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7:04 PM
Scott Tepperman
1992 saw the release of a brand-new genre classic unlike any horror film before. That movie was Candyman, a classy, effective entry into the overly-saturated market of mediocre and highly-forgettable fright flicks. It was a new era for the horror film – disturbingly realistic violence, original story, solid performances, and a haunting musical score all presented in an operatic manner that could not be easily dismissed by critics as “just another slasher film”. In fact, the reviews were anything but bad.Candyman was here. And it was good.
Three years later (which, in “horror sequel” world is an eternity), the hook-handed killer returned for an exceedingly well-made follow-up to the stylized original. Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh continues the story of Daniel Robitaille, a slave who fell for his master’s daughter and was consequently tortured and killed for his actions. The story retains both the quality and eeriness of the original and yet manages to improve on character development by weaving a fascinating, plausible backstory into the origins of the Candyman himself. Whereas the first film was considered simply a very strong entry into the horror genre, Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh works on so many more levels. At its core, it remains a relentlessly entertaining horror film, but it also works as a thriller, a human drama, and even a romance.
It is very rare for a horror movie – especially a sequel – to have as much going for it as this one does, but when everyone involved both behind and in front of the camera is as professional and competent as the filmmakers and actors here are, the end result will be reflected in the film. For an excellent film to be completely outdone by its own sequel is an amazing accomplishment. Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh is, without a doubt, one of the greatest horror sequels ever made.
