RETRO FRANCHISE REVIEW: CANDYMAN

I remember going to see the original Candyman when it was first released in theaters. I remember that film ruining countless nights of sleep for me and causing much anxiety throughout my life. I remember thinking do I have to say his name 5 times in a mirror or does any reflective surface count? Do I have to say it externally or is just thinking it five times enough to merit a visit. Now at 36 y/o visiting this cinematic masterpiece I'm reminded of all that fun torment I went through. But now after having seen so many genre features in those 23 years I can appreciate not just how well the original film holds up but how complex and intelligent it is. The film isn't merely a standard issue slasher film. Instead it is an intriguing examination of social classes, urban legends and racism. That superior film was followed by a lighter, entertaining sequel in Farewell to the Flesh and an embarrassing straight to DVD mess subtitled Day of the Dead. Below you will find reviews for each film as well as box office stats, critical reception as well as a light foray into the lasting impact of the material, so read on if you dare! And whatever you do don't say his name five times...

CANDYMAN
Tri-Star
1992 Color
99 Mins.
Horror/Thriller
Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, Kasi Lemmons, Vanessa Williams, Ted Raimi and Xander Berkeley star.
Written and Directed by Bernard Rose
Based on The Forbidden by Clive Barker
Rated R for language, violence, gore and nudity.

Well I can tell you Candyman holds up damn well. The film centers on a grad student Helen whose writing a thesis paper on urban Legends. While investigating she learns about the round the campfire tale of Candyman. Probing deeper she begins to unravel it's origins as well as how the tale exists as a symbol of the real life horrors of the community. After a tragic incident leaves her wounded she soon after discovers that the legend may in fact be a reality and is more terrifying than she ever thought possible.  Bernard Rose's now classic horror masterpiece resonates more today than ever. His poetic execution highlights the social inequality subtext and cleverly acts as an examination of the material. Besides just being an extremely intelligent film it delivers on gory thrills and most brilliantly of all a dreamlike atmosphere that's overly unique and horrifying. No film before and since than has captured the beautiful combination of theatrical horror, desperate romance and political subtext. And most of all the film is still terrifying due in great length to Rose's execution and his main boogeyman played by Tony Todd in a career making, iconic performance. Virginia Madsen is also stellar as Helen giving her depth and conviction. The films rich atmospheric cinematography and one of a kind haunting score make the proceedings that much more effective and memorable. Candyman is indeed a horror classic and a near perfect horror film. The film never received the attention it deserved and after the two disappointing sequels the impact of the franchise has lessened. That being said the original film still stands as one of the most intriguing and terrifying genre experiences to date! *****/5

Budget: $6,000,000

Box office:
Opening weekend-$5,404,320
Complete Domestic-$25,792,310

Release Date: 10/16/92

Awards:

Saturn Awards

Virginia Madsen, Best Actress

Best Horror Film

Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival

Bernard Rose, Audience Award

Virginia Madsen, Best Actress

Phillip Glass, Best Music

Fangoria Chainsaw Awards

Virginia Madsen, Best Actress