Sweet smell of slight success for sequel
Treats classic original with respect
The original Candyman is one of my favourite horror movies.
With its tale of an urban legend come to grisly life among racial issues, the 1992 flick was ahead of its time.
It’s one of those movies that really didn’t need a sequel – certainly not the two risible follow-ups we were subjected to in the 90s.
But here we are with a modern day continuation of the story, co-written and produced by Get Out and Us helmer Jordan Peele and directed by Nia DaCosta, in only her second feature length outing after 2018’s Little Woods.
Peele’s fingerprints are all over Candyman 2021 as he’s proved to be the master of infusing horror with racial politics.
After the troubles across the globe, especially in America, in recent years, this feels like the perfect moment for the Candyman to resurface.
The leading man this time around is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Anthony who moves into a loft in the now gentrified
Cabrini towers with his partner Brianna (Teyonah Parris).
DaCosta and the writing team treat the original Candyman with respect and reverence and there are lots of callback treats in store for fans.
Her cast is very strong too. AbdulMateen II exquisitely handles his character’s transformation as it soon becomes clear he’s forging a nightmare situation for himself.
Parris is attention-grabbing as her grief grows while enduring Anthony’s troubles and Colman Domingo (William) oozes bitty swagger as the old timer who shares the Candyman legend with Anthony.
DaCosta finds clever ways to play on characters calling on the titular menace via mirrors and her use of shadow-plays is a really nice visual touch.
Unfortunately, though, her film just isn’t very scary. It’s more a story of psychological breakdown than a hookhanded supernatural killer.
It’s also too talky and doesn’t settle on a clear antagonist until very late on, with the end credits then hastily rolling.
While it washes away the bad taste of the previous sequels, Candyman 2021 still doesn’t hook the audience like the seminal original.
●What are your thoughts on Candyman 2021? How does it measure up to the original? Pop me an email at ian. bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.