Review: The "Candyman" Can... Still Scare

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 132 (of 2005) by Leroy Douresseaux

Candyman (1992)
Running time:  98 minutes (1 hour, 38 minutes)
MPAA – R
DIRECTOR:  Bernard Rose
WRITER:  Bernard Rose (based upon the story “The Forbidden” by Clive Barker)
PRODUCERS:  Steve Golin, Sigurjon Sighvatsson, and Alan Poul
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Anthony B. Richmond, B.S.C.
EDITOR:  Dan Rae
COMPOSER:  Philip Glass

HORROR/THRILLER with elements of fantasy and mystery

Starring:  Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, Xander Berkeley, Kasi Lemmons, Vanessa Williams, and DeJuan Guy

The subject of this movie review is Candyman, a 1992 horror film from director Bernard Rose.  The film is an adaptation of “The Forbidden,” a short story by Clive Barker that first appeared in Barker’s short story collection, Books of Blood Volume 5 (published in the United States as In the Flesh).  Candyman tells the story of a grad student who is skeptical of stories about a local boogeyman until the boogeyman attacks her.

Stand in front of a mirror and say his name five times, and Candyman (Tony Todd) will appear behind you.  When someone calls his name, Candyman usually arrives to gut his caller from groin to gullet, but it’s all a children’s ghost story – an urban legend to scare the simpleminded.  That’s what Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen), a Chicago-based graduate student, believes when she comes across the tale of Candyman while doing research for her thesis on modern folklore.

However, when she hears that Candyman haunts Chicago’s notorious Cabrini Green projects, Helen thinks that she has a new angle for the thesis upon which she is working with her partner, Bernadette “Bernie” Walsh (Kasi Lemmons).  Still, Helen can’t really accept that Candyman exists.  Her actions and investigations also lead to an arrest that seems to put the Candyman tales to rest… until the legend himself appears and ignites a series of gruesome and bloody murders for which Helen gets the blame.

Thirteen years before earning the Oscar nomination that would revive her career (for 2004’s Sideways), Virginia Madsen was a scream queen – the heroine in a now-cult favorite horror movie entitled Candyman.  Based upon legendary horror/fantasy writer, Clive Barker’s, tale “The Forbidden,” Candyman took the unusual narrative approach that the final result of the film had to be that the heroine, in this case Helen Lyle, die in order to save the day.  Not only is Helen fighting a monster, but she’s also fighting a story that wants her dead.  Madsen was perfect as the doe-eyed beauty who swoons from one scene to the next, her plump, semi-Rubenesque body awaiting the fearsome savagery of Candyman’s hook.

Writer/director Bernard Rose (who would go on to direct Immortal Beloved, with Gary Oldman) moved the action from the housing projects of Liverpool, the original setting of Barker’s tale, to Chicago’s then-40-year old, decaying housing projects, Cabrini Green.  Rose’s choice was an excellent one, as he was able to make Cabrini an even more darkly mysterious setting for chills and thrills as good as any haunted house.  Rose makes the first half of the film a quietly, chilling suspense thriller, but he transforms the second half of the film into a dreamy and trippy dark horror/fantasy that only stumbles a little as it waltzes to the end.

The film also features a small role by Kasi Lemmons, who would make a name for herself in Hollywood as both a script doctor and as a director with the acclaimed, independent film hit, Eve’s Bayou.  Tony Todd became something of a horror movie/sci-fi cult actor (kinda like Bruce Campbell) appearing in episodes of “Stargate:  SG-1,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek:  Deep Space Nine” and also in the Final Destination horror film franchise.  Here, Ms. Madsen, Ms. Lemmons, Todd, and Rose put together a small, mesmerizing horror treat that bears many repeat viewings.

7 of 10
B+

Monday, August 22, 2005

Updated:  Sunday, October 13, 2013

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

New Line Cinema Still "Conjuring" Box Office

New Line Cinema’s “The Conjuring” is a Global Box Office Phenomenon

Supernatural Horror Thriller Tops $300 Million Worldwide

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Line Cinema’s “The Conjuring” has surpassed the $300 million mark at the worldwide box office, it was announced today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

James Wan’s supernatural horror thriller has earned a staggering $306.6 million at the worldwide box office, taking in $137.2 million in the U.S., and $169.4 million overseas. Domestically, the film had the biggest opening weekend ever for an original horror film and has gone on to become one of only three horror films to gross more than $100 million in the summer. Internationally, “The Conjuring” has surpassed all expectations for the genre, becoming the highest grossing Warner Bros. Pictures horror release within the past 15 years internationally, second only to the 1973 release of “The Exorcist.” It is also the highest grossing horror film ever in territories such as Belgium, Korea, Mexico and Australia.

