Universal Pictures | Release Date: August 27, 2021
5.0
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Mixed or average reviews based on 255 Ratings
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100
Mixed:
62
Negative:
93
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7
Stream2BigScreeAug 27, 2021
Long awaited and overdue, this week we have before you a name that must not be repeated more than 4 times. This weekend brought us the updated version and some could say sequel to, Candyman (2021). Disclaimer, I'm crazy but I'm not stupid.Long awaited and overdue, this week we have before you a name that must not be repeated more than 4 times. This weekend brought us the updated version and some could say sequel to, Candyman (2021). Disclaimer, I'm crazy but I'm not stupid. This name will not be uttered 5 times and nor am I looking into any reflective surfaces or eating honey while writing this review. With that said, C-man is what the producers are calling a 'spiritual sequel' to the horror classic Candyman (1992) that returns to the now-gentrified Chicago neighborhood where the legend began." Let's see what they caught in their hook this time.

Now, if you know then you really know, C-man has been haunting us for nearly 30 years. There are people today that won't say the name, watch the movies, or be in the dark with a mirror because of the original film, followed by some other scary-but-not-as-great sequels. Here, the most major knock to the film is a lack of originality in the scares. They gave us the classic slasher, thriller, suspense but it lacked pizazz. Maybe because I'm an adult and I may no longer be completely traumatized by the franchise's namesake, but I wasn't shook. Now, there will be some kids and pre-teens, and teens even, who may see this flick and get the goosebumps like we did back in the day, but I doubt it. Fortunately, and unfortunately, scary films over the last decade or more have moved on from fear to gore. We are in a trend now - thanks to Jordan Peele - of getting horror films that are overtly social commentary and this movie falls straight into that category. We get some of the gore and blood. We get some of the tension of who's lurking and chasing me. Even more so, we get that gentrification is coming/here visual horrors. While it's not bad, it's a bit too preachy in this movie to be scary. I think the film could've benefitted from more of the Get Out commentary through its visuals in order to add to the creepiness. This issue is also just present in the story of C-man itself. It's not necessarily a problem but it just seems that the writers just got too heavily focused on connecting the movie to a message rather than scaring the audience. A slight miss but not off-putting.

Other than that, Candyman has a very good cast lead by Alpha man, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, and Colman Domingo. Each actor has scenes that stand out and show their range. I look forward to more films with them in it. Lastly, the movie set and scenery is just great. There are contrast and contradictions that show the idea of gentrification. The beauty of art and the meticulous placement of set design. Give me these apartments in Cabrini Green any day... without the haunting.

