If you stand in front of a mirror and say his name five times, it will be the last damn thing you do. The original 1992 horror thriller CANDYMAN was something special. Based on a short by Clive Barker, the Bernard Rose directed offering created a dark and bloody fable, one that is strangely romantic in its grotesque imagery and impressively dark storytelling. This fascinating film starred Virginia Madsen as Helen Lyle and Tony Todd as the enigmatic titular character. It is a hauntingly frightening horror story that manages to offer several shocking images, yet it brilliantly examines the real life terrors that face a impoverished and forgotten community.
One of the most spectacular elements of the film is just how easily it rises above your typical genre entry. The music by Philip Glass is gorgeous, and the on-screen talent is perfectly chosen. Virginia Madsen is quite terrific and Tony Todd gives a layered and impressive take on the supernatural entity. All of this could have made for a fine feature on its own, but by showing us a world raveged by financial despair, it manages to be something more. Unfortunately, neither of the follow up sequels managed to truly capture the gruesome beauty that the original brilliantly explored. Is it too late to once again offer “sweets to the sweet?”
Of course, like pretty much everything in Hollywood, CANDYMAN will rise again. This time however, the fictional urban legend will return courtesy of the multi-talented Jordan Peele. According to IMDb, his return is not necessarily a remake or a reboot, it is a “spiritual sequel” to the original film. While Peele may not be directing, he is credited with the script – along with Win Rosenfeld – as well as a producer on the project. Certainly it would have been nice to see him direct another horror film such as this, but he has given the responsibility to Nia Costa, a fresh face who only has a couple of credits to her name.
When the original first came out, the idea behind this poor community dealing with serious issues, as well as a nightmarish dude with a hook for a hand was an inspired one. And here we are in 2018, and this story feels about as relevant today as it did then. In fact, maybe even more so. These are turbulent times, and it could be fascinating to see how this legend continues to thrive in a modern world. Will the new film manage to rise above your typical genre sequel like the original? Well maybe the full, yet brief synopsis from IMDb PRO offers a bit of promise…
“A “spiritual sequel” to the 1992 horror film ‘Candyman’ that returns to the now-gentrified Chicago neighborhood where the legend began.”
CANDYMAN could once again create a tale worth telling. The division that exists today could certainly add yet another element to this incredible horror icon. However, it would also be nice to see this return somehow incorporate Mr. Tony Todd. Much like Robert Englund to Freddy Krueger, this is a role that likely would not have worked nearly as well without him. I just hope that a spiritual sequel will be able to continue this saga in a satisfying way. Thankfully, I have a bit of faith in Peele, but I do hope that the new film will remain somber and scary without an over abundance of humor to lighten the impact.
Maybe it’s the booze talkin’, but it may just be the perfect time for another CANDYMAN. Jordan Peele has already proven that he has a good eye when it comes to genre material. The new film exploring what has happened to the Cabrini-Green housing project could very well be a great way to bring Candyman back. After all, urban legends never die but they do change depending on who is telling the story. If anybody is going to take on this subject, I fully believe that Mr. Peele can bring a fresh vision to it. It is much too early to really gauge whether this will work or not, but I’m more than willing to see this creepy character return. Say it with me. Candyman. Candyman. Candyman. Candyman. Candyman…