In making the announcement, Fellman said, “These incredible results prove that regardless of genre, a compelling tale, well told, will continue to draw audiences even in this highly competitive marketplace.”

Kwan Vandenberg added, “The international response among audiences of all ages is nothing short of phenomenal. We’re thrilled to see this outstanding film resonate even in markets that don’t traditionally favor the genre.”

Based on the true life story, “The Conjuring” tells the tale of how world renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren were called upon to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful demonic entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most horrifying case of their lives.

From New Line Cinema comes a feature film drawn from the case files of married demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. “The Conjuring” stars Academy Award® nominee Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Air,” TV’s “Bates Motel”) and Patrick Wilson (“Insidious”) as the Warrens, and Ron Livingston (“The Odd Life of Timothy Green”) and Lili Taylor (TV’s “Hemlock Grove”) as Roger and Carolyn Perron, residents of the house. Joey King, Shanley Caswell, Hayley McFarland, Mackenzie Foy and newcomer Kyla Deaver play the Perrons’ five daughters, and Sterling Jerins is the Warrens’ little girl, Judy. Rounding out the cast are Marion Guyot, Steve Coulter, Shannon Kook, and John Brotherton.

James Wan (“Saw,” “Insidious”) directed the film from a screenplay by Chad Hayes & Carey W. Hayes (“The Reaping”). The film is produced by Tony DeRosa-Grund, Peter Safran and Rob Cowan, with Walter Hamada and Dave Neustadter serving as executive producers.

New Line Cinema presents a Safran Company / Evergreen Media Group Production of a James Wan Film, “The Conjuring.” The film is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

www.theconjuringmovie.com

The DreamVision Company Wants to Be the Next Pixar

The DreamVision Company on Target to Re-Define Family Entertainment Landscape Globally. The Next Disney/Pixar?

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Industry leaders are tracking the family entertainment market radar as The DreamVision Company continues to mark strategic territory within the lucrative CGI animation space with their proprietary and envied emotionally driven process and expansive family brand.

In a calculated move earlier this year, DVC mass released a family friendly short entitled "Hooked" http://vube.com/DreamVision/dHeY7iPO3X?t=s into the respective marketplace that has now garnered nearly 30 million unprecedented viral views and international awards securing a strong and vocal following globally. It appears that DreamVision is on target to redefine the family entertainment and animation marketplace with content that is designed to fill an obvious void with an audience that is clamoring for what DVC is offering.

The highly valued Fort Worth/Orlando and South Africa based company shook the platform in June with the announcement of an array of clear brand based development including full length CGI musical motion pictures, live action dramas, animated and live action television series/specials, theatrical & music productions and ground breaking theme park resort development domestically and internationally.

Under the direction of CEO & Chairman Rick Silanskas and former Executive Vice President of Entertainment for Disney Worldwide, Ron Logan, DreamVision encompasses one of the most sought after and powerful classic teams in family entertainment. Logan was also the founder and first President of Disney Theatrical (Beauty and the Beast) and inducted as a Disney Legend in 2007.

DVC corporate representatives have confirmed that the highly anticipated newest generation of The DreamVision Company proprietary CGI Animation will be strategically revealed in the upcoming short "Unsung Hero" scheduled for release during the 4th quarter 2013.

The DreamVision Company will maintain operations in Florida in cooperation with their new global headquarters in Texas and animation division in South Africa.

Review: "Nancy Drew – Detective" is a Delight (Remembering Bonita Granville)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 42 (of 2004) by Leroy Douresseaux

Nancy Drew – Detective (1938)
Running time:  66 minutes (1 hour, six minutes)
DIRECTOR:  William Clemens
WRITER:  Kenneth Gamet (based on the novel “The Password of Larkspur Lane” by Carolyn Keene)
PRODUCER:  Bryan Foy
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  L. William O'Connell
EDITOR:  Frank Magee
COMPOSER:  Heinz Roemheld

MYSTERY with some elements of adventure, drama, and family

Starring:  Bonita Granville, John Litel, James Stephenson, Frankie Thomas, Frank Orth, Helena Phillips Evans, Renie Riano, Charles Trowbridge, Dirk Purcell, Ed Keane, and Mae Busch

The subject of this movie review is Nancy Drew – Detective, a 1939 mystery film.  It was the first of four films based on the Nancy Drew character and originally released by Warner Bros. Pictures in 1938 and 1939.

