BJ’s at the Movies: Joanna’s Review of the Legendary ‘Candyman’

It's the return to Cabrini-Green. After nearly 30 years, someone dared to say his name five times and the result unleashed a new wave of terror.

I got to check out the new "Candyman" at Alamo Drafthouse, and it was terrifying and terrifyingly sweet, just as sweet as their signature drinks to accompany the movie- The Writing on the Wall made with reposado tequila, lemon, bitters, a splash of mezcal, bitters, and honey syrup. Also available is The Shandyman, made with bourbon, ginger liqueur, marigold tea, honey syrup, lemon, and topped with a Belgian-style wheat beer. These drinks are only available if you say their name five times, no, not really- but they are only available at screenings of "Candyman".

This continuation of "Candyman" ignores the sequels to the original 1992 Bernard Rose movie- and picks up in modern day Cabrini-Green. This iteration really shows how the past can come back to haunt you. Anthony, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, is an aspiring artist who lives with his museum curator girlfriend Brianna, played by Teyonah Parris. Living in the now gentrified Cabrini-Green, Anthony and Brianna learn the story of "Candyman" one night. Intrigued by the story, Anthony goes researching hoping to get himself out of a creative rut before he's due to exhibit his art.

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Then, it happens. He says "Candyman" five times and from there... well, I think you know where this is leading. All hell breaks loose, Anthony's obsession with Candyman leads to a connection that was pretty obvious, yet still surprising when all is revealed. As Anthony shuts his girlfriend out, and as more people die, who is left to blame if people don't remember who Candyman is?

This movie is great for fans of the original, and really, a great way of picking up the story and reviving the legend for this day and time. It's executive produced by Jordan Peele, which means the story directly parallels what is happening in society today; also a great way to prove that sometimes reality is scarier than legends.

I give this a solid four stars out of five. Check out "Candyman" directed by Nia DeCosta at Alamo Drafthouse. Click here for show times!