Candyman (1992)

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.

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

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