Movie Review: ‘Candyman’ slashes his way into modern day

Originally scheduled to be released in June of 2020, “Candyman” from Monkey Paw Productions and Universal Pictures takes the franchise’s mythology into the present-day.

candyman
Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures

Taking place in 2019, “Candyman” is the story of a struggling artist named Anthony (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and his girlfriend Brianna (Teyonah Parris), an art gallery director. The two live in Cabrini Green, the setting of the original film, now gentrified beyond recognition.

candyman

While looking for a new muse for his art, Anthony stumbles on the local history of the Candyman and is inspired to create a new piece called “Say my Name.” By displaying this new work at Brianna’s gallery, the tale of Candyman is thrust into the public eye, teaching everyone how to summon the killer by daring to utter his name in the mirror five times and becoming his next victim.

Don’t worry if you haven’t seen “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh” or “Candyman: Day of the Dead,” “Candyman” (2021) is a direct sequel to the 1992 film of the same name. Even if you haven’t seen the original film, you’ll be able to keep up, as the story of the Candyman’s past is told through a beautiful shadow puppet display throughout the movie, and it always comes just before you need to know the information.

This is absolutely a worthy sequel to the 1992 film. It keeps the spirit going and really takes the original lore and relates it to current events — but this time, being much more focused on the Black experience, rather than the cliché blonde white female victim.

After being introduced to Parris in “WandaVision,” I find myself quickly falling in love with her as an actor. Her performance in this film, while very different than her Monica Rambeau character, was just as amazing. Director Nia DaCosta will also be directing “The Marvels,” which is where we’ll be seeing the return of Parris as Monica, as well. (Just an interesting coincidence I thought I might add.)

“Candyman” is rated R and is releasing only in theaters this Friday, Aug. 27. There are no end credit scenes, but there is a shadow puppet show throughout them. You can watch the trailer below:

Candyman - Official Trailer 2

In the Parks

“Candyman” isn’t represented in the theme parks at all, but it would make a great Halloween Horror Nights house. I’m surprised they didn’t have one this year at either park.

MouseFanTravel

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *