AT THE MOVIES

by Isy Jordan

Candyman
Director: Nia DaCosta
Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Vanessa Williams, and more.


A sequel to the horror film Candyman (1992) that returns to the now-gentrified Chicago neighborhood where the legend began.

In 1992, Candyman gave us a different type of horror film with a different concept mired in old prejudices. There were sequels to this excellent film but none of them really did the original justice.

Now in 2021, Candyman, a direct sequel to the original film, comes along and this reviewer was just blown away. I actually like this better than the original film and I'll tell you why.

In the original film, we learn about the "Candyman" and the horrible fate he suffered in life. It was a terrible retribution for a black man who fell in love with a white girl. Considering what happened to him, it's easy to see why he might return from the dead to wreak havoc.

In this jarring sequel directed with great panache by Nia DaCosta, the original story is expanded and made very relevant given today's political climate. With the talented Jordan Peele as one of the writers along with the director, this Candyman takes an unflinching look at systemic racism and its terrifying after effects.

The messaging was heavy but not heavy-handed. It was refreshing to have a horror film without a mostly white cast, told by a black woman. The story took on more meaning, gave better insight. It also made the tale more terrifying.

Picking up nearly three decades after the first movie, the film presents clear ties to past, and depicts a young man drawn to the legend for his art. Little does he realize just how closely he is personally tied to the story or the risk to his own sanity as he learns more

The film is just over 90 minutes and is the perfect length for a horror film with such intensity. It earned a solid R rating for graphic violence, bloody imagery, and a couple of sexual references. Older teenagers are probably okay but this is not for the younger set. I highly recommend this for fans of good horror.

Isy