Candyman
1992, Mystery & thriller/Horror, 1h 38m
78 Reviews 100,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Though it ultimately sacrifices some mystery in the name of gory thrills, Candyman is a nuanced, effectively chilling tale that benefits from an interesting premise and some fine performances. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Candyman Videos
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Movie Info
Skeptical graduate student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) befriends Anne-Marie McCoy (Vanessa Williams) while researching superstitions in a housing project on Chicago's Near North Side. From Anne-Marie, Helen learns about the Candyman (Tony Todd), a knife-wielding figure of urban legend that some of her neighbors believe to be responsible for a recent murder. After a mysterious man matching the Candyman's description begins stalking her, Helen comes to fear that the legend may be all too real.
Cast & Crew
Virginia Madsen
Helen Lyle
Helen Lyle
Tony Todd
Candyman
Candyman
Xander Berkeley
Trevor Lyle
Trevor Lyle
Kasi Lemmons
Bernadette 'Bernie' Walsh
Bernadette 'Bernie' Walsh
Vanessa Williams
Anne-Marie McCoy
Anne-Marie McCoy
DeJuan Guy
Jake
Jake
Critic Reviews for Candyman
Audience Reviews for Candyman
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Apr 30, 2020Often credited as one of the finest slashers of its time, I was a little late to the Candyman party, but for the most part I can see the cause for praise. Going from something of a detective story to a cerebral nightmare, it turns on a dime and even after that turn it still continues to twist. I like this idea of a killer who makes others take the blame, and thus we end up with questions of sanity and some pretty trippy sequences. My biggest issue with the film though was I never quite understood what Candyman wanted. He seemed to want revenge in some vague sense, and he also wanted this woman for…reasons? I don't get it. I know there's sequels, but in this first one there was a lot about him that just felt like him saying stuff to be vague and creepy. Still, vague and creepy almost works when its Tony Todd, who is amazing in the role. It's an at times clunky film overall, but the nightmarish feeling it gives in its descent is still damn effective and it's final seconds are some of the best in any horror film.Michael M Super Reviewer
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Oct 20, 2018An uneven film, though worth seeing for Tony Todd and Virginia Madsen. Tony Todd in particular has absolute authority over the picture whenever he's given screen time, though Madsen handles her difficult role with ease. The rest of Candy Man, aside from the sets, is average. One particular shot, where Madsen awakens to find herself in the middle of a murder in progress, is executed brilliantly. I found the direction to be a bit stilted for the majority of the picture, perhaps due to some amateurish script writing and execution. I should praise the look of the film though, as well as the practical effects- they're great, and the cgi for the larger effects is done tastefully enough. I did not care for the music though- it soars and clashes against the look of the film. The sound seemed poorly edited as well. One scene of child dubbing was spotty, but the stock sound effects were distracting (noticeable when characters open and close doors off screen). Bad mixing on the adr. This is a turn the film up with subtitles type of mix but, once again, Tony Todd defies limitations and has a suitably powerful and creepy voice. Candy Man: good, worth watching, could've been much better.Paris S Super Reviewer
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Mar 20, 2013[img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]Directors C Super Reviewer
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Sep 10, 2011The black Freddy Kreuger and I loved it, it was terrifying and nauseating even.Greg A Super Reviewer
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