For over 20 years, the world has nearly forgotten the horror classic, “Candyman”. Now, a long-awaited remake has fans of the terrorizing film saying his name five times more. Despite the first “Candyman” movie having two more films added to the 90’s franchise, the 2021 version is a renewed sequel to the original 1992 film. While it is a new direct sequel, viewers who followed the storyline from the other two movies in the franchise will notice that the new “Candyman” inserts some storylines from all three of the previous movies. Since some of the storylines from the first series are included in the 2021 remake, it is encouraged to watch the movies from the first “Candyman” series to make the 2021 version more comprehensive. This also allows the plot to insert surprises and let the audience put different storylines together, which makes the movie more enjoyable.

“Candyman” (2021) is Rated R and director, Nia DaCosta, executed a newly inserted theme in this sequel. It’s also no shock that well-known horror/thriller filmmaker, Jordan Peele, played a part in writing the script. In the original “Candyman” series, the Candyman (real name Daniel Robitaille) became his haunting identity after he was savagely murdered due to his forbidden love affair with a white woman during the 19th century. From there, Candyman was known as an urban legend who stalked and murdered many occupants of the Cabrini-Green homes who summoned him by saying his name in a mirror five times. Though the repetition of summoning Candyman still occurs in the 2021 film, Candyman instead victimizes black men in particular, in which he devises plans for the men to be racially profiled, killed, and assume his Candyman role to keep the sequence and his legacy going. Though the original “Candyman” is already recognized and applauded in the black community, DaCosta further related the film by providing a storyline that connects mainly to the men of the community. 

The cast of “Candyman” (2021) did a great job of answering questions from the previous franchise, executing the plot, and laying out unexpected twists. Yahya Abdul-Mateen, Ⅱ plays the main character, a freelance artist and victim of Candyman, Anthony McCoy. His girlfriend Brianna Cartwright, a fellow artist, is played by Teyonah Parris. The actors do an amazing job at showing how the on- screen couple’s relationship was compromised and disturbed due to Candyman’s presence. Their relationship seemed to be a reenactment of the couple Helen and Trevor Lyle in the original “Candyman” film, whose relationship was also disturbed because of the summoning of Candyman. The characters Anthony and Helen are a lot alike, since they both have an interest in Candyman’s origin-despite them believing the urban legend is a myth at first. But, once they are both confronted by Candyman on more than one occasion, they become further invested in Candyman and consume their time trying to figure the legend out. Another cast member, Colman Domingo who acted as William Burke, played a significant role in the movie. William Burke is a newly introduced character to the series who attains his own personal views of Candyman and helps Anthony learn more about Candyman. Domingo does an excellent job of presenting unexpected twists.

I would give “Candyman” a 4 out of 5 stars since I was confused at the plot at first, but then I eventually came to understand the plot. In a sense, it’s a mysterious, suspenseful, horror movie. For horror movie fans, it is a great addition to the horror movie remakes like “It: Part One”, “Halloween”, and “Child’s Play.” It is very suspenseful and will constantly have its audience biting their nails and on the edge of their seats. The new theme of the movie is interesting and though it takes a little comprehension, it’s worth the process and the “I get it” moments. “Candyman” will have its audience chilling, and by the end wanting more. To see the “Candyman” trailer, showtimes, and more visit https://www.candymanmovie.com/videos/.