Title: Michael Myers vs Candyman
Director: Trent Duncan
Writer: Trent Duncan
Release Date: June 16, 2016
Cast: Ryan Monnier, Clifton Joseph, Constance Payne, & JT Dickieson
Michael Myers vs Candyman Cliff’s Notes
While searching for Lemarchand’s Box (!), a pair of Umbrella Employees accidentally summon the mythical Candyman, who immediately starts to lay waste to anyone he comes across. Enter The Boogeyman, who tries to put this killer sweet tooth to bed.
Lecture
Ah, the fan film. It is, time and time again, the focal point of scrutiny in the film world. Why tell a story with someone’s characters when you could use your own? Because you love them, that’s why. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and this is not exception.
These puppies can really run the gamut, with one side being fantastic – I’m looking at you, Power Rangers – to completely awful. Often, these films are hindered not by the good intentions of their creators, but by a limitation of cash/talent/experience.
You can imagine my hesitation when I sit down to a flick that not only wears it’s fan film badge proud, but does so with two of my favorite characters. Luckily for me, this flick is much better than it could be.
I’m a huge fan of the “vs” movies – check out my take on “Freddy vs Jason” here – so that doesn’t turn me off in the slightest. As long as both characters are given their due, I’m usually along for the ride. And sure, Candyman is a larger character in this puppy, but that really didn’t bother me at all because of the super solid Michael work being done by both the actor and the director.
Once the showdown gets going, we get a fun fight scene that pits two very different monsters against each other. What works best is the way that both of these powerhouses are given an ample amount of ass to kick and names to take.
That’s not to say that everything comes off perfectly. The beginning is a little weak and I can’t be the only one who wonders why Michael is teaming up with Umbrella. I understand that the goal is to get to the fight, but that brought me out of the flick enough to remember that I was watching a fan film. Add to that the fact that the last act of this puppy happens outside, which really weakens the look of the film, and there are a few flat notes in the horror symphony.
But, fact of the matter is, this flick is much better than the slew of other fan films filling the internet. A slew of awesome, devoted people got together and told a story that they all cared about and really crafted something they could be proud of. Sure, it’s not perfect, but fact of the matter is that these folks made ten minuets of horror goodness and that should be celebrated. I take my hat off to the team for making something awesome!
Acting
Payne does well with her badass part. She’s the straight man to Dickieson’s character and pulls it off well. Speaking of Dickieson, the guy annoyed me, which is exactly what the character was supposed to do.
Joseph does alright, but taking over the Candyman moniker is tough, especially with Tony Todd’s memory floating about. I liked him better than a number of other fan actors who I’ve seen in the role, and his vocal work in the second half of the flick is really good.
Monnier’s Myers is solid, loved the physical work, and really brings the classic Michael to the screen. Overall, the cast here is quite good, something a number of fan films often lack.
Directing
Duncan gets major points for the look of his flick. The first two thirds are really solid and carry a fantastic amount of tension for a passion project. His camera work is solid and he gets a good amount of tension out of his setup. Once the fighting gets started, his work goes a little bit more Hollywood, which serves the story well. Nice work!
Script
With the exception of the plot hole mentioned above, most everything here is solid. Sure, it’s basic, but with only ten minutes to fill, I’m not expecting Tarantino.
Effects
Eh, really hit or miss. There are a number of fun blood and stabbing effects, but those are limited by some not-so-great blood effects. The spray doesn’t always look convincing, which really detracts from a few fun bits. Also, the production design for the house was great and really gave an air of “This is creepy.” Quality!
Highlights
The original scores for this thing are amazing. Kenny Marshall’s work is super solid and really added another level to the flick.
Lowlights
Didn’t love the read on Candyman’s signature line. It’s the only part of the film that seemed to want to imitate instead of create.
Final Thoughts
If all fan films were this good, I’d be on cloud nine. It’s polished, fun, and manages to tell a story using two of the best horror icons out there. Game on!
Grade: B
The official synopsis and info:
The epic horror battles continue as the iconic Michael Myers faces off with Candyman. Rachel and Mason are Umbrella Corp contractors searching houses in Racoon city as they stumble across Candyman’s mirror. Terror comes to life as Mason summons the spirit of Candyman. Michael Myers arrives to battle Candyman in an epic fight to the death!
Starring Ryan Monnier, Clifton Joseph, Constance Payne, & JT Dickieson
Directed by Trent Duncan
www.TrentDuncan.com
https://www.facebook.com/TrentDuncanP…Costumes and wardrobe
www.AlwaysinArmour.comOriginal Scores by Kenny Marshall
http://inunisin.bandcamp.com
