★ 9 / 10
The original is always better than the sequel
Melissa L
The original is always better than the sequel. Unique plot, and good actors make this movie a winning one.
The original is always better than the sequel. Unique plot, and good actors make this movie a winning one.
★ 1 / 10
Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas
thiago s
Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o…
Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom
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★ 7 / 10
A strong horror film with a compelling setup
Luis Ivan M
A strong horror film with a compelling setup, though not without storytelling issues. The first act effectively invests us in the protagonist and her goals…
A strong horror film with a compelling setup, though not without storytelling issues. The first act effectively invests us in the protagonist and her goals, though the pacing drags at times. We don’t encounter the titular antagonist until nearly halfway through the film, and by the time he appears, the narrative shifts, moving away from mystery and toward a more straightforward struggle for the protagonist to prove her innocence while facing Candyman. This second half is more visceral and action-driven, but offers less character development and isn’t as narratively interesting as the buildup that precedes it.
The setting is one of the film’s greatest strengths. It uses its environment to gesture toward social commentary on inequality and crime in African-American neighborhoods, and it also weaves in themes of marriage troubles, folklore, and urban legends. However, none of these thematic threads are explored in depth; they remain intriguing, but underdeveloped.
Technically, the film is impressive. Production design and cinematography create an unsettling atmosphere, while the visual effects hold up remarkably well. The editing maintains a solid rhythm, though the film could be slightly tighter. Philip Glass’s score is beautiful and haunting, an inspired, unexpected choice that elevates the film’s tone.
Overall, Candyman is a well-executed piece of horror cinema. It delivers memorable set pieces and effective scares, and it’s easy to see why many consider it a classic. For me, the narrative could be stronger, but it’s still absolutely worth watching, especially for fans of the genre.
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It was always you, Helen