Nancy Drew – Detective is apparently a loose adaptation the Nancy Drew novel, The Password of Larkspur Lane, which was first published in 1933.  The novel was written by Walter Karig, using the pseudonym, Carolyn Keene, the name used as the author for all Nancy Drew novels.  In Nancy Drew – Detective, the girl detective sets out to solve the mystery of wealthy elderly lady who makes a substantial donation to Nancy’s alma mater and then, suddenly disappears.

When Mary Eldredge (Helena Phillips Evans) announces that she is leaving a quarter of a million dollars to Nancy’s high school, Nancy Drew (Bonita Granville) and her fellow students are excited and heartily announce that they plan to use the money to build a swimming pool.  But when Ms. Eldredge and her attorney, Hollister (Charles Trowbridge), are supposed to visit Nancy’s father, Carson Drew’s (John Litel) law office to legalize the donation, only Hollister appears.  He informs Nancy and her father that Ms. Eldredge has run off to an unknown sanitarium because she’s ill and that her donation to the school is on hold.  So begins the film Nancy Drew – Detective.

Of course, Nancy isn’t buying that her school’s donor has mysteriously run off, and after a chance encounter, when she witnesses the kidnapping of a local doctor, Nancy decides that Ms. Eldredge was spirited away by nefarious means.  She enlists her good-natured friend Theodore “Ted” Nickerson (Frankie Thomas) to assist her in the investigation of the missing donor.  Ted agrees and joins Nancy as they tackle an adventure that features a ruthless gunsel, skeptical cops, carrier pigeons, and an aerial search.  As usual Carson Drew has stern warnings and admonishments for his daughter about her recklessness.

Even after nearly 70 years, the Nancy Drew films retain its sparkling wit, tight plotting, engaging suspense, and find acting.  Nancy Drew – Detective was the first in a series of four films about the girl detective, and though it lacks the intensity of more adult or stronger mystery thrillers, it is still a quite engaging mystery film.  Personally, I like the clear photography (think of the better photographed black and white TV programs of the late 50’s and early 60’s), and the sets capture an idyllic suburban/rural/pastoral sprawl that you’d want to call home.

Sassy and stubborn, Ms.Granville’s Nancy Drew is a hoot, and her co-stars are playful and witty in ways that actors don’t seem to be anymore.  I give this film a hearty recommendation.

7 of 10
B+

Updated:  Friday, October 11, 2013

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas to Hold "Berserk" Triple Feature

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES TRIPLE-FEATURE ANIME THEATRICAL PREMIERE OF BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC TRILOGY AT ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA LOCATIONS IN HOUSTON, TX

Texas Anime Fans Will Go Wild For Back-To-Back Screenings Of All Three Dark Fantasy Medieval Action Anime Films In October; Special Triple-Feature Ticket Price For Only $15

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, delivers the bloody arms and armor action of the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN ARC anime feature film trilogy to Houston for a pair of very special triple-feature screenings at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Houston Mason Park and Vintage Park locations.

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I, II and III (subtitled) premieres on Saturday, October 26th at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Vintage Park, located at 114 Vintage Park Blvd., Houston, TX; (713) 715-4707.

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I, II and III (English dubbed) also screens on Sunday, October 27th at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Mason Park, located at 531 S. Mason Rd., Katy, TX 77450; (281) 492-6900.

Tickets are only $15.00 for all three film screenings are on sale now. For specific show times and advance tickets, please visit http://drafthouse.com/movies/berserk-the-golden-age-arc-i-ii-and-iii/houston.

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy was produced in Japan by the legendary Studio 4ºC, and is based on the bestselling medieval dark fantasy manga (graphic novel) series created by Kentarou Miura.

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING (rated TV-MA) follows lone mercenary Guts as he travels the land where a hundred-year-old war is taking place. His ferocity and ability to take down enemies attracts the attention of Griffith, leader of the mercenary group “The Band of the Hawk,” and Guts is recruited to the unit. Thanks to their continued victories on the battlefield, the bond between Guts and Griffith deepens, but despite all their success, Guts begins to question his reasons for fighting for Griffith’s dream. Unknown to Guts, this unyielding dream is about to bestow a horrible fate on them both.

