Movie Review: Candyman 1992

After digesting the movie, I've decided to write a review about Candyman, the original. I've seen it before but this time I watched it with a friend who watched it with his chatty girlfriend and missed much of the story. Tony Todd is worthy all the fame, or infamy, that comes with being a slasher horror villain. His voice and acting is a fesrsome mix of gentlemanliness and psycho killer. Todd's acting mimics a shark encroaching its prey and adds subtle menace to the film. The way he hypnotizes and then rips through his victims with his hooked stub is excruciating to watch. It's not just Todd's performance that sells it but the backstory. There are clear separations between black and white culture. Most of the film takes place in the ghetto that's filled with rumor and superstition. On the other hand, the whites always live in upper middle class establishments free of fear. It seems almost as if the whites live in a different world. A subtle nod to the despairity between the two. Of course we have this edge of madness, portrayed in Virginia Madsen's character who investigates Candyman as a rumor. The viewer has to come to grips with her nightmare as she discovers the legend is real. We obviously know she isn't insane, but is she a victim or a pawn in Candyman's games? I love how Candyman comes to life. Pulled out of rumor and whispers to immortalize himself with fear. He slowly haunts our protagonist which is only enhanced by the great music. When near or in Candyman's presence, haunting choir music is played, echoing the fearful reverence the black community holds for the legendary monster that is Candyman. It all comes together to make a cult classic that deserves to be higher on the bench of horror movies. 

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