Candyman
Hoyts Distribution | Release Date: October 16, 1992 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
61
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
6
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
EmpireAdam Smith
At its heart, Candyman terrifies because of its ideas. It sinks its horrific foundations very much in the real world of poverty and racial alienation. Read full review
83
IndieWireOliver Lyttelton
One of the more original horror creations of the last few decades. Read full review
80
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
Candyman is an upper-register horror item that delivers the requisite shocks and gore but doesn't cheat or cop out. Read full review
80
Time OutStaff (Not Credited)
Following up on Paperhouse, Rose stages the suspense and horror with skill and panache, making this one of the best sustained horror movies for some years. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterMichael Rechtshaffen
There's a new bogeyman in town, and he makes all other pretenders to the terror throne look like a bunch of cuddly Disney characters. Read full review
75
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
The acting here is first-rate, with Madsen turning in a forceful performance as the confused but resilient heroine. And special mention must be made of Philip Glass's superlative score, which combines synthesizers, piano, and chorus to haunting effect. Read full review
75
Slant MagazineEric Henderson
Rose’s dizzy, Jungle Fever-ish romanticism is juxtaposed against his cold, Cronenbergian dystopia to create Candyman‘s uniquely baroque use of modern urban blight, subtle political undercurrents, and hints of fallen woman melodrama. It creates a startlingly effective shocker that gains power upon further, sleepless-night reflection. Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
What I liked was a horror movie that was scaring me with ideas and gore, instead of simply with gore. Read full review
70
The New York TimesJanet Maslin
The film's spooky atmosphere is accentuated by Anthony B. Richmond's cinematography and Philip Glass's score. Ms. Madsen's performance is a lot more enterprising than what the material requires; the same can be said for Mr. Rose's direction. Read full review
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