Candyman (1992) Review
Written by: BlackTequilaKiss
Before I go any further. I LOVE Candyman. I adore the film and everything within it. I love it enough that there is no way I will put it down.
This is the pinnacle in horror movies. Not relying on shock effects or cheap scare jumps this movie is so much more.
This is the horror movie that sings closest to my heart.
The story as such goes:
Helen Lyle is writing a paper on Urban Legends when she comes across the story of Candyman. The legend goes if you say his name 5 times in the mirrors he will appear in person, a hook for a hand and kill the person who called upon him. When a series of unsolved murders rock Cabrini Green, Helen searches for answers unwilling to believe a urban legend is the answer. Until the fateful day she crosses paths with Candyman. Now she is in a race to stop him from killing once again...
To me this is the team of perfection. It has everything in my opinion that a horror movie needs to stand out; shine. No gloss, gritty, dark, sensual, broody and everything else, it is a joy to watch this time and time again. It never gets old.
Cast:
Tony Todd as Daniel Robitaille/ Candyman-
Wow, wow and wow! Todd can do no wrong in my eyes. There's a raw edge to his acting. The deep silky voice paired with the look he was Candyman. Flirtation in his eyes there is something very beautiful and yet deeply disturbing about his take on Candyman. All I am aware of is that his presence was one that kept my eyes fixated on the screen, able to turn his hand to anything he commands the screen. Todd you are my prince of the screen!
Virginia Masden as Helen Lyle-
I have to respect this gal. I loved her in The Number 23 and yes I like that movie and she does a fine job in this too. The cynical aspect of her persona, refusing to believe in Candyman is not clichéd given that another in her position would most likely have come to the same conclusion. She plays the role well moving from a non believer to a woman forced to confront the darkness. By showing her vulnerability she becomes a more open character and someone who earned my respect. Much love Masden!
Every other character played their characters with great aplomb. All acting was done to great effect. Excellent.
Creating a Great Movie:
Every other element was just as wonderful.
Soundtrack, composing was the perfect compliment to this film. Some of the soundtrack primarily the composing around Candyman himself was just sweet, (if you will excuse the pun) and was amazing against the silk tones of Todd's voice I couldn't imagine anything as good as those moments. The tiny goose bumps pressing against my skin, rising as the soundtrack became more sinister; affluent. Sensuous.
In terms of the gore I liked how it wasn't constant, 24/7 but used to great distinction in scenes where it was required. Stunning set pieces elaborating between light and dark, white and black, everything was just set in tone. I cannot and shall not find fault with this movie.
Movies like this are in my honest opinion, a rare breed.
Director, Bernard Rose created a wonderfully fleshed story where the distinction between any CGI effects and normal are not easily defined. It is left to your imagination to find that line. I dare you.
Gothic undertones against a modern setting it doesn't follow the suite of your usual horror fare.
You have characters you love despite your heart saying otherwise, Candyman..., characters you loathe. A setting that is part of today's function, a romance, tender but in the end unfeasible compassion between two key characters. This film pulls at my heartstrings, despite the cruelness of Candyman you ache as you know his hardships prior to what he becomes. It is a line between love and hate you don't know what to make of it. But it is beautiful.
This is the pinnacle in horror movies. Not relying on shock effects or cheap scare jumps this movie is so much more.
This is the horror movie that sings closest to my heart.
The story as such goes:
Helen Lyle is writing a paper on Urban Legends when she comes across the story of Candyman. The legend goes if you say his name 5 times in the mirrors he will appear in person, a hook for a hand and kill the person who called upon him. When a series of unsolved murders rock Cabrini Green, Helen searches for answers unwilling to believe a urban legend is the answer. Until the fateful day she crosses paths with Candyman. Now she is in a race to stop him from killing once again...
To me this is the team of perfection. It has everything in my opinion that a horror movie needs to stand out; shine. No gloss, gritty, dark, sensual, broody and everything else, it is a joy to watch this time and time again. It never gets old.
Cast:
Tony Todd as Daniel Robitaille/ Candyman-
Wow, wow and wow! Todd can do no wrong in my eyes. There's a raw edge to his acting. The deep silky voice paired with the look he was Candyman. Flirtation in his eyes there is something very beautiful and yet deeply disturbing about his take on Candyman. All I am aware of is that his presence was one that kept my eyes fixated on the screen, able to turn his hand to anything he commands the screen. Todd you are my prince of the screen!
Virginia Masden as Helen Lyle-
I have to respect this gal. I loved her in The Number 23 and yes I like that movie and she does a fine job in this too. The cynical aspect of her persona, refusing to believe in Candyman is not clichéd given that another in her position would most likely have come to the same conclusion. She plays the role well moving from a non believer to a woman forced to confront the darkness. By showing her vulnerability she becomes a more open character and someone who earned my respect. Much love Masden!
Every other character played their characters with great aplomb. All acting was done to great effect. Excellent.
Creating a Great Movie:
Every other element was just as wonderful.
Soundtrack, composing was the perfect compliment to this film. Some of the soundtrack primarily the composing around Candyman himself was just sweet, (if you will excuse the pun) and was amazing against the silk tones of Todd's voice I couldn't imagine anything as good as those moments. The tiny goose bumps pressing against my skin, rising as the soundtrack became more sinister; affluent. Sensuous.
In terms of the gore I liked how it wasn't constant, 24/7 but used to great distinction in scenes where it was required. Stunning set pieces elaborating between light and dark, white and black, everything was just set in tone. I cannot and shall not find fault with this movie.
Movies like this are in my honest opinion, a rare breed.
Director, Bernard Rose created a wonderfully fleshed story where the distinction between any CGI effects and normal are not easily defined. It is left to your imagination to find that line. I dare you.
Gothic undertones against a modern setting it doesn't follow the suite of your usual horror fare.
You have characters you love despite your heart saying otherwise, Candyman..., characters you loathe. A setting that is part of today's function, a romance, tender but in the end unfeasible compassion between two key characters. This film pulls at my heartstrings, despite the cruelness of Candyman you ache as you know his hardships prior to what he becomes. It is a line between love and hate you don't know what to make of it. But it is beautiful.
I truly love this movie beyond all question and every minute it is on the screen it captures my attention.
Sensual, beautiful, dark and tenderness this is classic and vintage all in one breath.
Without doubt one of my all time favourite movies.
It is a stunning movie that still pulls at my heart and clings onto my soul.
Love like this for a movie doesn't happen for me often.
But this is love of the deepest level.
Watch it! You won't regret it.
Absolutely sensational!
10/10
BTK.
Sensual, beautiful, dark and tenderness this is classic and vintage all in one breath.
Without doubt one of my all time favourite movies.
It is a stunning movie that still pulls at my heart and clings onto my soul.
Love like this for a movie doesn't happen for me often.
But this is love of the deepest level.
Watch it! You won't regret it.
Absolutely sensational!
10/10
BTK.