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY (rated TV-MA) picks up the story as Guts mistakenly believed, for three years, that his mission was to pursue Griffith’s dream together with him. But in order to become Griffith’s equal and truly be called his friend, Guts realizes he will have to leave the Band of the Hawk. At the same time, a bloody battle to capture the impenetrable Fortress of Doldrey from the Empire of Chuder is about to begin. The Band of the Hawk will face an army 30,000 strong!

The saga reaches its stunning finale in BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC III - THE ADVENT (rated TV-MA). It’s been a year since Griffith’s imprisonment by the Kingdom of Midland. Once praised as the saviors of the Midland, The Band of the Hawk has been on the run and is on the brink of breaking apart. Much to everyone’s surprise, Guts returns to the Hawks and the search for Griffith begins!

The BERSERK manga series, by Kentarou Miura, debuted in Japan in 1989 and quickly drew a devoted following, going on to sell more than 30 million copies worldwide. The series, still ongoing in Japan, has been published in North America and the UK, as well as in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Latin America. The BERSERK manga has also inspired a popular anime television series and has spawned a variety of related video games, collectable figures and toys, and music soundtracks, as well as the current BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy.

For more information on the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy, please visit the official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BerserkFilm.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

About Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Alamo Drafthouse is an entertainment brand comprised of the acclaimed cinema-eatery chain, the largest genre film festival in the United States and a collectible art gallery. Named “the best theater ever” by Time Magazine, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover’s oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience, but also introducing unique programming and high-profile, star studded special events. Alamo Drafthouse Founder & CEO, Tim League, created Fantastic Fest, a world renowned film festival dubbed “The Geek Telluride” by Variety. Fantastic Fest showcases eight days of offbeat cinema from independents, international filmmakers and major Hollywood studios. The Alamo Drafthouse’s collectible art gallery, Mondo, offers breathtaking, original products featuring designs from world-famous artists based on licenses for popular TV and Movie properties including Star Wars, Star Trek & Universal Monsters. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is expanding its brand in new and exciting ways, including the launch of Drafthouse Films, a new film distribution label and plans to extend its theaters and unique programming philosophy to additional markets across the United States. More information about Alamo Drafthouse franchise opportunities are available on the official website www.drafthouse.com.

Review: Berserk: The Golden Age Arc 2 – The Battle for Doldrey

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 69 (of 2013) by Leroy Douresseaux

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc 2 – The Battle for Doldrey (2012)
Original title:  Berserk: Ohgon jidai hen 2 - dorudorei koryaku hen
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  Japan
Running time:  92 minutes (1 hour, 32 minutes)
DIRECTOR:  Toshiyuki Kubooka
WRITER:  Ichirô Ôkôchi (based on the manga by Kentaro Miura)
PRODUCERS:  Eiichi Kamagata, Mitsuru Ohshima, Akira Shimada, and Eiko Tanaka
COMPOSER:  Shiro Sagisu

ANIME/WAR/FANTASY/ACTION/DRAMA

Starring:  (voices) Marc Diraison, Kevin T. Collins, Carrie Keranen, Rachael Lillis, Michelle Newman, and Patrick Seitz

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc 2 – The Battle for Doldrey is a 2012 Japanese animated film (anime) from anime director Toshiyuki Kubooka.  It is a direct sequel to the first film, Berserk: The Golden Age Arc 1 – The Egg of the King, which Kubooka also directed.  This film was released in Japan under its original title, Berserk: Ohgon jidai hen 2 - dorudorei koryaku hen, on June 23, 2012.

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc 2 is based on Berserk, a Japanese manga (comic book) series written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura.  Berserk is set in a fantasy world that is modeled on medieval Europe.  The story centers around the two characters, Guts (Marc Diraison), an orphaned mercenary, and Griffith (Kevin T. Collins), the leader of a mercenary group called the Band of the Hawk.  The King of Midland hired the Band of the Hawk to fight against Chuder, the Midlanders’ adversary during the Hundred Years’ War.

