Candyman

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 * 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.

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.

A genuinely haunting tale worthy of Lovecraft draws on a primal anxiety about looking into mirrors at night and shows that a run-down housing estate can play host to spine-chilling horror as effectively as a crumbling mansion. The music by Philip Glass adds to the growing sense of unease and the film's conclusion is as poignant as it is spine-chilling.

Being from Chicago, I may be a bit biased, but Candyman is one of the most original horror films ever. The film captures the desolation and the associated scariness of poverty and public housing without being patronizing to those experiencing it. The Candyman character is, like a lot of Barker "villains", simultaneously horrifying and attractive. See it!!!

Yes, I admit, this is my first time watching this movie. I liked the movie in general and I understand that it is a cult movie. In general, the acting was okay. Virginia Madsen and Tony Todd were the shining stars of the movie. They did great acting. The atmosphere of the movie was also good, but I think it would have been better if it had been a little darker and more gloomy. My rating is 7 out of 10 PS : Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candym...

I consider candyman a true masterpiece because not only is the horror and suspense good but the sadness you can fell for Candyman is also nerve-racking and if you haven't seen this movie your in for a hell of a twist.