Chicago student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) is researching a paper on urban myths, including that of the Candyman, a spirit with a hook hand who appears when his name is said five times into a mirror.
The title boogeyman is apparently the son of a slave who impregnated a white woman in the 1800s and was punished by having his hand cut off, being swarmed by bees that stung him to death, and having his body burned.
When she hears of a murder apparently carried out by the Candyman (Tony Todd with special vocal effects that recall growling villains from the old He-Man cartoons, with perhaps a touch of emphysema) on a run-down estate, she and a colleague decide to travel there to investigate further – a decision which catapults her into the chilling realms of dread and destiny.
Intelligent, gripping and refreshingly gimmick-free, this adult-orientated study in psychological fear is a breath of fresh scare.
Horror maestro Clive Barker’s short story The Forbidden is the inspiration for director Bernard Rose’s electrifying shocker.
Madsen is absolutely terrific, giving a thoughtful and well-shaded performance as the emotionally abandoned heroine, and Rose’s bold direction milks every terrifying moment of this compelling and atmospheric movie.
Helen Lyle
Virginia Madsen Candyman
Tony Todd Trevor Lyle
Xander Berkeley Bernadette Walsh
Kasi Lemmons Anne-Marie McCoy
Vanessa Williams Jake
DeJuan Guy Clara
Marianna Eliott Billy
Ted Raimi Monica
Ria Pavia
Director
Bernard Rose
Video
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The title boogeyman is apparently the son of a slave who impregnated a white woman in the 1800s and was punished by having his hand cut off, being swarmed by bees that stung him to death, and having his body burned.
Helen Lyle
