Makeup

The bad: Just about everything else. Poor casting (non-actors who are too old for the behavior depicted); poor script (even if the actors could deliver a line, these are too cheesy), poor pacing (there were times when I had to fight sleep; the single note piano lines of the score didn't help), poor screenplay (illogical, pointless behavior and lots of it.)

Wow

[Neon_Gold · 1/10 · 25 November 2021]

I feel a little harsh giving this movie one star but it's so bad.

It feels like a film student project. I say that about a lot of movies but this honestly feels like a group of college students got to gather and made a movie. The acting is awful. The script is terrible. The camera feels like it was strapped on the back of a one legged turtle.

The actors has two gears in this movie. One: reading the lines so flat it was like they were reading their grandads will. It was just dead. Or two: they were absolutely chopping at the scenery. It was so insanely big it felt like they were in a pantomime.

There is also no protagonist nor an actual coherent story, for some reason they love to use slow motion. It is used so often in this movie!

Step in the right direction

[tcondit-49882 · 1/10 · 9 October 2019]

I was lucky enough not to get caught up in the unwarranted crowd funding hype so I was neither excited or turned off by this one

The good. The mask looks great, courtney gains does a good job, and the carnival setting looks cool.

The bad. Terrible fx and an inexcusable CGI blood effect. Underused Tony Todd and PJ soles. Terrible action, amateur editing and sound mistakes, and a completely wooden supporting cast.

That being said, I am interested to see what the director does next. He had some great core ideas and I think he has the stuff to make a good movie, it just wasn't this one.

Trying So Hard to Be Rob Zombie it Hurts.

[jburtonprod-802-759029 · 2/10 · 3 March 2020]

I wasn't surprised to find out the director had done a behind the scenes video for Rob Zombie's way below the grade '31'. This movie is so derivative it can't help but make you think of some of Zombie's better movies, like the first Halloween remake. The problem there is every idea in this movie has been already been done much better in the source material.

There is nothing remotely scary here. It's just a by the numbers, coming back from the grave for revenge movie. None of the characters are developed enough to make you care, not even film's main protagonist/antagonist. The direction is so derivative and ham handed it prevents any attempt to suspend disbelief and get into the movie. Tony Todd and P.J Soles are given nothing to do and are obviously just there for name recognition. Sorry, just nothing to recommend here.

A movie plagued with cliches and horrible acting

[Kygai · 2/10 · 14 October 2019]

It's an independent film, I get it, but that being said I've seen better acting #x27;s than I witnessed in this movie. Visually the movie looks fantastic, the music is decent, the mask was cool but the acting and horrible cliche story ruined the entire film. I'd wait and see if this makes it to any streaming services and would be worth a watch for free, but definitely not worth picking up.

Dread Central and Bloody disgusting

[mdbourke-282-899973 · 2/10 · 23 September 2019]

Have to stop putting their names behind terrible genre movies. If you are true fans of the genre you need to align with true horror movies, better scripts. Better actors. Better made films. Tony Todd, PJ Soles and Courtney Gaines can't save this piece of garbage. But again, none of them have been known for their acting abilities now have they?!? This only cost me bandwidth and time, save yourself and read a book instead

A VERY DULL & BORING FILM

[filmlover247 · 19 September 2019]

This film is horrendous from the start... very unoriginal story of bullies & revenge that we've seen a million times. The acting seems lifeless & comical most of the time and almost felt like a student film project poorly shot . Shirley the waitress has the two most exciting things and that doesn't say a lot ... we'll I should have expected this as who like Candy Corn anyway!!! The kills are extremely predictable and only the blood is a positive in this film. Don't waste any money on this film as you will be disappointed.

Better than expected

[Randall-Flagg01 · 6/10 · 19 September 2019]

Seeing the reviews on IMDB I expected to be very underwhelmed. However, I had the opposite reaction. For an obviously low budget film, I liked the setting, the acting and the retro feel. Definitely gets you in the Halloween mood. Recommended.

As clunky as it may be, Candy Corn put me in a right Halloween mood.

[FilmsFillMyHoles · 5/10 · 17 September 2019]

Josh Hasty wears his influences on his sleeves loud and proud, like patches on his favourite jean jacket, but I'd say he pulls off the look well enough. In the beginning we're treated with a nice establishing scene - with the one and only Sky Elobar - which is followed by that fantastic title sequence, with those wonderful autumn vibes and soothing synths (it's the absolute highlight for me). Then the plot kicks in and things start to fall flat and slooow down rather quickly.

With an uninspired revenge plot and the lack of a real protagonist - stuck with a boring killer (liked the pumpkin candy holder schtick, though), boring bullies, and a boring sheriff - the mind begins to wander over into the background, which is where Candy Corn's strength lies. The lovely set dressing and location, the Carpenteresque score, and all those endearing side/background characters - the deputies, Elobar, P.J. freaking Soles! (essentially playing Lucy Moran), Pancho Moler's especially fun. I also like how it all seems sort of out of time, like I've no idea when it's supposed to take place (can't remember if it's mentioned).

While it could have been a little tighter - there are clear pacing issues and those forced slo-mo scenes are a bother - it is about 80 minutes of perfectly enjoyable mood setting for Halloween season. So I think I would recommend it as just that.

Also, if this were to turn into a series, I'd be into checking a sequel out come next year, or something.

Awesome for horror fans

[UniqueParticle · 8/10 · 24 April 2020]

Even cheesy types can be enjoyable with the right perspective! Has a lot of greatness especially the killer, the makeup, brutal violence, music and Pancho Molar is incredible! Some dull moments but it's ok the rest makes up for it. Perfect to get you in the mood for Halloween even though it's not that time of year I was in the mood for dark film after the rough day I had.

The rating doesn't reflect the movie I just watched.

