Mini Film Review – Candyman

I have just seen Candyman; and it was alright! Directed by Nia DaCosta, and starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett; Candyman is a direct sequel to the 1992 horror film of the same name, this time focusing on the life of a painter living in the now gentrified neighborhood of Cabrini-Green, where the horrifying legend began! It was an interesting take on the classic horror film, and featuring gore galore for fans wanting some gore. But the film was a struggle. It sort of spoiled where it was heading far too early, and whilst that could be turned around, it sort of didn’t. It’s supernatural element was on show, but it was far too obvious what it was doing; which was like a cross between the original, and The Fly. Also there were some character development issues, which really clouded your judgement as characters kept flipping between sides. I can sort of understand a character going from good to bad, or bad to good, but not; bad good bad, or good bad good. Just pick a simpler route! Basically, it felt like it was trying too hard to do way too much, it pretty much came down to some bad plotting out, which made the film crawl constantly, instead of jumping out to really scare you, but following on from a true classic is always hard! Plus, they could have done more with the shadow puppet theatre. But, it’s main message, is sort of lost! The idea of using a horror story as social commentary on justice and gentrification is an interesting idea; but in this case, it’s all lost in the wilderness! On the basic plot side it’s like the original, crossed with The Fly; but on the other hand it’s like X-Men: The Last Stand: It’s trying to do way too much. It’s telling parallel stories, but this always leads to one being on show more than the other, with the one cast aside brought up in the last five minutes saying “Hey we’re still here!”. It’s not around enough for it to mean something, it just feels rushed in; to keep the missing message alive. It just feels wrong. The idea is sound, and the film even states the point that “the more things change the more they stay the same!”, and that makes a really good idea and an image of a recurring nightmare where nobody learns a thing! But, in this film’s instance; it’s not there enough for it even be there; which just leaves a sad note on what was looking like a promising horror film; with a cool and interesting idea!

I will though say that the ending does provide two sweet surprises for fans of the original film!