Why is it that I can’t get through any of Stephen King’s bloated and overrated books, but have thoroughly enjoyed so many of the films inspired by his work? From Misery to The Shining, his stories have brought out the best in many of Hollywood’s most talented actors and directors. This latest example is one of the most satisfying thrillers in recent years. Director Bryan Singer, known for The Usual Suspects, has crafted a truly frightening flick that avoids the clichés of the latest resurgence of Hollywood mass produced horror. Other than the fact that Dawson’s Creek’s Pacey has a couple of brief scenes, this breathe of fresh air bears little resemblance to any of today’s Scream wannabees. Here, we are treated to thoughtful meditations on the true nature of evil and power. And to his credit, Singer has heaped on a heavy dose of homo eroticism.
The story revolves around the loss of innocence for Best Little Boy In The World, Todd Bowden, played brilliantly by Brad Renfro. Todd seems like the perfect young man: respectable family, good looks, top of his class. However, he develops an unhealthy fascination with Nazi atrocity stories. Todd discovers that an unassuming old man living in his seemingly perfect town is actually a former SS death camp officer that he has read about. Young Todd collects evidence that kindly old Arthur Denker is really "The Fiend of Patin" and proceeds to blackmail the old man into telling him about his former life. The stories in the magazines and text books are no longer enough. Todd has become desensitized to those edited stories and wants to know what the schools are afraid to teach him. As he puts it, no one can tell the story better than someone who was actually there.
Ian McKellen does a masterful job portraying the elderly Denker. He conveys the reluctance and temptation that Arthur experiences. He has been hiding in this new persona for so long that he has actually become that mask. In feeding the boys fascination and telling him the stories, he is once again becoming the monster he had left behind in the camps. Over the course of their relationship, both Arthur and Todd are transformed. Their uneasy alliance is subject to a series of powerplays that are blatantly sexual. If there is any question of this, one need only listen to the sounds of discomfort from straight moviegoers when Arthur, standing practically on top of Todd, says, "Don’t you see, my boy, we are f*%cking each other?"
In fact, this gay subtext is a constant theme throughout the film. Singer sexualizes Todd Bowden repeatedly. He has included several scenes of the very cute Renfro naked and sweaty in bed. There’s even the obligatory school shower scene (the only difference is that this one has a truly relevant purpose.) I’ve never seen Renfro before, but after having seen just about all of him, I can say with certainty that he’ll be around for a while.
And Todd’s relationships with those around him reinforces this theme. David Schwimmer of Friends plays Todd’s high school guidance counselor who steps in when Todd’s obsession with the death camp stories causes his grades to slip. In a rather unsettling scene, Schwimmer clearly hits on young Todd, assuming that his issues are of a sexual nature. This actually isn’t an entirely invalid conclusion. In the course of becoming closer to Denker, he withdraws from his peers and loses interest in his girlfriend.
The real corker here, though, is the battle of wills between Todd and Denker. In one memorable scene, Todd gives Denker an SS costume as a gift. Denker refuses to put it on, which brings out the boy’s rage. When asked why he should, Todd demands, "Because I want to see you in it!" Denker reluctantly complies, and is ordered to march around. The old man is initially humiliated, but before you know it, he is transformed. Denker begins to march like a man possessed and Todd realizes that he has opened a door that cannot be closed.
There are many riveting moments that will keep you surprised and catch you off guard. The ending has been changed (for the better) from the original novella. It is an understated and chilling climax that will stay with you for days. Singer seems to realize that he can’t rely on the usual tricks to shock his audience. Like Todd, we have become desensitized by the resent onslaught of horror retreads. However, this taut and stimulating psychological thriller is sure to satisfy those baser curiosities we all share.
Rating: 
1/2
Don't listen to the reviews...If you like horror movies, you'll eat up this latest entry in the Scream wannabe sweepstakes. It may not be as good as the Scream series, but it blows away the dreary "I Know What You Did Last Summer"-ya but do we care?
As is the trend these days, the cast is young, hip and beautiful. Alicia Witt of the now-defunct Cybil makes the perfect scream queen. Ever since she played the homicidal youth in "Fun", she was destined for this role. Her stringy red hair and ready-made look of confusion plays well to the character. Unfortunately, Jared Leto mails in his performance, but still looks cute. So,who can complain. How about a butt shot next time Jared? The real find here, though, is Rebecca Gayheart. You know, the Noxzema girl who had the cameo in Scream 2. Well, Craven and Williamson better grab her for Scream 3, because she MAKES Urban Legend. Granted, she acts with her hair throughout most of the film, but her ditzy, campy antics will win you over before it's all over.
The script is fast and furious, with the now patented clever opening murder. And the director has a real feel for suspense and clever quick cuts. He seems, however, to have the most trouble between the action shots. The thing that makes Craven such a genius is that he can entertain even when he's not dismembering his cast. Apparently, the director realizes this, though, and keeps the action coming. The body count in this one is extremely high.
There are lots of nice touches, such as Robert (Freddy Krueger) Englund and a security cop who idolizes old Pam Grier flicks. And hey, you gotta give extra credit for killing off a cast member of Dawson's Creek. (The only real dissappointment of Halloween:H20 was that they let that blonde tramp live!) So, if you're in the mood for a good scare this Halloween season, skip the upcoming "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" (...and I STILL don't care), and check out this underrated gem.
Rating:
Speaking of Urban Legends....this 1992 classic from the Clive Barker camp is well worth a Halloween season rental. B-Movie Queen, Virginia Madsen stars in this tale of revenge, bees and big bloody hooks. Madsen portrays a graduate student writing her thesis on urban legends. Her character, Helen, stumbles across a delicious little tale about a psycho with a hook for a hand. As these things go, she becomes inordinately intrigued by the tale, interrogating folks and crawling through condemned slums for more sticky tidbits.
Naturally, folks start getting eviscerated and Helen seems to always wind up at the scene, covered with blood and recalling nothing about how she got there. Let me tell you, when I say covered in blood...I mean COVERED in BLOOD. This flick is a rarity for a 90's horror film. It is super graphic....not for the squeamish. And Madsen, who has shown the acting talent of a mediocre Melrose Place guest star in past roles, really digs deep to deliver a surprisingly layered and emotional performance.
Another devilish surprise is the appearance of Vanessa Williams in a horribly demeaning supporting role. That's Vanessa Williams, as in Rhonda from Melrose Place....not the former-Miss-America-disgraced-nudie-picture-taking-Pocahantes-singing Vanessa Williams. Maybe if she begs Aaron Spelling, he'll take her back.
But, the thing that Candyman has which sets it apart is its title character. The main element that all the current crop of horror films is lacking is a truly charismatic and memorable killer. Think about it: the killer(s) from the Scream films are almost beside the point. And the rest of today's amateurish homicidal maniacs? Totally forgettable. Meanwhile, the Candyman, with his eerie voice, good looks, bloody hook for a hand, and flowing cloak will stay with you long after the tape's rewound. This is essentially a very dark love story and you may actually find yourself hoping that Candyman "gets" the girl.
You'll even look forward to him springing back to life in the final scene. However, the filmmakers realize this....and may just surprise you.
Don't resist your sweet tooth! Rating:
