The original Candyman was one of the standout horror movies of the 90s, with a series of genuine scares. The new sequel/reboot takes a number of the elements from that film. Once again, saying ‘candyman’ in the mirror five times summons the tortured, hooked-hand killer, with Tony Todd reprising his role as the titular character. At the centre of the plot is artist Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen) who becomes obsessed with the legend of Candyman when researching it for a new project. By the time he discovers his personal connection to the story, it is too late…
This is a more ambitious movie with it acting as a critique of gentrification of inner city neighbourhoods, and a condemnation of racially motivated police violence. Cinematographer John Gulesarian’s shooting of Chicago tower blocks is suitably disorientating and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe provides an effectively intense score. Mateen is good but the acting honours are taken by Colman Domingo as the seemingly helpful laundromat owner.
Candyman is written by Jordan Peele, and like his films Get Out and Us, this is thoughtful and impressive stuff. What it does lack though, are the real scares that its predecessor had.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10