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Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated Candyman (2021) in Movies

Oct 29, 2021 (Updated Nov 2, 2021)  
Candyman (2021)
Candyman (2021)
2021 | Horror
It’s been a long time coming and it seems like forever since we were teased with the new incarnation of the classic horror Candyman, this sequel of sorts stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and Colman Domingo, directed by Nia DaCosta and a screenplay by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld and Nia DaCosta.

Worth checking out if you are a fan of the 1992 original movie, it’s great to see it using the mythology from the first film and to make use of the characters that we came to know back then. Not as scary as I had hoped, but still a good movie to check out.
  
Candyman (2021)
Candyman (2021)
2021 | Horror
In short, Nia DaCosta has crafted a wonderfully slow burning horror that takes the series in a fresh direction whilst nicely paying tribute to the original.
Candyman is a film that relishes in it's pacing, making the most of it's almost 'mystery' narrative, and expanding the wider Candyman lore whilst still feing familiar.
The whole cast is great. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is always solid whatever he's doing and here is no different. The whole movie is visually wonderful. There are countless shots that are memorable and inspired, and the cinematography gave me chills multiple times throughout.
The scares are seldom, leaning more towards a generally unsettling tone that builds into a horrifically blood curdling finale that almost had me cheering in the cinema.
To conclude - go and see Candyman. It's fucking great.
  
The Marvels (2022)
The Marvels (2022)
2022 | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7
6.1 (8 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Fun. Lightweight Romp
If you, like many others, have opted out of the past few Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films and are, likewise, suffering from “SuperHero” fatigue but are now looking for a re-entry into the MCU, then THE MARVELS is the film for you, for unlike some previous MCU films, it does not take much in the way of previous knowledge to get into the flow of this (somewhat) lightweight, fun action comic-book flick.

Academy Award winner Brie Larson returns as Captain Marvel and is joined (literally) with Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris - who’s SuperHero Origin story can be found in the DisneyPlus TV Series WANDAVISION, but is summed up pretty quickly here, so you’ll get the drift) as well as young MS. MARVEL (Iman Vellani, who’s origin story is told in the DisnePlus TV Series MS. MARVEL but who’s story is summed pretty quickly - and pretty well - here). They join forces to fight a villain, Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) intent on inflicting revenge/punishment on Captain Marvel. Also along for the ride is good ol’ Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury (in his 15th appearance in an MCU vehicle). They all bounce around the scenarios with a winking knowledge - and earnestness - about what kind of movie they are making…and with which what tone they need to hit.

In the hands of Director Nia DaCosta (the 2020 remake of CANDYMAN), THE MARVELS moves along at a brisk pace, injecting some humor and decent (enough) action sequences and CGI mixed in with a clever segment or 2 (one scene set to a classic Musical Theater song is worth the price of admission in and of itself). There is enough light, breezy sequences and banter that the main word that comes out of this film is “fun”. DaCosta succeeds, very well, with fun in this film. Where she doesn’t succeed as well is in emotional heft. Captain Marvel is given a few “self reflective” moments and while Larson is a terrific actor and tries to succeed with these moments, they didn’t feel earned, so they fell flat. Unfortunately, the other characters are there to battle and throw off one-liners…and not much more.

Wisely, DaCosta limits this film to 1 hours and 45 minutes - the shortest MCU film to date - and this is a positive for she just “gets to it” and doesn’t linger on any of the moments that don’t work or would fall apart if anyone had anytime to think about them.

And, of course, the “extra scenes” (an MCU staple) set up 2 new franchises, so you want to stick around for them (but you don’t need to stick around to the end of the credits).

All-in-all - Ms. Marvel is a fun, lightweight romp that will entertain for the time you are in the cineplex. But not much more. But…isn’t that what going to the movies is all about?

Letter Grade: B+

7 1/2 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)