Candyman (1992)

 

'Candyman' wasn't particularly well received when it was released, but fortunately it has gained name and fame throughout the years. This is a horror/thriller that is way better and a lot smarter than most people seem to think. Not only that, but with Tony Todd's performance, it gave us a horrorvillain for the ages, even if he is barely in the film. 

Yes, that is a good thing: never ruin your monster by using him too much. 

Helen Lyle and Bernadette Walsh are two graduate students who are working on their thesis, that so happens to be on the subject of 'urban legends'. Helen hears about the Candyman-story and she is fascinated by it. It turns out it all happened in housing blocks not too far from where she lives. The only downside? It is in a rundown part of town, a poor neighbourhood that is predominantly inhabited by people of colour. That doesn't make it easy for Helen to investigate, as being a blonde, white woman does make her stick out like a sore thumb.

As one of the people that live there says: "The only whites that come around here are cops."

'Candyman' is the story of a wealthy black young man, who was horrendously tortured and murdered years and years ago and who now can return if you look in a mirror and say his name five times. He then appears behind you and guts you from crotch to head with his hook. 

Helen is digging up lots of information, but digs a little too deep, as she is assaulted by a thug pretending to be Candyman. She gets him locked up and is now convinced that the entire Candyman-legend is just that: tall tales. 

She couldn't be more wrong. 

See, the real Candyman now haunts her, because he is not happy that belief in him is waning. Like he himself says at one point: if people stop believing in him, he will disappear. He needs the 'faith' of his congregation in order for him to keep doing what he does. His name needs to be whispered in awe and fear on streetcorners. In order to make people believe in him again, he uses Helen for some pretty horrendous murders, even if it isn't too clear if it is Candyman or Helen that is doing this. She is committed to a mental institution, but manages to escape. 

Now it's just a question whether or not she will accept Candyman's offer to join him or take his place, or if she fights him all the way. 

There's a lot more going on than this, but if you have never seen this one, I wouldn't want to spoil too much. 

Written by Clive Barker, you instantly know this is not going to be your run-of-the-mill horror. What do you expect from the guy that also gave the world 'Hellraiser' or 'Nightbreed'? You might forget how rare it is for someone to focus on African-American urban legends, but it is. The entire film has this dreamlike quality, which often will blur the lines between dream and reality. The atmosphere is also chilling right from the start, as you constantly get this sense of unease and dread, something that a decent urban legend has the power to do. 

The acting is pretty solid too. Especially our lead Virginia Madsen does a great job, doubly so as she is the one person we follow the most. Somehow it seems she never quite got the recognition and fame she undoubtedly deserved, because she has got some excellent acting chops. Maybe she just didn't pick the 'ideal' projects for fame and glory? Anyway, her depiction of Helen is gripping. A few scenes of her in the mental institution are a little wonky, to be sure, but most of her stuff is compelling. 

But the one person who undoubtedly leaves the biggest impression is Tony Todd as Candyman. He's not too present, but you can feel him lurk around all the time. Todd already has a great voice, and here they give it a warped effect to further illustrate how Candyman is an otherworldly being. His look is also iconic, with the long vest and that nasty hook on his right hand. They don't overplay it, though. Todd is just a great presence and he will be embedded in your memory from the first moment you truly see him. Also massive props and applause for the man during the most iconic scene in the film where a swarm of bees comes out of his mouth. That shot is not faked: Tony Todd actually had his mouth filled with live bees and then slowly opened it for the critters to disperse. That is one hell of a testament to his dedication and drive. 

This film takes a new spin on the concept of urban legends and runs with it, takes it to the metaphysicial level and asks a lot of intelligent questions and also is just creepy as all heck. 

I love it. 

If you haven't seen it, I wholeheartedly recommend you watch it. But be warned: it does get better with repeated viewings, as a first glance might not make you feel it.