Candyman is atmospheric and visually stimulating enough to satisfy gore-hounds as well as being an intelligent social commentary.
Candyman (1992)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:38
Fresh:28
Rotten:10
Average Rating:6.3/10
Runtime: 1 hr 39 mins
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Synopsis: Folklorics graduate student Helen Lyle's (Virginia Madsen) thesis research leads her into the urban underworld of Chicago's Cabrini-Green housing projects, whose residents are genuinely terrified... Folklorics graduate student Helen Lyle's (Virginia Madsen) thesis research leads her into the urban underworld of Chicago's Cabrini-Green housing projects, whose residents are genuinely terrified of "Candyman" (Tony Todd), a legendary figure with a hook for a hand. Skeptical, she "summons" him in front of a mirror and discovers with horror that he's real and wants her to join him in his "mythic" world; when she refuses, he murders those in her wake, leaving her to be charged with the crimes. She tries to explain who the real culprit is, but her efforts fail, and authorities commit her to a mental hospital. This taut horror thriller is based on "The Forbidden," by Clive Barker, who also executive-produced. [More]
Starring: Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, Vanessa Williams, Xander Berkeley
Starring: Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, Vanessa Williams, Xander Berkeley, Kasi Lemmons
Director: Bernard Rose
Director: Bernard Rose
Composer: Philip Glass
Story: Clive Barker
Producer: Steve Golin, Sigurjon Sighvatsson, Alan Poul
Screenwriter: Bernard Rose
Reviews for Candyman
At its heart, Candyman terrifies because of its ideas. It sinks its horrific foundations very much in the real world of poverty and racial alienation.
Candyman is an uppper-register horror item that delivers the requisite shocks and gore but doesn't cheat or cop out.
Serious, straightforward cinematic terror is always hard to come by, but this literate shocker ranks among the best horror movies of the '90s.
Like so many post-Val Lewton horror films, this 1992 feature starts out promisingly while the plot is mainly a matter of suggestion, but gradually turns gross and obvious as the meanings become literal and unambiguous.
The enduring resonance of Candyman, adapted and directed by Bernard Rose, has to do with its respect for and investment in specific and real events.
One of the best of the end-of-the-eighties/start-of-the-nineties body mortification films.
The Candyman is a svelte, sexual monument, far removed from the silent brutality of your average serial slasher.
Latest News for Candyman
August 18, 2008:
Sony Dares You to Say "Candyman Remake" Five Times ![]()
In the best piece of news Tony Todd's agent has heard all year, Shock Till You Drop is reporting that Sony is considering a Candyman remake. More...
August 15, 2008:
Weekly Ketchup: Kung Fu Panda 2, Wheel of Time and more
This week's Ketchup bottle brings news about Kung Fu Panda 2, Madagascar 3, development news about the Wheel of Time series, and casting news about Mike Myers and Billy Bob... More...
February 07, 2006:
"Shrek" Helmer Catches Barker's "Thief"
The Hollywood Reporter brings news of a new partnership that should please all the Clive Barker fans out there: Seems that "Shrek 2" co-director Kelly Asbury will head... More...
August 25, 2005:
Bernard Rose Returns to Horror for His Own "Amusement"
"Candyman" director Bernard Rose will return to the genre fare to helm "Amusement" for New Line, according to Variety. More...
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