candyman 2021 — Reviews

5/10

A somewhat interesting reimagining/sequel that’s sorely lacking in scares and compelling characters

The 2021 Candyman serves as both a sequel to the hit 1992 film and a reinterpretation of the classic storyline. Produced and co-written by Jordan Peele, the core of the film’s scare tactic remains the same: say “Candyman” five times in front of a mirror, and a malicious spirit appears to kill you.

Like the original film, the 2021 comes equipped with social commentary. The horror genre is an excellent medium for social commentary. In this rendition, “Candyman” isn’t so much a specific spirit as it is the collective energies of an oppressed and predominately black district, and the tragedies within it (tragedies that repeat in various forms for over a century). As one character in the film puts it, “Candyman is the whole damn hive.” There are several iterations of Candyman, not just the original ghost: a spirit can emerge if a death comes equipped with enough injustice and brutality.

While the idea of the film is great, actor Tony Todd (who played the original Candyman, aka Daniel Robitaille) is sorely missed. He steals the show in the original film because his dialogue is terrifying and his voice is utterly mesmerizing. He doesn’t just take Helen as his victim: he completely seduces her.

Without Tony Todd, the force that is “Candyman” loses a lot of dimension and terror. I never felt the same chills down my spine.

I can’t recommend the film because there was not a moment of it that seemed remotely suspenseful. We see sequences where an invisible force violently guts its victims with a hook, but there is little buildup and minimal anticipation of danger.

It probably doesn’t help that most of the victims are basically cardboard cutouts who leave about as quickly as they’re introduced. We never really feel invested in their safety.

The film’s pacing also leaves a lot to be desired. It meanders for long stretches with only a quick and somewhat random killing to keep the audience’s attention. The ending ultimately feels abrupt and rushed.

While the film has some great moments (the animated sequences are stunning) and a solid theme for the urban legend to explore, as a horror film it’s just too bland to be effective.