[shhay-55134 · 6/10 · 9 October 2019]

Wasn't expecting much out of this film especially due to the such poor reviews but still wanted to give it a chance. No, it's not a great movie but it's good. Most of the actors definitely could use some more acting classes. Pancho definitely carries the film. The killer's mask is great and the kills are pretty standard.

I think you should at least give the movie a chance, there are a lot worse Horror movies with better ratings out there (Vince Vaughn's Psycho, Rings...)

So many fake high score reviews. Unoriginal and poorly made

[Jester222 · 3/10 · 20 September 2019]

This film doesn't even try to be original. The clichés flow one after another. Even for a low budget it still lacks anything of merit. The freakshow has zero customers!? Sheriff is useless and his sons acting is terrible. Couple of the make up effects are passable. But it's just a poorly shot, weak scripted pointless film cashing in on Tony Todd being in the film.......which he barely is and when appears in screen looks bored. Don't waste your time. It really has nothing goin for it. The promotion for this film was very good though I must say. The trailer made the film look good (did its job well) but it wasn't the film I saw. The fake reviews are just painfully obvious. It's rating tells you all you need to know. Avoid.

So bad!

[billrw-29-219733 · 2/10 · 13 May 2021]

Afraid I didn't make it too far into this one, due to the TREMENDOUSLY bad acting. 😱

its like a rob zombie film, but without being good

[georgio-26490 · 3/10 · 10 July 2020]

Take the house of 1000 corpses and mix it up with 31, then replace actors with waiters and waitresses from mcdonalds. water down any serious script writing, get the special effects from plasticine and water based paints, and bingo youve got this movie!! it really isnt as bad as most make out , however every kill and 90% of the dialogue has been copied perfectly from other horrors, mainly rob zombie movies. it couldve been a half decent film, it wasnt

Oh. My. God...

[scott-adamsrealtor · 1/10 · 27 March 2020]

I was hoping for a little more with PJ Soles and Tony Todd connected with the film, but no. Script, acting, cinematography, score...no hits all misses. Speaking of misses, definitely miss this movie. You've been warned.

Dumbest movie I've ever paid money for...

[mikepbruff · 1/10 · 23 September 2019]

This is the most God awful movie I have ever paid for and close to ever seen. It just goes to show how flawed critics ratings are. We paid to watch this movie because it said it had four and a half stars. Not to mention the trailer made the movie appear to be way better than it was. So Kudos to whomever put the deceiving trailer together. The only other Kudos I'd give is for the music throughout the movie was pretty good. Pretty eerily and haunting. Other than that - this movie was absolutely horrible. Don't believe these critic ratings - I think they must all be related to the actors and anyone else that put this hunk of crap together.

Incredibly Bad -

[jessebhogal · 8 December 2021]

Absolutely awful! How on earth is this ever made and then released. I can name a THOUSAND bad things but here's just one: The Sheriff telling his Son about the murders over the phone - cue slow-mo + overhead music. I mean come on, will you?

I tried, I really did!

[PsychoBeard666 · 2/10 · 9 July 2020]

I gave it a chance but you'll never see worse acting in a movie. The story is weak and the budget was obviously super low.

No redeeming qualities.

Do NOT watch it.

Not a 10, but definitely not a 1

[queeroid · 7/10 · 22 September 2019]

It's a solid horror film, focusing on bullies getting what's coming to them, as well as some "innocent" people getting caught in the crossfire. The acting is just okay, with the exception of Jimothy Beckholt. He stands out as really, really terrible. But otherwise, a good time. Especially with the obvious nods to Twin Peaks.

Miscasted

[draftdubya · 2/10 · 2 September 2021]

Some 30 year Olds beats a mentally challenged man to death for no reason what so ever. Maybe if they were in their teens, but these are over college aged grown men.

A great movie for the Halloween season!

[jonathanpatricknorton · 9/10 · 29 September 2019]

Candy Corn is more than just a Halloween treat, it's a tasteful and exciting homage to the genre. A well executed cast who delivered each line with heart. Atmospherically everything you could ask for in a film that wants to transport you to another era. I highly recommend this to anyone who has a soft spot In their heart for the gritty and grungy movies of the past.

My Review Of "Candy Corn"

[ASouthernHorrorFan · 7/10 · 26 September 2019]

The story is a pretty straight forward supernatural slasher tale. It makes no denial of fully drawing from its classic horror inspirations. The writing is a little weaker than it needed to be given the strong, visceral, and celebratorial way it presents it's self. Not so much the overall concept and structure, more the dialog and explanatory/justification material meant to make the actions believable.

The cast do good to create these, 'unappealing' characters. There isn't too many people in this film that you find yourself cheering on. They are grimey, flawed, and unsavory delinquents that make the objective more about anticipation for the moment they meet their demise. Still, the actors give their all and feel comfortable in these parts. There is a hint of over coached, and choreographed sequences that feel more like a momentary statement.

The real flavor with "Candy Corn" comes in some really cool, effective cinematography and one heck of a music score. It sells everything that Josh Hasty is delivering in the movie. The horror influences really show a love by the crew attached to this project. The next really good aspect is the killer design of Jacob Atkins' costuming. Plus most of the death scenes are practical effect.

Overall "Candy Corn" is a fun indie slasher, the fact that it happens on Halloween is just a tasty treat. Yeah there is a couple of issues with writing, it could have been tweaked. Still there is plenty to enjoy, even if it takes nearly forty minutes to get going. Definitely check this one out and appreciate the horror references and celebration of Holiday horror.

The only thing good about this movie is...

[morrish-49324 · 4/10 · 25 September 2019]

Pancho Moler as Dr.Death and certain kills and Jacobs costume and mask...stale acting and scores.

Constructive Criticism is a virtue.