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Candyman…Candyman…Candyman…Candyman…CANDYMAN!!! Did it work? Are you dead? Are WE dead? Well assuming we’re both alive (unless this is now a podcast from the afterlife), this week on Rotten Horror Picture Show we delve into the depths of haunted Chicago, and the history of racial prejudice at the heart of 1992’s Candyman!
Skeptical graduate student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) befriends Anne-Marie McCoy (Vanessa Williams) while researching superstitions in a housing project on Chicago’s Near North Side. From Anne-Marie, Helen learns about the Candyman (Tony Todd), a knife-wielding figure of urban legend that some of her neighbors believe to be responsible for a recent murder. After a mysterious man matching the Candyman’s description begins stalking her, Helen comes to fear that the legend may be all too real.
Join Clay and Amanda of The Rotten Horror Picture Show as they get into the finer points of expository Ben Franklins, toilet bees, sexy bad boy Ted Raimi, softcore Dana Scully, urban legend appropriation, vague monster motivations, the hierarchy of numerical monster-summoning, how good Xander Berkley is at playing a shit head, and everybody’s favorite forced running gag, questionable parenting!
In the horror boom of the 70’s and 80’s, there were plenty of monsters played by a revolving door of actors and stuntmen, but there’s really only been two actors who are so linked to their monstrous roles that you can’t imagine one without the other: Robert Englund as Freddy Kreuger, and Tony Todd as Candyman. Todd brings a charisma to the role that is usually lacking among horror villains, and his voice alone is worth the price of admission! Add to that some fascinating racial and historical subtext, and a boatload of bees, and you’ve got yourself a treat! Find your favorite mirror, turn out the lights, and join us in saying his name…if you DARE!