Candyman (2021)

Director: Nia DaCosta

Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

A sequel to the horror film Candyman (1992) that returns to the now-gentrified Chicago neighborhood where the legend began.

Note, this is not a remake – as I originally thought. This film is a sequel to the 1992 film, starring Tony Todd and Virginia Madsen, disregarding all the sequels.

‘Candyman’ is full of ideas, but not so well executed. I blame the director…and a not so good script. There is no suspense – or emotion – whatsoever, and not a very good story either. Candyman is not as scary a character as he was in the original film (oh, how I miss Tony Todd as Candyman!). In this film, Candyman is there for the kill, and the bodycount only . He has no character. He is a one-dimensional character whose only purpose is to kill those who summon him. (Oh, and why would anyone want to “play” the Candyman game if there’s a chance you’d be killed? It makes no sense.)

So, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as Anthony, an artist who becomes obsessed with the Candyman legend. His art then become surreal and disturbing, and he alienates himself from his wife, who doesn’t understand his sudden change in character. Unfortunately Yahya wasn’t all that convincing as Anthony, and as a result I didn’t find the character believable. The film is also laden with unnecessary racist remarks. (Then again, Jordan Peele served as screenwriter and producer, and all his films have racial issues… and critics love him…).

As it turns out, Anthony is the baby that was saved from the fire at the end of the first film. (I therefore suggest watching the original film prior to watching this, as it will make a lot more sense.) Oh, whatever, there was no need for this reboot sequel. The original film was so good that this film is almost just as forgettable as the sequels that followed. At times I was literally sitting there thinking WTF! In short, I was bored. The ‘new generation’ might enjoy this.

Would I watch it again? No.