A couple female grad students are researching urban legends, when they accidentally summon the demonic spirit of "Candyman"- a man who had his hand hacked off and replaced with a hook...before being stung to death by bees...who now goes around killing people...so that his legend can live on in the minds of his "congregation".
His hunting ground is the Chicago area projects...and his congregation is made up of all those who fear him.
The two young ladies head into the projects to do some research. Hoping to find the place where the last Candyman killing took place, and to ask local residents what they might know.
But they are asking too many questions, and this gets them some unwanted attention...leading to Helen (Virginia Madsen) getting beaten up.
The guy who beat her up was pretending to be Candyman, in an attempt to intimidate people. Though, in reality, he is just the leader of one of the local gangs.
So Helen becomes skeptical of Candyman's existence- thinking this is the source of the urban legend that the community holds onto so dearly
But that was her greatest mistake...for now Candyman seeks vengeance...for f*cking with his legacy.
He starts to take over Helen's mind- making her do things she would- she could- never fathom doing.
And forces her into a position, where she must accept a deal with the devil...or, well, him...in order to save the life of an innocent baby who he has kidnapped.
Now, she is wanted for murder, kidnapping, and animal cruelty...and finds herself institutionalized.
Is Candyman really responsible for all these crimes...or is it all in her head? Nothing a quick summoning test won't clear up...
This film is a pretty cool combination of slasher and psychological thriller, with some decent gore and awesome death scenes. Honestly, I'm really surprised I've never watched it until now. It sets you up for the gore with some cheap scares. But that final scene where Candyman is about to kill Helen is wicked. And the final twist at the end was a welcome surprise.
Looking forward to the rest of the trilogy.
6.5 out of 10.
