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Candyman (2021) 4K UHD Review

2021’s “Candyman” is the best of the sequels so far.

Anthony is a Chicago artist who wants to make something meaningful. He finds inspiration through the legend of Candyman, but that’s when his life begins to fall apart. Not only does his relationship with his girlfriend Brianna (an art gallery director) begin to suffer, but Anthony begins to change both physically and mentally. What is Anthony transforming into? Is the Candyman altering him? Does he have a past connection to Candyman? All is revealed in the end.

Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Jordan Peele, Nia DaCosta and Win Rosenfeld, “Candyman” reboots the franchise with a fresh take. DaCosta and company expand upon the mythology with the reveal that there are other Candyman (with Daniel Robitaille being the first). To some that may feel like a retcon of sorts, but it doesn’t go against what we have seen in the past. Additionally, the movie actually connects to the 1992 original in significant ways (no spoilers about that here). These are among the most appealing aspects of this sequel.

The script itself is a bit frustrating as a whole. On one hand, the story deals with modern issues about racism, gentrification, art, injustice, violence, urban legends and trauma in thoughtful ways. On the other hand, it’s not exactly subtle in its exploration of these weighty themes especially when compared to the 1992 version’s more intelligent handling of them. 

I’m going to go into spoiler territory here as there’s no way around it, but this movie also needed more Tony Todd. Absolutely no offense to Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (who is quite good), but I reckon most viewers (myself included) were waiting for Tony Todd/Daniel the entire movie. The filmmaker and writers have every right to subvert expectations and go a different route, but Todd is the face of the franchise. We only get but a tease here which ultimately feels like a cheat. Sure, this sequel is still superior to the previous follow-ups, but it also feels like it’s stuck in the shadow of the original too.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? Viewers can expect a pristine print.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the eerie score to the thundering voice of Candyman, this track delivers.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* An alternate ending I’m glad they didn’t go with.
* 3 deleted/extended scenes.
* “Say My Name” is a featurette that explores the story, themes, characters, and the title character of this
* “Body Horror” is all about the body horror aspect of Candyman.
* “The Filmmaker’s Eye: Nia DaCosta”- A featurette on the director.
* “Painting Chaos” revolves around the art featured in the film.
* “The Art Of Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe” is all about the composer and his music.
* “Terror In The Shadows” explores the shadow puppetry featured in the film.
* “Candyman: The Impact of Black Horror”- A 20 minute roundtable discussion about Candyman, themes, societal issues, black horror and more. The group also watches clips and talk about them ala a class discussion type of situation. 

November 15, 2021 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Candyman, Candyman (2021) 4K UHD Review, Candyman 4K Review, Horror Movie, Nia DaCosta, Tony Todd