Nevertheless, Candyman while a bit underwhelming in the fright category still delivers a solid performance. Will we talk about it like some have since 1992? Doubtful but this does keep a trend of solid productions by Jordan Peele, MonkeyPaw and Bron Studios. I look forward to more work from Nia DaCosta but Can….. Not happening. The flick gets a bowl of popcorn. Go see this movie in the daylight for a matinee price and make sure you check it out when it comes to streaming services in the comfort of your own dark home!
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15 of 21 users found this helpful156
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10
basketballmanAug 27, 2021
This was an incredible film, and quite possible the best film I've ever seen in my life. I've never felt so speechless in a theater before. Those writing negative reviews are likely only doing so because they disagree with the "political"This was an incredible film, and quite possible the best film I've ever seen in my life. I've never felt so speechless in a theater before. Those writing negative reviews are likely only doing so because they disagree with the "political" themes of the movie, which is absurd. Themes aside, this movie is incredibly well shot, incredibly well written, and simply a masterpiece of art. The way it masterfully ties in modern real world issues, just like how the original film did, was fantastic. I did not expect the movie to be this good. Hats off to everyone who was apart of making this movie. Bravo. Probably the most powerful film I've ever seen. The negative reviews are either missing the point completely and judging this as if it was supposed to be some kind of run-of-the-mill horror film and it wasn't "scary enough", or they are "blue lives matter" type people who were offended by it. I urge anyone who hasn't watched it to ignore reviews and watch it for themselves. How anyone could give such a masterfully crafted film a 0/10 is astonishing. It almost further drives home the movie's message. Again, bravo to the creators of this film. Expand
32 of 48 users found this helpful3216
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4
MattyiceAug 27, 2021
While Candyman is well-shot, well-acted, its hand-puppet scenes are very well done, and its themes of art and artistic approach are great, it disappoints as an overall picture in the end. One of the biggest issues is it truly isn't scary orWhile Candyman is well-shot, well-acted, its hand-puppet scenes are very well done, and its themes of art and artistic approach are great, it disappoints as an overall picture in the end. One of the biggest issues is it truly isn't scary or intense in any way beyond the body horror shown on occasion. Furthermore, its gentrification themes feel very forced and are done with absolutely no subtlety or nuance whatsoever, making it feel rather shallow and preachy relative to the original film. Finally, its entire third act is really poorly written, leaving viewers cheated and bored in the end. It has merits in its direction and design, but its actual substance leaves a lot to be desired and could have been done way better with more nuance and better writing. Expand
6 of 16 users found this helpful610
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1
ChrisM1979Aug 27, 2021
The only thing I can think is we are going through a period where the studios are holding back on a lot of the better movies and releasing movies that were meant originally for streaming. I'm really surprised this was in the theaters. I justThe only thing I can think is we are going through a period where the studios are holding back on a lot of the better movies and releasing movies that were meant originally for streaming. I'm really surprised this was in the theaters. I just was not scary at all. I really liked the original and this one looked like it might be cool from the trailer. But I just didn't like it at all. Very disappointed. Expand
11 of 21 users found this helpful1110
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9
VaxoramaAug 27, 2021
A smart & sleek update to a 90's classic. Expands on the original lore in a modern and powerful way. Artistically shot with a great score and a modern twist. As a fan of the original I am happy to report that this film is excellent.
18 of 26 users found this helpful188
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0
craiger13Aug 27, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have never been so angry. Candyman is my favorite horror movie. This film is not Candyman. It is political propaganda to show that police officers are evil. The climax of the film tried to make the murder of officers justified, which is wrong whether they are guilty or not. It was a gross misrepresentation of officers, trying to make it seem like they are all bad. The message was showing that the current narrative is that officers are innocent, when in reality officers always get the short end of the stick. The media’s message is ALWAYS that the officer is in the wrong, whether they are or not. Candyman’s final words were to tell everyone, so I did. DO NOT give your money to this movie! Do not allow hollywood to spread this propaganda! Expand
9 of 20 users found this helpful911
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0
747OMGAug 27, 2021
It's a longer and **** version of the original. The story of Candyman is actually more plausible than the asinine social commentary that's more obnoxious than meat hook up your butt.

Upside: If you like art that can only be described as
It's a longer and **** version of the original. The story of Candyman is actually more plausible than the asinine social commentary that's more obnoxious than meat hook up your butt.

Upside: If you like art that can only be described as "ugly, formless, meaningless crap" it's abundant in this film.
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11 of 24 users found this helpful1113
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10
LylauAug 27, 2021
A wonderful Spectrum of art, her music and art direction is just perfect. She created a whole univers with her feelings and what she was going through. The lyrics points where it hurts and speaks louder than a scream. A 10/10
17 of 24 users found this helpful177
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7
tropicAcesAug 27, 2021
About as good as Jordan Peele’s “Us”, the film works as both a reboot and sequel to the (pretty good) 1992 original. I can see it’s going to get review bombed, so for those curious there is only one awkward “woke” scene, the whole thing isn’tAbout as good as Jordan Peele’s “Us”, the film works as both a reboot and sequel to the (pretty good) 1992 original. I can see it’s going to get review bombed, so for those curious there is only one awkward “woke” scene, the whole thing isn’t bad. But take all this how you will… Expand
15 of 22 users found this helpful157
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0
base_dAug 27, 2021
Absolute filth to the candyman franchise with your typical reboot with a political agenda. Complete trash of a film.
14 of 28 users found this helpful1414
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0
mickrussomAug 27, 2021
why bother calling this candyman. it started out possibly ok - there was a bunch of threads and callbacks etc but then by the ending they left out plot threads and then went full hamfisted mode. its a terrible piece of hot garbage. this moviewhy bother calling this candyman. it started out possibly ok - there was a bunch of threads and callbacks etc but then by the ending they left out plot threads and then went full hamfisted mode. its a terrible piece of hot garbage. this movie has a "message" but ruins the story because of the message. Expand
11 of 24 users found this helpful1113
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8
slurpuffxAug 27, 2021
Filme muito bom! Bem dirigido, roteiro competente com uma mensagem necessária, o elenco é ótimo em atuações, recomendo..
14 of 24 users found this helpful1410
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