As The Battle for Doldrey begins, the Band of the Hawk is engaged in battle with General Adon and his Blue Whale Ultra Heavy Armored Fierce Assault Annihilation Knight Corps of Chuder.  Adon focuses his attention on Hawk officer, Casca (Carrie Keranen), but when Guts rides to her aid, they both end up imperiled.

The King of Midland has long sought to recover the fortress Doldrey, which is located in Midland’s territory, but which has been in the possession of Chuder for over a century.  Now, the King makes a request that one of his noble lords volunteer to lead an assault against Doldrey in a bid to recover the fortress.  Griffith volunteers the Band of the Hawk, but what chance do his 5000 horsemen have against Doldrey’s 30,000 troops?  Meanwhile, the Band of the Hawk’s success has made Guts restless.

The first time I saw the DVD box art for Berserk: The Golden Age Arc 1 – The Egg of the King, I thought that the movie would not amount to much.  However, I was delightfully surprised; in fact, by the end of the movie, I wanted more.  Obviously I had somewhat higher expectations for Berserk: The Golden Age Arc 2 – The Battle for Doldrey, and the movie easily exceeded those expectations.  This is one of the best films I have seen this year, live action or animation.

The Battle for Doldrey is like a smaller scale version of The Lord of the Rings:  The Two Towers.  The Battle for Doldrey offers character drama in the form of romantic relationships, camaraderie among men-at-arms, introspection of past wrongs, and political intrigue.  The battle scenes are even better.  I have not seen the like in animated films; the blood, gore, and dismemberment was enough to both impress me and to give me pause.  There were times when blood and offal rained on the characters.  The nerdy kid in me yelled, “Awesome!”  If the MPAA rated this, it would definitely give The Battle for Doldrey an “R” rating, if not an “NC-17.”  This animated film has a rather intense and explicit sex scene and an extended torture sequence.

The animation is a mixture of computer-animation (3D) and some hand-drawn (2D) animation.  I think the film also makes use of the computer-animation process of cel shading, which makes computer-animation look like hand-drawn animation.  The animation looks its best during the forest scenes and during the battle of Doldrey.  The castle interiors are also impressive, especially the ballroom.  The character animation is good, especially in battle scenes.

As I wrote for the first film, I can say for the second Berserk: The Golden Age Arc.  It is simply an all-around, high-quality, and exceptional film.  As an anime, it occupies its own special place.  Berserk: The Golden Age Arc 2 – The Battle for Doldrey seeks to be more than just another fantasy war movie, and that it is.

9 of 10
A+

Saturday, October 05, 2013


The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

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Cinemark Congratulates Warner Bros. on Success of "Gravity"

Gravity In 3D and XD Skyrockets at the Cinemark Box Office

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), one of the world’s largest motion picture exhibitors, congratulates Warner Bros. and Director Alfonso Cuaron on the incredible success of Gravity in 3D over the weekend. Gravity was record breaking with a total of $55 million gross box office with 80% of the total box in 3D, demonstrating the continued demand for the technology given appropriate film product. The October milestone is especially rewarding for Cinemark as they are recognized by the industry for presenting 3D films, including Gravity, at the highest consistent light levels possible with 6 foot lumens. By monitoring the light levels of every digital projector from their central Cinemark Support Center, Cinemark is able to ensure that their 3D presentations are visually stunning and enhance the film in all of their theatres worldwide.

“Our 3D success was led by Cinemark’s Premium Large Format experience, known as Cinemark XD,” comments Tim Warner, Cinemark’s Chief Executive Officer. “We proudly offer our guests the number one private label Premium Large Format (PLF) screens in the world, with 142 total XD screens. Gravity in 3D played in 87 XD auditoriums nationwide, out of 868 total Cinemark screens, and grossed an amazing 23% of the Cinemark gross. We thank RealD, Barco Projectors and DoReMi servers for teaming with us to create the industry-leading Premium Large Format presentation, enabling us to successfully deliver the film director's artistic and technical vision and offer our patrons the most satisfying 3D experience possible.”

Gravity in 3D will be opening in Cinemark’s 51 XD auditoriums located throughout Latin America in the coming weeks. Guests will experience the same cutting edge 3D and XD technology that is offered to customers in the U.S.

About Cinemark Holdings, Inc.
Cinemark is a leading domestic and international motion picture exhibitor, operating 504 theatres with 5,794 screens in 40 U.S. states, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and 10 other Latin American countries as of June 30, 2013. For more information go to www.cinemark.com.